Question about CCA when your vehicle has two batteries? I still have my E350 van with a 6.9 L (International) Ford diesel that came with two batteries. The two batteries that are in it now are 850 CCA batteries so when I start it does that mean I have 1700 CCA available if needed? If so then does that mean when the OP says he can only start it with a jump that he is combining, let's say two 700 CCA batteries, and he's using or needs up to 1400 CCA's to get it to start. Wow that would mean the starter is really drawing some amperage and might be the problem as someone and some have noted. Can Auto Zone check how much draw during starting the OP's Caravan has?

Mike