I have a 2011 Dodge caravan crew, 125,000 miles, 3.5 v6, 6spd trans. Van randomly does a No crank when key is turned to start engine. (Non-consistent-once in 50 starts, or 2 in 10 starts-cannot reproduce issue on demand) one quick noise when key is turned to start, like starter makes a fraction of a turn and stops. No engine code. Then van did nothing when key was turned- like battery was dead (accessories all worked) Went through fuses, removed and tested starter, replaced battery. Finally towed to dodge. Diagnosed as starter issue. Dealer replaced starter and wiring. Started after, but still does random No crank.
A mechanic suggest trans position sensor. Discovered after No crank, pulling lever from park-drive-park it will start. Tranny replaced this spring (separate issue) new part on tranny. Still random No crank. Did no crank twice this week. Does it more when rainy, but does it when dry, hot, cold, etc.
Found issue reported online with no fix- people report changing starters, tipm, etc without success.
I bought van at 70,000 4 yrs ago, now at 125,000 miles it has had front suspension replaced, 4 wheel bearings, new starter, 700.00 of a.c. work (rear air finally eliminated to save repairs), one drive axle, 4 calipers, and a new transmission, plus the regular maintenance of brakes, tires, etc.
You are so right on Dodges being junk!!!
Have you tried directly connecting the battery positive to the starter positive while it's on the car to see what it does? It should crank but not start because the key isn't in the ignition. Be careful doing this, you don't want to short anything out and destroy stuff.
If it cranks, I would take a look at replacing the ignition switch. Beyond that, the relay may be going, or the computer itself is going. Hopefully that's not the case.
