For 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan,instrument clusters with light when ignition turn on, but there's no crank and no start. Battery just changed five months ago

Check solenoid on starter motor.

A quick fix which works on occasion when solenoid hasn't completely failed is to strike the starter motor body with a hammer whilst trying to start.

Check power to solenoid with the key turned to crank position.

No power to solenoid? Check steering lock cluster, relay and fuses.

Do you have a flashing key on the instrument cluster? Change or re-program the ignition key


If you have no warning lights, no power to solenoid then check negative terminal fixing from battery.

If all is well, yet no crank, then replace starter motor and solenoid.

This is most likely in the cluster. It may have replacable bulbs in the back of it. If it does not, than it is a sealed system and the cluster needs to be replaced. Good news is you can put a used cluster in this van and you will not lose your miles.

Check the fuse for the gauges,if this is not the problem,there is a problem in the connection to the instrument cluster.

These vans have had issues with the PIN connections to the instrument clusters. With time the solder on the main PIN connection will begin to fail. The good news this may be repaired at home. First you'll need to remove the instruments. To do so remove the dash components from around the instruments then the (4) screws) that hold the instruments in place. Carefully detach the wire connection from the back of it; take to a well lit area. Look for a PIN with a failed solder joint (this will appear as a slight black or grey circle. If found apply heat and let solder be gin to flow; the allow to cool and reassemble. If you look at my history you'll see I've helped others with this issue. The attached link may help: http://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-caravan/197192-99-grand-caravan-intermittent-dead-dashboard.html
Please let me know if this assisted you,
Tom

check for an instrument cluster fuse in the fuse panel if it's good you will have to pull the cluster out and change the lights behind the gauges

loose connecion behind dashboard to the instrument panel

i have power but no starting turn key and nothing something to do with the instrument cluster board may have to change the main cluster board if u look at your odo and drive lights and there not showing hit the dash thats what i do

I had this problem with 99 Durango and went to AutoBeef.com and learned that this problem notorious for 98 & 99 Durango. After reading all the entries I was encouraged to replace the PCM "Brain". The site also listed the name of an online company that sells brains for <300.00. It was so easy to fix -- I had my brother and son help me to remove 3 screws and replace the brain. The guys from the online company that sells computer brains told me how to do it (Florida Based company -- can't remember the name but you can google)

One common problem is with intrument cluster solder joints where the cable connector attaches to the circuit board. Solder joints fracture. Resolder. Use Hanes manual to get dashboard apart.

Indication is instrument panel goes dead and car sometimes will not start.

Other possibilites are loose connectors or poor connections in cable harnesses.

i was having the same promblem for my 98 dodge grand caravan es...with the no stat promblem...i had the (bcm) replaced in it body control module...but that did not do no good either because it only got it started for a few days...now it's back at the shop and the last resort would be the wireing..because everything else is fine...starter,relays,battery,etc...hope this helps...any more questions email me at [email protected]..