99 caravan wont start

[motorguy222]

I have a 99 caravan that has been acting up. It has been off and on shutting itself off. This may happen once and not again for days or weeks or may happen a few days in a row. Sometimes the ignition won't turn unless you bang on the key with something.A few days ago it would start and shut back off and the relays in the under hood fuse box clicked really fast. Done it several times. I finally got it in gear and it ran better. Took it to my mechanic and it showed no codes.I went out today and it won't start. The dash lights and everything else works but it won't turn over and the fuel pump isn't priming. I switched the relays but that didn't help. Any ideas? Thanks for any help.

 

[GSCJR]

Ignition switch?

 

[Chris142]

Ignition switch?

Sounds like it since he has to bang on it

 

[ripcord]

What if you bang on the dash just above the speedo? I've seen an older Caravan get a broken trace in the gauge cluster that carries the current for the starter interlock. I'm not 100% sure what generation this was on, though. Also, these are notorious for problems when the engine ground strap is disconnected or broken, so I'd check that, too.

 

[Blazered]

Might also be worth checking the fuel pump relay, although that would not explain the difficulty turning the key.

https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/fuel-pump-relay-fixes.178588/

 

[motorguy222]

I switched relays. Didn't help. I also banged on the dash. Didn't help. On the night of the 4th of July I had went to watch the fireworks and on the way home I lost everything. All lights except brake and high beam if I held the switch. Got home and messed with battery cables and wires and after it set a while it was okay again. But I have also wondered if the switch was bad. Would it be the cylinder lock or the electric ignition switch?