93 Dodge Caravan Won't Start!

[ipope2]

Hi All!

I'm looking for some advice in regards to a 93 Caravan that I bought a few months back.....I can't get it to start! When I try to turn it over it sounds as if it wants to start but does not crank over. I listened for the fuel pump to come on, like I have read on other forums, and when I do that-I hear it the first time I turn the car in the "on" position, then I try and turn it over and it won't start. I try it a second time after waiting a couple minutes and then I don't hear the pump at all. All I hear is a click and the NOTHING! It started on Sunday after not running at all for the last 3 weeks. I happened to turn it over and it started right up. My hubby says because the car is old, its probably due to the weather. It's cold in Chicago, lol....I beg to differ. I think it's the fuel filter or the pump. I know it's not the battery because all my lights come on. I'm just not understanding why it will start sometimes, but not all the time.

Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated!

TIA,

Iesha

[mfahey]

Start with the easy things. Clean and tighten both battery cables at each end(total of 4) and if that doesn't work, get back to us.
BTW, the fuel pump won't run in the conditions you describe as it will have built up enough pressure when the engine isn't running to shut off.

[ipope2]

I ran outside as soon as I saw you posted and cleaned the cables. Well I actually cleaned around them and wiped off the acid that was around them. I do see that on one side of the cables there is a single wire attached to the area where it is screwed. Is that supposed to be there? I didn't want to pull for the fear of me damaging something. And when you say "clean" does that mean to undo the bolts and screws too as if I were going to remove the battery?

Thanks,

Iesha

[donald7150]

yes, remove the battery terminals from the battery, clean inside the terminals and around the battery posts with preferably a stiff wire brush

also from your first post I am still uncertain of your exact problem, does the engine turn over and just not start? or does it just make a loud click when you turn the key?