In this Video I will go through the step-by-step procedure on how to replace an Ignition Switch for the 01-07 models of Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town and Country.
I do occasional small jobs like changing oil and battery and simple stuff and decided to see if I could change a problematic ignition switch which brought me here. When I got to the part of the video where you warn about setting off the air bag I decided I would let the mechanic deal with it, so nice vid.
These early models had a problem with the engine fuel injection wiring harness where it connects to the body FI harness. Deteriorated dielectric material that covers the wires. You must cut the covering on the engine side of the FI harness to view these wires.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you. My Chrysler Town and Country have been intermently not starting. Been driving me crazy trying to find the heart of the problem. Through it was the engain iddel control. Start the engine, it runs for two seconds and then dies. Going to put a new ignition securty and key system in. :-)
Will a faulty switch prevent the 'square illuminated indicator' that surrounds PRN32L from indicating the 'P'.......?? Sometimes it indicates 'P' and the van will crank and start and if not, it will not crank at all. I have a 2007 Grand Caravan 3.8 litre vehicle. I'm also wondering if it's a possible faulty brake switch???? Of course it could also be a multitude of other things.
After a LOT of troubleshooting, I replaced the ignition switch. After a previous no crank, no start condition, I was able to start the vehicle. It ran 2-3 seconds and I am now back in a no crank, no start situation. Ideas?
Update for me: my van would only start if I flipped the key back and forth really quickly, otherwise no check engine light. When it did start, it would stall, or run very poorly, misfires, coughing, like something was wrong with the motor. Well, new ignition switch, and runs perfect again. Ran so poor, it threw o2 codes. I don’t have screem, however, the ignition switch causes havoc since it is wired into to the BCM. It doesn’t throw any cel lights/codes either. These vans man…
You can take the cover off and start it then unplug the screen system while it's running and leave it unplugged and then you can use any key you have made and the screen system doesn't turn the fuel off any more, it's controlled by the switch 12 volt only and works fine. You just don't have theft proof anymore. But who cares as long as you can drive it. I do that to every one I have owned
I just changed this switch today and of course I changed the notorious turn signal switch while I was in there. It's not a had job, just follow the video....
My 2001 dodge caravan starts fine and runs, but when I take the key out it still thinks that the key is in and you get that chime noise when I open the door. Eventually it causes the battery to go dead even though the door is closed and the chime isn't happening. At first it only did it with one set of keys we have, but now it does it with both. Anybody have any idea what's wrong???
It sounds like the screen module he was talking about in the beginning is faulty. Like he said it picks up on the chip when the key is inside thats when you can start the car. So it probably just thinks the key is always inside
Yes sir I have a question for you I've got a 2003 Chrysler Town and country would that ignition switch module right there be the cause I have all my auxiliary power when I turn the key right before start my radio my heater wipers windows all that works fine until the moment I crank the vehicle and let off the switch when I let off the switch none of that stuff works from then on until I cut the vehicle off and kills the power and it goes back to auxiliary mode would that be the cause of this
My friend lost the keys to her 06 town and county. It has the key fob. It's going to cost $300 for a new key at the dealership. Plus the van has to be towed there and she has to be with the van. Problem with all that is she has limited income and is currently in the hospital not able to go with the van. Can I change the steering column or pieces parts to put an ignition cylinder in that has a key fob to match? Will I have to change the part under the column that reads the fob?
I have a 02 Caravan, every now and then i cant turn the kee, if i wiggle the heck out it for a few min, it will turne, its ben doing that for a few months, but getting more frequent, and takes longer to turne, i dont know if its the tumblers sticking or the switch under it, guess i will half to take the lock cylinder out to find out, right?
Sorry, been away. It's the tumblers most likely. The ignition switch would be a consistent problem turning. Since it's not all the time, u should change the ignition lock cylinder
Hi I have a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country I have broken some of the part that you showed in this photo try to fix them and just need to know what if they don't work I have bought a new key from the dealer with the code do I have to buy a new immobilizer because the immobilizer is what broke and and I tried to fix it
I have a 2005 Chrysler T&C. It takes a couple turns sometimes to start. Im thinking it's the key cylinder but not 100%. Had starter tested, said it was good. Any recommendations? Thanks.
