Questions and Answers

Dodge Van Strange Starting Q. Hi Vince, I hope you can help. 1993 Dodge Van, 3.9 litre 6 cylinder, automatic transmission, 109,000 miles. When the van starts normally, the check engine light comes on when you turn the key (just like every car as part of the normal starting process). On occasion this light does not come on and the van won't start.

If the light does not come on I don't bother cranking as it won't start. If you turn the key on and off several times eventually, when in the on position, you will begin to hear a clicking noise from the steering column, the check engine light will flicker and come on. Now the engine starts. If it's very cold out, 25° or below, the check engine light will not come on until the temperature warms up.

The steering column was off once when the steering box was replaced. Could this have something to do with it?

Thanks,
Ray

A. I would have to say there could very well be a connection. A loose connection that is. Hey! Look at that. I made a small joke. A very small joke. Anyway, I would get under there and check all the connectors and make sure they are clean and tight. If they are, then I would check out the ignition switch as the next most likely culprit.