My 1996 Dodge Caravan is making a ticking sound what do I do

I have to answer that question with a question, do you have any enemies? Other than that your ticking wasn't clarified, where sound is coming from, is it coming from underneath after you've driving it = catalytic converter burning off deposits or tin shroud cover on exhaust same are cooling off. A steady ticking from engine when it is running may indicate a failing rocker arm or hydraulic lifter, 1/2 a quart of tranny fluid added to engine oil usually quiets hydraulic lifter problems. If engine is missing the ticking can be the sound of spark jumping from sparkplug wires to metal, open the hood at night and with engine running look for sparks, if v6, you may need a mechanics mirror to see over back side of engine to watch for sparks jumping. There are also other possibilities depending on where sound is coming from such as a rock in brakes, or snow studs in tires clicking on pavement. There could be a cricket inside your van, this sound would subside in a few hours in hot sun with windows rolled up. Someone who drives van maybe lost their alarms clock in the seats, the one they take to work each day to sleep on the job, I've seen that happen before. I hope all this info will assist you in how to find your ticking sound

It is hard to say with the info posted, it could be related to a number of issues. If you have verified that there is no spark to the spark plugs, it could be the CPS (crankshaft position sensor)

is your battery good. Try getting a jump start and see if that makes a difference. Please let me know

That makes the computor think the timing is off. Replace the sensor and see if that does it. You will then have to have the code cleared (erased) or the light will come back on/stay on.

well hope the crank bearings arent thrashed, but it might be the swith from fuel to fuel, as that is hard on engine internals, try to stick to one or the other

No trick. remove and replace. Front of engine aound 11:00 position at crank pully

It sounds like the crank shaft sensor is hitting when you spin it over. It is probably in too far. There is a piece of card board stuck to the end of most of them to set it correctly. If it is not the the magnet will pull it to the metal reluctor. Pull it out and see if the end is rubbing. Then take a piece of card board from the box the sensor came in, put a dab of grease on the end of the sensor eg: magnet and put it back in, when it spins over the card board will be rubbed of. That should give you enough clearence for the magnetic sensor to work and not rub eg: the ticking noise.

I would check the iac(idle air control valve) first it controls the idle, and then if it is still acting up you may have to change the crank/cam position sensor

Hi savvyuserbyo;

That tick, tick sound is probably the starter solenoid trying to activate the starter.

Here's a couple of things you can try. Take a hammer and tap the starter motor (not real hard, just medium) and then try to start it.

The 2nd thing you can do it to take a piece of wire, like lamp cord and(with someone helping) touch one end to the small terminal on the starter. (There is a large battery size wire connected to a large terminal on the starter, this is not the one you use) use the small terminal. Have your helper touch the other end to the positive terminal of the battery.

If the engine cranks. the solenoid is probably bad. If it doesnt crank the starter is bad.

The final thing to do is to remove the starter (after you disconnect the ground lead of the battery) and take it to an Auto Zone type store and have them check it out for you. BTW, starter and solenoid are sold as a unit. I just replace mine on my 94 F159 and is cost $100 exchange. If you need a replacement get a rebuilt rathert than a new. Just as good and cheaper.

Hope this helps Good Luck Loringh PS Please leave a rating if Appropriate. Thanks

the top gear timing mark points at 6oclock...crank gear at 12 oclock