Chrysler Repair: 1999 Chrysler T&C starting issues, solenoid switch, wd 40

Question
I have the same van and the same issue as Bruce in the posting below.  Do you know if Bruce figured out the problem?


Expert: Roland Finston
Date: 9/3/2005
Subject: 1999 Chrysler T&C starting issues

First, let me explain a little better the issue; Randomly (once a month or so, {kind of like a menstral cyle - but less predictable}) I get into the van, turn the key and it fires up, then dies immediately. It will do this 3 times... on the fourth turn of the key I get nothing. Not even a turn over. I must then sit and wait anywhere from 10 to 20 mins, (last time though, it was almost 24 hours) then all of the sudden it fires up and runs like nothing has happened. This makes diagnostics impossible.  

Answer
Hi Jim,
Bruce wrote back to say that the dealer evidentally solved it at least so far, but he had no specific info as to what was done. I include it at the end.
The failure to turn over after 3 attempted starts might just be a battery problem, or a starter relay, or a starter motor solenoid switch. More important would be why the earlier failures to idle. My thoughts are along the lines of either an egr valve that is intermittantly sticking ajar, or an engine control solenoid or actuator that is getting flakey. The former might be cleared by lubricating the stem on the egr valve with WD-40. The latter might be revealed by a fault code readout of the engine controller. Try turning the ignition "on-off-on-off-on" and leave "on", accomplishing this routine in 5 seconds or less.  Then observe whether the check engine light which is still 'on' begins to flash, pause, flash, etc.  Count the number of flashes in each group and get back with the counts. Alternatively, watch for a P---- code number to appear in the odometer window of the speedo. Similarly let me know.
You may be able to get a free readout with a reader plugged into the data plug under the dash at a parts store like Autozone. Let me know which engine you have if you get a readout of the codes; one way or the other and we can see what we can make of it.
Roland
Question is shown below
ahhhh, hi Roland, glad to see you're back!

Unfortunately, I have no new news.  Since the day I towed the van into
Chrysler and had them try and figure out the problem, I have not had an
issue. I am not sure if my luck will change tomorrow or a year from
tomorrow and thats frustrating.  Maybe when the mechanic had the dash
apart and then put it back together, he inadvertantly solved the problem??
(I doubt it, but since that day, I have had no problem) Winter is fast
upon us so I am keeping a sleeping bag in the van at all times.

Did the new questioner post his/her question or just write to you? I
haven't been able to find the post.

When the questioner's van did not start, do all the lights, horn etc.
work?... because mine did, but suspiciously enough the PRND12 would not
light up?

I don't know what else to write other than thanks for providing this forum
and your expertise on the subject... I shall keep you posted and check
your forum frequently.





Hi Jim,
I just wrote to Bruce to inquire, and I will let you know how he responds.
Roland