2001 Caravan shut off. Might be fuel problem. Need help

[bmann223]

Driving home the other day from a 150 mile trip my 2001 dodge grand caravan sport just shut off. I tried restarting time and time again but only a couple of times did start, sputter and die. I towed it home and out of desperation I cranked on it until the battery died. I charged it back up over night, but it still won’t start. It has the V6 engine with 85k miles. Before this, it has been running fine and only problem I thought I had was the heater fan on works on high or low. I think I need to change my resistor block.

I did the on board diagnostic check and came up with P1684 (battery has been disconnected).

I borrowed my friend’s Global OBD II Code scanner and came up with no error codes. It did say the MIL is on, then says MIL should be on when engine is running, which it isn’t running. (not sure)

Under the I/M section it reports:
Misfire monitor – Ready
Fuel System – Ready
Comprehen Comp – Ready
Catalyst – Not ready
Heated Catalyst – N/A
Evaprative Sys – Not Ready
Second Air Sys – N/A
Oxygen Sensor – Not Ready
Heated O2 Sensor – Not Ready
Exhaust Gas Rec – Not Ready

I am getting good spark. I shot it with starting fluid and it fired up and then died. I am thinking something is wrong with the fuel system. I can hear a noise coming from the fuel tank area when I turn the key on. It hums for a couple of seconds and stops, which leads be to believe the fuel pump may be working. It gave no indication there is a problem so I don't think it is is the fuel filter.

Not sure if running the battery dead lost all hope of accurate scanner reading. Any ideas would be great. My wife has no car right now. I am not sure where to start.

Thanks

[StandOnCliff]

You should do a fuel pressure check. Just because the pump runs,doesn't mean it's working correctly.
I would begin by replacing the fuel filter and looking for visible leaks. It's never a waste of time changing a filter.
Then check fuel pressure. If it's low either the pump is bad or you have a crack, in a line ,inside the tank.
It starting with starting fluid is a sure sign it's a fuel problem.

[bmann223]

I have never checked fuel pressure before. Is it relatively easy? Do I need any special tools?

[StandOnCliff]

You'll need a high pressure fuel gauge. You can rent them and turn them back in from your local autozone.
You should have a valve on the fuel rail.The fuel rail is located on top of the engine and is what the fuel line connects to. It looks almost like a tire valve. Hooking to it is all thats necessary. If you don't have a valve it's a little more complicated.

[bmann223]

Since the engine will not start will checking the fuel pressure be accurate? Will I need to try and start it while checking or will just turning the key on be adequate?

[bmann223]

Thanks for the help.

I ended up changing the fuel pump and fuel filter. It fired right up and I was off and running.

Thanks

[Nanner]

I am attempting to change the fuel filter on my 04 Caravan (not Grand). But, I can't find where it is located. Help!!

[bmann223]

The fuel filter is located on the passenger side of the fuel tank. If you find the spot on the fuel take where all the hoses are going in then you found it. Those hoses are part of the fuel filter.

[mfahey]

If it is the same as our 2001, it is on top of the tank. You'll need to drop the inboard side of the tank down for access. You don't need to drop the entire tank, just the one side.