Posted on 11/08/2014 9:40:27 AM PST by savedbygrace
I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan that has more than 130,000 miles on it. Today, it started acting really weird.
The key will not turn in the ignition hardly at all. Twice I was able to get it to turn. The steering wheel gets completely locked and it is nearly impossible to get it to move at all.
Also, the (parking) Brake light, the ABS light and the Air Bag light on the dash stay on the whole time. And the power window buttons on the door do absolutely nothing.
None of this happened earlier this morning, but the third time today that I tried to start the can, it happened.
I am thinking there might be a fuse that has blown, but that does not explain all of these things failing at once.
I am going to go buy a replacement vehicle this afternoon if the solution isn't fairly simple.
Do any of my FReeper friends have any ideas?
Typo correction: None of this happened earlier this morning, but the third time today that I tried to start the van, it happened.
Check the steering column. Someone may have tried to crack it open and steal the vehicle. Had similar problems once with an old Buick.
1st thing - make sure the battery is fully charged. Funny things happen when it’s drained too much, and yours sounds pretty dead.
+1 my mind went right to low battery. I suspect the alternator has failed.
If you want to learn how fix it, I usually type the problem and then type dodge forums which usually leads to good fix it advice
I would first suspect that mechanical parts of the ignition switch, it's activating linkage, or the key and cylinder have broken or become deformed.
I recommend you do not drive the car as the steering may lock or seize while in motion.
Sounds like it’s the clock spring in your steering wheel
My brother had what sounds like a similar problem with a Plymouth Voyager. He had to resort to carrying a small piece of wood doweling that he would use to tap the key in order to get it the internal tumblers to properly line up. Eventually he had the steering column replaced.
Thank you. I have owned this van for about 5 years and it has had very few problems. This one is a killer, though.
Reading through the pages at the link, it seems it might be more costly than I want to handle on a vehicle this old.
LOL
Battery is fine.
I’d have a mechanic take a look, but it’s probably the muffler bearing.
TY. Don’t think that is the issue either.
Find the spare key whic h has been stashed away lo these many years. It sounds like your key is worn beyond reliable ‘unlock’.
OK, thanks.
Failed alternator or broken belt. I don’t know your car very well, but it sounds the most like a failed alternator because your not getting power. The belt charging the alternator might also be a problem. If that’s it, you many be able to fix it for cheap.
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