1996 Caravan - No Spark, No start

Hello AFC! I'm new here, glad to find ya! I searched but couldn't find the answer, so I'm asking... After running just fine in the morning, my '96 Gr Caravan would not start in the afternoon. It cranks away, but no ignition. Fumes coming out the tailpipe <Cough! Cough!>. A Spark tester revealed a single spark one time, then nothing every other time.

If I want to try to fix this myself, and have no other diagnostic tools, is it worth trying to replace a specific part? What say ye?

Thanks!
- Bert :o)

Feel free to call my Verizon cell: (301) 356-0326.

OK, So I learned to better searches than when I posted, and saw some identical situations (Particularly thread 492666) where the PCM was replaced, some saying it took only 15 minutes. What, and where, precicely, is the PCM, and what is needed to replace it? (Just a socket set?) Thanks, - Bert :o)

Throwing parts at it does not get it.
You need to get it on a scanner and see what is going on.
Rent /borrow/by one. Some parts places rent them.
Get codes and read out data. Look for eng rpm while cranking and injector pulse.
And on a 96 try the old key off to on 3 times and see if check engine light spits out codes. Count flashes and post back flashes longs and shorts.
MT

Hello AFC! I'm new here, glad to find ya! I searched but couldn't find the answer, so I'm asking... After running just fine in the morning, my '96 Gr Caravan would not start in the afternoon. It cranks away, but no ignition. Fumes coming out the tailpipe <Cough! Cough!>. A Spark tester revealed a single spark one time, then nothing every other time.

If I want to try to fix this myself, and have no other diagnostic tools, is it worth trying to replace a specific part? What say ye?

Thanks!
- Bert :o)

Feel free to call my Verizon cell: (301) 356-0326.

AAutozone should scan it for free if you can get it there. Also, the check engine lite will flash on aa 96, like stated in the post above.

OK, So I learned to better searches than when I posted, and saw some identical situations (Particularly thread 492666) where the PCM was replaced, some saying it took only 15 minutes. What, and where, precicely, is the PCM, and what is needed to replace it? (Just a socket set?) Thanks, - Bert :o)
The PCM or Powertrain Control Module is a box located to the side of the Power Distibution Centre (a black box with fuses and relays) which is next to the battery. Yes, it is relatively easy to remove and replace. First, you need to remove the battery, then the PDC (this one is held with 3 10mm bolts and is kinda pressed in with 2 plastic pins) then all you have to remove is 3 8mm bolts that hold the PCM to the body of the car. Now, as it has been mentioned here, before you blame the PCM you have to check whether the cam sensor or crank sensor are good or their connections are in good order. If you have access to a scan tool it would be beneficial. But try turning the ignition key on then off then on then off and finally on. The check engine light will go off and shortly after it will start flashing. First set of flashes before it pauses account for the code's first digit (codes are 2 digits only). Mind you this method may not work sometimes, I mean the malfunctions are not detected by the car's computer.

OK, we have determined that the Cam sensor's OK and also the crank sensor. My mechanic said then, yes, it's 99% the PCM - But it's a dealer part, they don't keep them in stock so it will be 1 week <augh!>, and the dealer is insisting that they MUST do the instillation so they can program in the VIN, miliage, etc... I read in other threads this is BS and the PCM will at worst take 30 minutes to learn the car. Can anyone elaborate?

What would you do? What do you think of using a junkyard part? Would the worst that could happen be it fails and then needs replacing again? Thanks...

The dealer is only part right.
It should plug and play and run on a 96.
But some newer ones will not.
But you will need a good engine capable scanner to punch in VIN and mileage and tires sise into the pcm.
If you need it real bad a good used one or a aftermarket parts place can sometimes get one overnight.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Mt

OK, it's a done deal! He actually found one in Baltimore (40 miles away) that matched my engine, tranny, alarm, rear AC, etc... And, yes, he was able to activate it with his SnapOn diagnostic tool. $350 for the PCM and $150 for his work. He keeps telling me I should get a new one and stop paying for repairs. (Though the only major expense I've has is a 120k tranny rebuild, as 3 or 4 $500-ish repairs. I paid $6000 for it 5 years & 60k miles ago, and it's book value is still $4500. Caravans rule for best value.)

You all have been very helpful and I hope to be around more often. I'm just started working on-site at NASA in Greenbelt, and there's an auto club with a 3-lift garage, so I may start tinkering. (A little knowledge is dangerous!)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! - Bert :o)

Good AND Glad all went well.
And thanks for posting back and letting us know how it went.
And 10-4 on caravans. I have one dodge and one cry.
MT