Car starts and dies a second later
I got a 1996 Dodge Caravan and when I turn the ignition it starts and then dies. I assumed it was the IAC but after replacing it, nothing changed. Please help.
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1996 Dodge Caravan Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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1996 marks the third generation of the Dodge Caravan, with a new engine and a redesign to combat its image as boxy and boring.
Motor Trend's Car of the Year (the first minivan to win this), and one of Car and Driver's ten best, the 1996 Dodge Caravan replaces the 2.5-liter standard engine with a revamped 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower engine that gets as much power as the older model V6 engines. The 3.0, 3.3, and 3.8-liter options are also available on the higher SE, LE, and ES trims. Fuel economy remains at a respectable 18/24.
The exterior has been retooled, with a sleeker, aerodynamic nose and a bigger windshield. In response to complaints about difficulty removing the cumbersome rear seats, Chrysler installed the seats on rollers for easier removal. The newest and most welcome innovation is a driver's side sliding door. Inside, the minivan is roomier and more comfortable with even more storage units and cup holders.
While most Dodge Caravan owners laud copious amounts of love and praise for its smooth, quiet ride and spacious interior, those complaints that do exist are mostly about transmission problems. Because of this, experts recommend bi-annual transmission flushes. Annual flushes are recommended for those that experience high-stress services.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Dodge Caravan
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by Scott 6
May 30, 2014
I bough this car from a friend who is a dealer . It was his demo. Its gone but not forgotten.
the most expensive repair was the air conditioner evaporator . The dash had to be removed.
Fan belt tensioner three times. Battery 3 times. Brakes 3 times , The trans leak was a recall and was free. something to do with the incompatibility of the trans oil and a certain seal that kept the oil in the transmission. The temperature control module failed and we had no air conditioning for a short time. And the radio SUCKED!! kept fading in and out so I replaced it with a blaupunkt .
If you have a growing family I would recommend buying one.
Sold it for 600 dollars in 06May 30, 2014
by James G
Mar 25, 2011
built good but it is slow starting off but the top speed is good ive beaten a pontiac G5 and a Chevy Tahoe so all in all not too bad jus a lil sluggish and high maintenance for me on my ownMar 25, 2011
by Steven D
Jan 09, 2009
very usefull vehicle. I bring it places where some rear-wheel drive pickups can't go. That's what's nice about having front-wheel drive; good traction. It also has good ground clearance for a minivan, and good torque when in first.
It also fits 4 bikes with no prblemoJan 09, 2009
User rating:
by Scott 6
May 30, 2014
I bough this car from a friend who is a dealer . It was his demo. Its gone but not forgotten.
the most expensive repair was the air conditioner evaporator . The dash had to be removed.
Fan belt tensioner three times. Battery 3 times. Brakes 3 times , The trans leak was a recall and was free. something to do with the incompatibility of the trans oil and a certain seal that kept the oil in the transmission. The temperature control module failed and we had no air conditioning for a short time. And the radio SUCKED!! kept fading in and out so I replaced it with a blaupunkt .
If you have a growing family I would recommend buying one.
Sold it for 600 dollars in 06May 30, 2014
by James G
Mar 25, 2011
built good but it is slow starting off but the top speed is good ive beaten a pontiac G5 and a Chevy Tahoe so all in all not too bad jus a lil sluggish and high maintenance for me on my ownMar 25, 2011
by Steven D
Jan 09, 2009
very usefull vehicle. I bring it places where some rear-wheel drive pickups can't go. That's what's nice about having front-wheel drive; good traction. It also has good ground clearance for a minivan, and good torque when in first.
It also fits 4 bikes with no prblemoJan 09, 2009
by Andrew E
Jul 29, 2008
I love the fact that i can carry 7 people in my van, and it gets great gas milage. Not the strongest motor, only a 4 banger but its better than the V6 on gas. Hoping it passes etest, its not that old after all. My van is in need of a good cleaning, know anyone?Jul 29, 2008
by Dan R
Jun 09, 2008
This van was a joy to drive. It got decent mileage and rode like a car. Jun 09, 2008
by Tom C
Apr 29, 2008
crappy old van bla bla blaApr 29, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 03, 2008
transmission slips and speedeomoter cable does not work.Apr 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 10, 2008
Good Interior, 4 doors, rear hatch. love to drive it.Jan 10, 2008
by Susan W
Dec 31, 2007
I sold it for $300. That is all it is worth.Dec 31, 2007
by Katie M
Dec 26, 2007
FUN times in this car!Dec 26, 2007
by Johneatta W
Dec 19, 2007
good, interior and nice to drive.Dec 19, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 24, 2007
Family van with kids has made some long trips,and lots of short hops.Never had any major repairs just maintenence.Jul 24, 2007
What users have asked
How to solve this no heat problem?
Dodge Caravan 3.0 V6 1996. Inlet and outlet of the heater core get hot. When i squeeze the inlet or outlet hose, i see the level underneath the radiator cap go up and down. Air blower works fine, but it won't give me warm air. How do i check the coolant pressure? What should the pressure be? Doesn't look like i have a leak in the system. Could it be a fault in the cold to warm switch? Or maybe the little door that should direct the air over the heater? Hope we can fix this problem. Cheers, Joey.
12948 views
1996 Dodge Caravan...why does the transmission slip into neutral while driving?
What causes the transmission to slip into neutral while driving? Also the low oil light came on. Then after shutting off the car and restarting, it's as if nothing happened.
34 views
where is the noise in the back of the vechicle coming from?????
we have a noise in the back of the car wheb we go over a bump. have changed shocks and put in new bolts...Can figure where the noise is from ...check tail pipe, front wheel drive...checked brakes and tires...suspension bar is fine...what could it be??????
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 Dodge Caravan?Compare this car
1996 Dodge Caravan Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,195 to $24,770Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent