The Dodge Caravan's starter rests on the bottom of the engine, just between the transmission and the transmission cross member. The starter solenoid bolts to the stop of the starter. In their location, both are in position to receive a pounding by road debris every time you drive the minivan. This makes the starter and starter solenoid prime candidates for causing engine failure. If you hear only clicking sounds when you try to start your Caravan, you should troubleshoot the starter to determine if the issue is with the starter or the starter solenoid.
Locate the two square metal contacts on the back of the starter solenoid. The contacts have a wire coming out of each of them. The wire connected to the left contact goes upward into the engine bay and connects to the ignition switch. The second wire is a jumper wire that connects the solenoid to the starter.
Place the metal blade of an insulated screwdriver across both metal contacts to create a short circuit. This shorts out the solenoid and creates a direct connection between the starter and the ignition switch.
Tell your helper to start the Dodge Caravan's engine. The electric motor inside the starter should turn on and make a loud humming sound. The solenoid will not kick the starter gear into the flywheel, so the minivan will not start. If you hear the motor humming and it does not sound choppy, that means the starter is not defective, the solenoid is. If the motor does not turn on or it sounds like it runs very rough, the starter is defective.
