Manager Forum

The Caravan SE (3.3L A/T) our son is now driving is now being shared by all until we replace the Odyssey wrecked on Friday.

Now it seems like the first start of the day is hardest; turn the key and only get a click. Might start on 2nd or 8th try or maybe 30 tries! Battery is recent and cells filled, is it ignition switch time or perhaps something else in between?

Starting is not an issue later the same day as long as it hasn't been sitting a good while.

Thanks for any input, his mother is nervous about getting stuck somewhere.

It's possible. But if it's a good solid click down at the starter with no crank, my money is on a starter. Any history of a starter recently? Probably bad brushes. Once it's warm it has good contact. Cold, not so much.

I would say starter also it is a solid one click and nothing it has to be starter or voltage at the starter.

I would bet money on the starter, when it just clicks, you can take a broom stick and put one end on the starter and hit the other end with a hammer and odds are it will fire right up. The problem in them is the washer in the solenoid that makes contact between the two shoes in their that carry current to the brushes......

Thanks for the replies!

The starter was replaced @ 129K in 2000; she's pushing 276K now. Guess it's time

Did I mention it's the original 41AE transmission? New front pump seal @ 150K and solenoids pack @ 259K, change AT fluid every 15K.

When we make 300K, I'm giving the Smithsonian the address to come get it.

Original? Wow. That shows what role good fluid plays.

ricmorin wrote:Original? Wow. That shows what role good fluid plays.

Somewhere between Crucial and Critical we think.

you think thats neat