If you're still having problems, it may be a broken actuator pin. On the 99 caravan I worked on it had this mechanism between the key cylinder and the ignition switch. Right there in the steering column. I also replaced the starter because it still wouldn't start after I fixed the actuator. Had to jump it off, too. Check your relays and fuses also.
Hey Jordan. Sorry for the late reply So, starters are pretty simple, but how the whole electrical system interacts can be a bit difficult to explain in just a message. I believe it's time for me to make a video explaining how everything ties together. That said, does the starter sound strong while its turning the engine over those few revolutions, before it starts? Or does it labour and sound tired? Also, does it reliably crank, Every single time you try to start the engine?
woke up this morning to find my 06 town and country radio on and AC blowing on low, turned key to start several times cranked but no start then I disconnected battery cable for a minute and it started up and ran but noticed little red dot on far right of dashboard gauge panel and after running it a bit to charge the battery back up and it kept running in all positions??!! tried to shut down by pulling battery cable off again but it kept running off alternator and I couldn't get key to shut it off until I messed with the ignition switch housing through the gearshift lever opening. When it was running it seemed to bog down when I hit the gas but had a PO420 catalyst problem code the day before via OBD2 reader I thought was from putting $30 of Thornton's E-15 gas when I was on a half tank and thought it'd clear up when I went through that gas. I'm assuming someone tried to steal it but IDK what to think.Any thoughts that could help greatly appreciated.
Ok, year later, the INCNS problem has gotten bad enough, finally got around tuit. I need to see if, with the ignition switch in place and key-turnable, why voltage is not seen on T751 (yellow) at C7 pin 2. Guess I'll try to use the ol needle through the wire trick with the switch back in-place. Sounds like a pain, but between here, pin 4 on the ignition switch (yellow), and pin 2 on C7 in the IPM (still yellow, still expecting 12v, but not seeing as stated) is the C200 connector block under the dash, which looks like a real pain to mess with and of course, first things first, hope passes a continuity test across this pathway from pin 4 ignition to pin 2 C7. After that, the key turn trial.
Final result: The pin 4 yellow start wire can be stuck thru with a sewing needle quite easily without removing the switch. Then the continuity test from there to C7 pin 2 first proves that the needle actually has good contact, and further that there is no wiring or contact problem in between like perhaps in the C200 box. thankfully. So the switch has to come out now because the problem appears to be isolated to it. This switch (black cover instead of white as seen in the vid) is easily opened to reveal the turned-green dielectric-greased up corrosion of the copper, the worst on the start contact lands, which had actually allowed a weak voltage reading of about 0.1. This grease-infused corrosion would never get better by itself. Job for bounty towel then Dr Dremelington Steel Brush and new dielectric grease.
The cam sensor can cause the car to just stall as you're driving down the road. Good thing is it will normally start back up after sitting for a bit. Also, why are you replacing different components instead of reading the OBD to see what's bad the first time?
Most of these vans wont show a code for the stalling issue unless its directly related to a component the computer scans. Even a $4000 Mac 10 scanner shows nothing on some of these issues. Theres many other tests to perform with a multimeter, scope, probes, amp meter. If only anyone could just slap a scanner on it and have a pin point answer.
Actually, a scanner will most often lead mechanics down a very expensive rabbit hole. As the old saying goes, Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS) applies here. A wiring diagram for the circuit is a better start sometimes. A flowchart (included in some dealer service manuals) is also of great value. Never - Ever! - Believe some mechanic that says “his scanner” no matter how much he paid, will accurately show the issue ….. one’s brain and experience, and Emotional detachment, from the problem. Are a far more valuable tool
What about changing the lock cylinder. My nieces dad drove a screw driver in it because she lost the key. Mechanic wants 600 bucks. I think that's crazy.
Hi I have some questions Id like to ask but Id have to show you a picture and hopefully get your opinion. Im a single disabled mom and someone tried to steal my car. Please get back to me. Thank you so much. And ty for this video
I am having an issue with my town and country, it will not crank or start, had battery tested it is fine, thought it was starter put a new one on, old starter tested fine, but still nothing, I have all my lights and power accessories, it it will not do anything, I am at a loss, we are low income and I can't afford anything else, do you think this is the problem with it too! I have traced all the lines for continunity and they are all good, bit it does not seem to get power to starter or something, from what I can tell all the relays are fine too?
