I have a 2000 Grand Caravan with about 75000 miles on it and once a week, it won't start when you turn the key. Whey you try it immediately again, it starts right up and you have no problem for about a week. This has been going on for two months.

Lately, it is becoming more frequent. It has now happened three times in a week. Two people have told me it is the starter but, of course, we can't duplicate the problem when we need to.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

John

My bet too would be that the starter is going bad.
Listen for a CLICK from under the engine after turning the key when this happens again. A starter first must engage its gear to the engine flywheel with movement from a solinoid. The solinoid is part of the starter assembly and that CLICK sound is it engaging. If it does engage FULLY, only then does battery voltage goes to the starter motor. If it partially engages, you only get the CLICK sound.

Thanks for the quick response - I will try what you suggested and I guess get the starter replaced at some point.

that was a great explanation, im having the same problem with a 94 with a 3.8 liter, and dont have the $$ to send it to the shop. do you have advise on changing the starter myself. I know its on the underside of the engine, but dont paticularly know which direction to look in once i get under there. Im not thrilled about having to get under there at all. but $76 verses $250 means crawling under there and getting dirty.

it sucks that the solenoid isnt mounted on the fender behind the battery like in some of my older cars