Q: Lights come on and minivan turns off

asked by on July 22, 2016

This problem is occurring every 700 miles. I was going 30 mph the first time it happened. All the lights came on and the minivan turned off. When I tried to start it, the lights came on and the engine cranked but it didn’t catch. I was thinking that there was a problem with the fuel pump, so replaced that. But it’s still happening, except there are times when I have to wait about 2 days until it will start again with no problems. When this happens, there are no codes that appear. It has happened a total of 4 times. I have replaced the crankshaft sensor and the camshaft sensor. No change - problem still exists. The only solution seems to wait for 2 days until it will start. Usually when trying to start it, the lights do come on, the engine turns, but minivan won’t start. Then when it truly does start, all seems fine - car performs well - drives well - and no lights appear. I had a third-party remote starter installed, but I don’t think that has anything to do with it. What is your assessement of the problems?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Slow slipping transmission, how much longer will it last?
If you are out of warranty, you'll need to have your vehicle checked for problems with a qualified technician such as YourMechanic. They can come to your home or office, perform a road test, check your transmission for mechanical or...
Key won't turn and car won't start.
If the key will not turn in the ignition normally you can try to turn the steering wheel side to side quickly while simultaneously attempting to turn your key and that may sometimes allow the key to turn. If the...
Unable to shift into gear
Hello. If the shifter will not move than that is typically a failure in the shift interlock which keeps the shifter locked in park until the brakes are applied. See if the brake lights are working. If they are not...
Car not starting after sitting
The ignition switch is very common to be the failure for these conditions. I recommend seeking a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, to come and test your vehicle for you. They will be able to verify the need to...
96 Civic only starts with starter fluid
Yes, if it sat for many years, change the fuel filter. I would also drain the gas tank and put new fuel in it because, if it sat for many years, it's all going to be clogged up. Hope that...
Car will not start, only clicks once or twice.
Hello. Clicking when you turn the key is usually a sign that there is not enough power for the starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) to fully turn. If your battery is new, then that is likely not the source of the problem. I...
Sputtering and other things - 2004 Ford Taurus
Hi there. Typically the issue you're describing is ignition or fuel delivery related. It could be as simple as a crankshaft sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) that is faulty or as complex as a fuel / air mixture issue caused by a faulty...
Vcs was on and I thought if I disconnect the battery it will reset and the massage will clear but it didn't I got check hybrid sys
Hello. The VCS light comes on when the computer detects there is an issue with the vehicle's stabilty contorl system. This caa be set off for many reason. The most common reasons are for an issue with one of the...
Timing chain needs to be replaced. Is it worth the risk? 2007 Toyota Prius
Hello - timing chains (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-timing-chain-last, despite having a much longer service life than timing belts, DO require maintenance with higher mileage engines such as yours. This service replaces timing chain guides, tensioner and idler pulley components. Since you are replacing...

Related articles

The Most Common Error Codes for Transmission Problems
If your Check Engine Light has come on, there are a number of conditions that could be causing it. Many are related...
2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
The Hyundai Elantra and the Ford Focus are both offerings in the inexpensive compact sedan category, and both represent some of the best offerings in that class. Compact cars are slightly larger than a subcompact, but smaller than a mid-size;...
How Long Does a Speed Timing Sensor Last?
Your Your car’s engine needs a considerable number of sensors in order to operate correctly. Oxygen sensors, the vehicle speed sensor, the mass airflow sensor – these are just a few of them. Your engine also needs a speed timing...