'99 Dodge Caravan - starter problem diagnosed like this: "Your starter is shorting internally, with a shorted wire at the solenoid" If I wanted to repair myself where would I start? Replacing solenoid or starter?

G,

It's going to depend on what you find. Without a doubt replacing the entire unit is quite thorough and you might want to consider doing so if the unit is old instead of putting a new part on a worn out one that is fixing to go but check a couple of things. I personally would replace the whole unit in most cases but here are some tests you can do if you wish. I recommend the long drawn out version.

SHORT VERSION (DOES NOT CHECK FOR CABLE PROBLEMS)
You can perform a quick test by using a test light connected to a good ground. Probe the large wire from the battery at the starter to check for power at all times. If good probe the small wire to the solenoid for power when key is turned. If both of those check out then check the other large wire from the solenoid to the starter motor for power when the key is turned. If you have no power there the solenoid is bad. If you do have power there the starter motor is usually bad (on extremely rare occasions the starter might have lost its ground).

LONG VERSION
1) Pull the small wire off of the solenoid. Use a test light or DVOM connected to a good ground to check that wire for power while a partner tries to start the vehicle. If no power your problem is in the switch, wiring, relay, etc. If power is good go to step 2.

The following steps are a voltage drop test. It should be performed with a DVOM but if you don't have one handy you can use an old shade tree trick. It isn't nearly as accurate but might get you what you need. The test will seem strange cause you will in some instances be checking - with -and + with + but trust me.

2) Ground your test light where the negative cable from the battery grounds to the engine. Probe the negative (YES NEGATIVE) post of the battery and have a partner try and start the car. If the test light lights up you know you have a bad connection or ground cable. If not go to step 3.

3) Attach a test light to a good ground and check to see that you are getting power from the battery to the starter solenoid (large wire from the battery). It should have power even with the key off. If no power you have a bad cable or connection from the battery. If there is power with the key off go to step 4.

4) Take a test light and attach it to battery + (YES BATTERY + AT THE BATTERY NOT -). If your test light isn't long enough you can use a jumper wire at the battery but make sure you have a good connection. At the starter solenoid probe the large power wire from the battery and have a partner try and start the car. If the test light lights up when you try and start it you know you have a bad cable or connection from the battery to the starter. If it doesn't light up go to step 5.

5) Again with the test light connected to battery + probe the other large post on the solenoid. Have a partner try and start the car and see if it lights up. If it does you know you have a bad solenoid.

The longer of the two is much more thorough but a little more time consuming.

Let us know what you find or if you have any other questions.

G,

Your statement is below

Your starter is shorting internally, with a shorted wire at the solenoid

Was it Moe Larry or Curly (or all three) that has you believing the above? Change nothing and buy no parts. Instead tell us in detail what the problem is exactly? Simple to see that you are having some sort of starting problem. Tell us about that in detail.

Might have been Manny Moe and Jack. I'd prefer the Stooges in some instances:)

The van currently rarely starts on the first attempt. Some attempts sound like a weak battery would with not enough juice to turn over, and with other attempts all you hear is a click. But if you keep trying, eventually, you get a perfectly good sounding ignition & start.

G,

Most parts stores will perform a free starting/charging test.

Outside of that check that your connections are clean and tight and perform the test(s) I gave you earlier.

You can also try giving the starter a little love with a hammer while a partner turns the key. Don't get carried away though. Having a bad starter is one thing. Creating one is another.:)

Let us know how it turns out and what you decide.

G,

Your statement is below.

with other attempts all you hear is a click.

If it was the starter you wouldn't even hear a click. Does it start with a jump? Next time it clicks try jump starting it. If it starts replace the battery, but before you do anything or even replace the battery, tell us if you are familiar with starting and charging system basics and what to check for, or what to rule in or rule out?

G,

Big Block is a skilled individual. I would be really suprised if he hasn't seen a starter motor with enough power to engage the bendix but not enough to turn an engine over. I would also be suprised if he hasn't heard a starter solenoid click but fail to send adequate amperage/voltage to the starter. As I said before I would like you to take advantage of a free start/charge test at a parts store but don't rule out a starter or solenoid just because it clicks. Feel free to look into it.

Just a small part of the basics I was talkin about drive :-). Glad you mentioned it, but wished you hadn't. Wanted to hear it (or something like it or close to it) from "G" the poster.

My bad. My bad. I need to hit you up on the Email ad you gave me so maybe we can avoid future complications. Didn't know you were trying to get G's skills info. Sorry.:)

Drive,

Bound to happen sooner or later and even more times. Just part of doin repairs online. No apology necessary man. Don't worry about it :-).

Drive,

Bound to happen sooner or later and even more times. Just part of doin repairs online. No apology necessary man. Don't worry about it :-).