I've had problems starting our 99 caravan over the last week, it would not even engage the solenoid, however if you rocked the car or put it in neutral and let the car move a bit then try to start, it would. Today my wife drove it home and it wouldn't shut off, I turned the key and pulled it out but it kept running and it sounded like it was starting the whole time, it was a terrible noise, then I turned the key back to the on position and it ran without the horrible noise but still sounded really rough and a burning smell was coming from out of the engine bay. I finally disconnected the battery and it did shut off. Any clues as to what may be the problem?

Thank you in advance.

sounds to me as thought the starter stayed engaged on your last start . sometimes due to starter drive probs or possibly connections and even low battery can cause this to happen

Thanks, I figured the starter is still engaged, is this a mechanical switch or an electrical? I am going to have it towed to the dodge dealer in town tomorrow. I am wondering where the switch is that engages the starter solenoid...and if it is a mechanical malfunction or an electrical malfunction.
If I hear anything definitive from the mechanics I will certainly post the solution here.

when you rocked the car to get it to start u probaly disengaged the strater drive a starter is comprised of a solenoid and mechanical drive and the starter itself most place change starters as a unit

well it was a switch and it cost almost 300 to replace, it seemed a little steep for an hour and a half of work, but the car starts and runs just fine now....

well it was a switch and it cost almost 300 to replace, it seemed a little steep for an hour and a half of work, but the car starts and runs just fine now....
if i could ask-does it say on the reciept that it was a ignition cylinder (switch).or does it not specify that...thanx