Can anyone help with this. I have a 97 voyager 3.3 that starts up right away but quit in about 3 seconds. It aways starts up but always dies. The tach dosen't move and the drive indicator lights don't light up either. Has anyone else ever experienced this.

A little clarification....it starts for 3 seconds every time? Is that with you putting the key in, and going directly to the crank position? Can you turn the ignition to the "on" position (without cranking) for a few seconds and still get the engine to start (for those 3 seconds)?

What I'm getting at is whether or not the symptoms point to activation of the automatic shutdown relay, which shuts off the fuel and ignition if the computer doesn't see a valid crank or cam position sensor signal within a short period of time. The way it works is when you turn the ignition to the "on" position, you should see voltage to the coil (B+ terminal) for a second or two. Then while cranking, you should see constant voltage to the coil if the crank/cam position sensors are working.

The only troubling detail is your lack of drive indicator lights which might point back to an instrument panel or BCM issue. But the first thing I would check is the ASD relay.

webbch, I went out to try just turning the key to the first ignition point and my drive indicator lights where back and I coutinued to engage the starter and the van started right up and continued to run. I will drive it again and wait for this to re-occur, and I'm sure it will. Then I will try just going to the on position first to see what happens. Thanks for the input, it gives me some place to start.

Hi Rama,
search this forum section for this:
intermittent start problem '98 Caravan Sport
copy and paste that text into the search box, many, many of us have had the problem, as a matter of fact it seems to be happening more and more, if it turns out to be the cluster that needs resolder there are a few how-to posts with pics, if you get stranded try the dash smack to get you going to get home.
keep in touch
best of luck,
Bob

Another thing I forgot about in the engine-running ideas - if it starts but only idles for a couple seconds and then dies, try pushing on the gas peddle after it starts. If it continues to run in that mode, it points to a problem with the idle air control valve (IAC valve). Typically they just need to be cleaned out (they are attached to the throttle body).

Next time you're having the problem with the gauge lights, give the instrument cluster a smack with your hand. If it starts (or stops) working, there's a good chance you have the solder joint problem - see here (http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/uQ6gE3nV) for details.

webbch, I did try stomping on the accelerator but the van continued to die. One thing I did notice today ( seeing that the van is running temporarily) that there seems to be a burnt wire smell coming from the windsheild defrost when I first turned it on. Could this point to anything.