Have 99 Grand caravan 3.3 lights n gauges work starter relay is good but van won't start. Used to jiggle it and would start now it won't. Ignition switch?
Use the old keys. The ignition switch is just a mechanical switch to send power to ignition circuits. The security comes from the key and key hall effect sensor that reads the embedded chip inside the key head. If you use a key with the correct cut teeth, but the wrong chip code, the security will shut off the fuel injectors. (Most security systems work like this)
Thanks for your reply, I think I am getting a bit mixed up.. the other day I could not turn my key...I call a tow truck and the guy wiggles the key aggressively and it turned.. So I need the key cylinder, I was calling it the switch.. So from what I find on here , I buy a new key cylinder, and then I need to copy the placement of the tumblers from the old to the new , in order for my old keys to work with the new cylinder.. Would you think I am on the right track... The new cylinder comes with new keys , but I think if I did it that way I would need the dealer to program the keys, unless you can put the new keys in turn the ignition on , and somehow it programs the new key...not sure , but appreciate your video..Thankyou.
My van did this. Same year. I replaced the battery, alternator and cleaned the throttle body. Everything seemed fine till yesterday it just randomly turned off on my wife. I even thought it was the AC cause it would turn off everytime the AC would kick on.
+Derrick Spagnola , more details please. Why alt and battery were changed? What was happening to change them. And if you disconnect the plug in At the A/C pump, does that stop the stalling?
@@martincomfort6297 your local auto parts supply store should be able to do that. Or if they cant, try the auto wreckers. A lot of the wreckers have been in the business since their teens and know their stuff. Ask around a few places and ask for the most experienced person (if they don't seem to know).
That depends. If it is the only copy you have, contact the dealer. They can manufacture a new key from the Vin code and proof of ownership (this may be a waste of money as the tumblers may have worn out, but it usually works but will need coding). Test the key to make sure it turns the lock and lights the dash lights, you can take the key back inside the dealership and ask them to code the key to work with the PCM (fancy name for the computer than controls the engine and the transmission.) After coding it will start. Most of the time they will just quote a price that may include a brand new ignition lock cylinder and that can get pricey. Hence why I suggest you approach them with the hope that the tumbler pins aren’t too worn out and then go from there. Alternatively, you can approach the dealer to get a key code from the Van’s vin code (with proof of ownership or them just knowing you and bring the customers/ or your own papers in) so that you can get a locksmith to make a plain steel key without a chip, just to test the lock. If it works on the door and the ignition, you can take it to the dealer and have them program an new chipped key to the van and then they can cut it to match the steel key or you can take it to the locksmith to cut to the steel key patter or even the code you got previously. Make a few calls and discuss options
Also, you can buy an aftermarket lock cylinder and change it out as they come with a new chipped key I believe (call your parts store and have them look in the box for a plastic head coved ignition key. They sometimes come with two)
after you fited the key module did the van need be programed so it start the van i was told that on 1998 chrysler voyager also part was very hard to be found .
My key is broken off in inside I don't have the chip my girlfriend's in jail she's got it can I take the key chip completely out of my car and start it with the broken key in
2002 T&C .. blinker NO cancel out. Had battery go extra two months. Started getting no starting. Thought old battery lost cranking amps. Replaced battery. Still intermittent switch-on, will crank. Looked into possibles.. flipped a relay in fuse box, got.. blinker on - dash goes out/no blinkers working. So, when driving, and use turn signal, dash resets, and no signals work. At first, I thought, replace the key..then the ignition switch. Not yet. I'm going to get a turn signal first. With the new battery, the car appears to be starting first time now. But the turn signal does this, so that will get fixed fast. Then I can see if the problem is more involved. It appears that either the dash panel or a couple of switch/modules at the fuse box, the Body Control Module, and wiring are common problems for these vans.
