is a starter on '97 dodge grand caravan easy to replace for the (non)mechanic?

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jarrodmartin2006

New member
i have some tools, and ramps... and i'm mechanically inclined.
..from what i read, it's located right up front...is it just a matter of taking off a couple of bolts?
in years past, i've done repairs and sometimes ran into problems where there wasn't ROOM to take out bolts, or room to get to the bolts...or had to take off 12 other components just to get one component off...
is this the same sort of problem?.
we are poor and can't afford costs of labor.
and while we're here...the problem is:
intermittently there is (one) click when turning key...it's becoming more often.
usually starts when warm...it's cold out now...tends to click when engine is cold.
sounds like the solenoid?...am i probably correct?
could it be a connection that i could clean?
oops, i meant it's a '96
 
T

thebax2006

Member
You're right about the solenoid being the problem. It's easy to pull the starter, just go look at the vehicle.
If you are out of cash at the moment, you may want to take the solenoid off the starter and take it apart. Insides there is a copper contact that gets carboned up from usage and I've repaired the contacts by cleaning them. On one of my own 4 cylinder Voyagers all I had to do was turn the copper contact 180 degrees. The solenoid is working OK if you hear the click, the contacts are just dirty. I don't know if you can find solenoids to purchase separately, if you don't want to try repairing the one you have a rebuilt starter may be the way to go.
 
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br549

Member
You can actually fix that problem for free if you are good enough.

The bolts that hold the starter on go through the bell housing into the starter. The starter is the threaded part. Nothing else has to come off, but the top bolt is in tight quarters. There is a shim plate that can be aggravating to get back in place, but a small bit of 3M glue will hold it to the housing.

Here is how you can fix the starter free;

When you get the old one off, remove the three screws that hold the stamped cover on the solenoid. They should have 8mm heads. Remove the cover, then the plunger and return spring. Look at the contact points on the side where the battery cable bolted to. You will see that it is burnt down and has a step in it now. The other contact probably looks OK. Remove the nut that holds that contact in place, being sure to note how all the insulators are placed. Then when it is all apart, push the stud out of the contact and you are left with an "L" shaped piece of copper with a moon shape on one end. The wear will be on the "moon" end. Now you can either replace that (if you can find a parts store that can get them, I use one that does), or you can repair the contact you have (braze or silver solder) or use some sheet copper or brass (I have used both) and make a new one.

Check both contacts for wear, but just clean up the plunger contact. Don't overly clean the inside of the solenoid, just wipe out the dust and be sure the plunger moves freely. Re-install everything, and you will have saved yourself a hundred bucks or more!
 
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pvphelp

New member
if you have some mechanical inclined you shouldn't have any problem, raise Van up on the ramps remove bottom cover it easy to remove it from bottom. make sure to disconnect battery.
sound like bad battery or alternator not charging, when you turn the key on to start position if you heard a clicking sound that mean solenoid is engage with the engine fry wheel just don't have enough juice to crack the engine over.
 
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