@John O - Is that like blinker fluid?

No, it's a safety device that cuts off the fuel line if you flip. As the vehicle gets older, they become more sensitive

It's just a spring loaded normally closed switch. You can test it by pressing the button, and if the car starts and then stops, it's the switch

@John O - But if that switch were tripped, would I still hear the fuel pump whine when I turn the key to on?

Yeah

It stops the fuel line, not the electrical circuit going to the motor

The intention is that if the car gets in an accident, the fuel line doesn't pour all over you if the hose breaks

@John O - Where is the reset button? I Googled it but nothing definitive.

Consult the owner's manual

It was under my dash in my old truck

Or just Google "your vehicle inertia switch"

The reset button is on the switch

@sigruna14 You get it?

@John O - The internet seems to think this car doesn't have that. I just gave it to the shop to diagnose. I'm tired of dropping dough and screwing with this damn thing.

If I keep replacing things hoping it'll fix pretty soon it will basically be a whole new car. Anyway evidence seems to point to wiring or computer. Either one is pretty much beyond me I think.

I replaced the computer three years ago and if it's that then idk what to do, maybe it needs flashing or something. I just got one from Advance and threw it in, seemed to work fine until now.

What kind of car?

I'm just curious at this point

Inertia switch is often by rear left tail light in the trunk.

...here's a video for your car I think https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KFuE31wFgE8

Nvm...not helpful.

John, he posted earlier that it’s a 2001 Caravan 2.4L 4-cyl.

Yeah, what brand

Dodge/Chrysler in 2001

Crank problem is almost always fuel issue for me siggy

Quick question. Does anyone have a good book they would recommend on the basics of automotive mechanics?

Haynes Repair manuels. The Bible for any DIYer.

Many a man tore his knuckles to bring us the glorious Haynes Manuels.

@Deleted User Perfect. Thank you. And this is an overview of everything I'll need to know?

Does this cover most modern cars? Sorry, completely illiterate on the subject.

Yes and you can purchase them at any autozone, napa or cookie cutter parts store.

Yes, everything. From routine maint to changing out A-frames.

It has it all.

Great. Just picked it up on Amazon. Thanks! Love how they're specific by model/year.
Second question. Is there a basic book on how engines work?

I dont have a good rec for that other than Youtube.

I imagine youre buying for someone

No, I just don't want to be completely helpless on the topic.

Ah. Well good luck with it!

Thanks! :)

@SamanthaM best advice I can give you is to work on small stuff, all preventive maintenance i.e. oil changes, and all fluids, spark plugs and filters.
Then make a point to know how your car/truck sounds every little noise it makes. Pay attention to roughly how many RPMs the engine is idles at. Once you know how your vehicle acts and sounds it will help you start to identify problems. Or at the least put you in the right direction. Newer cars are a lot harder to figure out as a newbie, if you're driving '96 or older its a little easier to pin point problems

@SamanthaM the absolute best advice I can give is find a man😂 😂