Yeah, sounds like a challenge. I once fixed a 96 model that had very similar issues by slapping down, open palm, on top of the dash cover pad, just at top crown of instrument cluster, with ignition on and no lights and no start issue present. Crank key while smacking down. Then van started and dash flickers and intermittent issues stopped. Apparently, they have issues where the solder that connects the main female plug at back of cluster to the interior circuit board. Too much heat over time and it partially de-solders itself. Try the hand smash and if that makes it flicker or change, noticeably, replace cluster with a remanufactured one (if possible, or a low mileage recycled unit... and also filling all male plugs from harness, that plug into cluster, with dielectric silicone. Permatex tune up grease is an example. Good luck!
And make Damn sure the battery clamps and posts are scraped with a sharp knife after wire brushing and coat shiny posts and clamps with dielectric silicone and tighten. Also check battery cable where it crimps onto sheet metal clamp for green or black deposits, might have to replace clamps and / or cables/clamps if they didnt give enough slack (which I believe is their pattern for those years) I have found, in many cases, where a vehicle will start, but immediately stall or run poorly and have multiple issues with Low Draw circuits (including computing) when there is that much lead oxide and corrosion between battery and main circuits. Starters will draw 1000 amps right thru all that invisible corrosion, but the circuits that operate at 5v or very low milliamps will continually collapse and fail under operating conditions because they dont have the amps to pull thru the bad terminals/clamps.
Gm everybody I have a 2004 dodge caravan. Somebody broke into my truck and messed ignition up. I went to junkyard and got another steering colum but the truck won’t turn over. So can somebody. Tell me what’s wrong thanks
My 2002 Dodge Caravan wont crank. I hear no clicks and I jumpered the ignition relay and it cranked. I checked the fuses and they were fine. Next up is that ignition switch and that didn't work. it's got to go into the shop now.
What was your final solution? I am in the same boat? No crank - no clicks - starter turns when jumpered at the relay. I am about to change my ignition switch. I hope it solves things. My last thing to do is the PCM/ECM.
Did I post how I fixed mine? I purchased a new PCM from a company in Florida for only $200... preprogrammed to my VIN for my 2003 Town and Country... perfectly easy and effective. Saved my van. I am beyond happy at fixing it myself. Saved a ton of money.
Anyone change the lock cylinder housing or actuator housing that goes through the column? need to change mine after theft attempt, they destroyed the housing the cylinder slides into
Yes i have a dodge caravan 2004. I went to junk yard to get another steering colume. And. I got key to. The. New. Colume. brand new battery. But for some reason when i start it. I get no sound no crank. The gauges. Move can anybody help me out there thanks
I swapped an 01 caravan sport 3.3l into an 05 grand caravan. Harness, ecm, all wires. I am not getting spark. My question is, do I need to swap the ignition also?
M Carr it's likely that the replacement PCM is not expecting the frequency of the key chip. you can either replace the skreem/ignition lock cylinder/ key and ignition switch from the parts vehicle, or you can teach the PCM to accept the key that works in the existing lock.
Merry christmas. I have a 2004 dodge caravan. Old steering colum. Ignition was Damaged. I. Tool it out i replace. It with a. New steering colum with key. But i. Cant get it to. Turn over. Can somebody help me out.
No spark in # 5 and 2 in ignition coil dodge caravan 2005 engine 3.3 ,I replaced a new one BUT still same problem , please help me to fix it . ( the problem is in ignition itself ,not in spark plugs or spark wire because I bought a new sets ) .
yo bro good wht So, you changed the 5/2 coil, wires and plugs. If this is the case, did you check compression in the affected Cylinders? Did You Vise Grip a new plug to a Clean ground and then hooked up the brand new wire, removed the fuel pump relay, and then had someone crank the engine, while you were watching? Bright blue or white spark? Or red/yellow spark?
+yo bro good wht if you have a mechanic's stethoscope, use it to listen for the fuel injectors on number 2 and number 5 to see if they are clicking. If they do it's likely they are spraying but they may have water droplets stuck in the injector tip. If this is the case, put some methyl hydrate into the gas tank, to break up the water drops. The absolute best way to assure that the water in the injectors is gotten rid of his to take the fuel filter off, install a new fuel filter with one third of the filters total capacity full of methyl hydrate, install it, turn the key on and off a few times to Prime the fuel system, and then try to see if it will run better. A good hard acceleration run (not speeding) is usually enough to eradicate any water contamination.
