When I open the door to my 03 Grand Caravan, dome light comes on and odometer is visible. As soon as I turn the key all goes dead. Is this a battery issue or a starter issue or an alternator issue? Thanks.

Asked by derek4089 Sep 23, 2014 at 09:15 AM about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan SE FWD

Question type: General

When I open the door to my 03 Grand Caravan, dome light comes on and odometer is visible.  As soon as I turn the key all goes dead.  There is no click, no grinding, no turn over.  Just dead.  I do hear a whirring noise under the hood for about 30 seconds every time I try to start the van.  Is this a battery issue or a starter issue or an alternator issue?  Thanks.

3 Answers

62,735

Most vehicles will display the odometer when you open the door. It's so the service department can get the mileage reading without the engine on. Have the battery connections checked for corrosion. You can get the battery charged for free at most major part stores.

20

Turn on your lights to see if the battery is dead. If so, clean the terminals, have the battery checked at any parts store or Wal Mart, and check to make sure your alternator is functioning properly. If not, get an electrical schematic and check all of the voltage inputs and outputs on your ignition switch. That will almost certainly point you in the right direction. If you don't know what I'm talking about, (or can't crawl around on the floorboard in strange and painful positions) you might want to take it to a mechanic.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Grand Caravan

Looking for a Used Grand Caravan in your area?

CarGurus has 1,969 nationwide Grand Caravan listings starting at $2,495.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Whitney C
    Reputation
    3,560
  • #1
    timof5
    Reputation
    3,560
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    2,770
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chrysler Town & Country
7 Great Deals out of 119 listings starting at $3,900
Used Toyota Sienna
48 Great Deals out of 624 listings starting at $2,499
Used Honda Odyssey
30 Great Deals out of 829 listings starting at $2,495
Used Chrysler Pacifica
30 Great Deals out of 759 listings starting at $6,995
Used Dodge Caravan
8 listings
Used Kia Sedona
11 Great Deals out of 181 listings starting at $5,000
Used Dodge Durango
54 Great Deals out of 1,902 listings starting at $6,987
Used Ford F-150
346 Great Deals out of 13,355 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Explorer
70 Great Deals out of 2,022 listings starting at $3,333
Used Honda CR-V
193 Great Deals out of 5,012 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 1,161 listings starting at $4,594
Used Toyota RAV4
117 Great Deals out of 3,078 listings starting at $3,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.