Multiple electrical problems - engine vibration while idling (electrically related), gauge cluster gone wild, lights flickering, electrical system flickering, transmission shifting strangely, transmission gear selector lights ALL lighting up on gauge cluster, and radiator fans not operating. This van has created an electrical engineer.
The fix:
Engine Vibration at idle and multiple electrical issues - Clean Corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery)
Gauge Cluster Gone Wild - Clean Corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery)
Speedometer needle stuck - Reset gauge cluster. Hold trip button in until gauge completely resets itself and begins to light up. It will recalibrate itself.
Lights Flickering - Clean corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery) OR clean battery terminals, test battery grounding terminals to engine and chassis for continuity. OR Test alternator voltage output and battery. Check wiring to alternator for continuity.
Transmission Shifting Strangely/Randomly lit transmission gear shift selector lights/Radiator Fans not operating - check transmission range sensor for corrosion. Strangely, this circuit affects the radiator fans. The electrical system is effected heavily through this circuit. Failure of this sensor has similar affects. When ALL transmission gear selector lights on the dash light up, the transmission slips in to limp mode. Most of the time, if not all of the time, it is unable to shift into any gear.
Interior lights, dash lights, interior features and windows not functioning properly - Clean corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery)
One or more fuel injectors not functioning properly - test PCM C2 connector pins for continuity to each injector. (2003 and earlier models with pre-NGC computer systems may vary). There is a specific weak point for models with the wire harness that runs near the exhaust manifold on the side of the engine above the transmission. Over time, the wiring frays/corrodes/breaks from the exhaust heat. Check this wiring. This harness also runs to the MAP sensor. In 2005 models, this harness was moved to the opposite side near the throttle body.
IPM corrosion (as mentioned multiple times) - despite the claims mentioning that it only applies to 2001 - 2003 models, it is happening on all vehicles in which the similar IPM has been used. I have seen Dodge models up to 2007 currently with IPM problems (maybe even newer that I have not seen). It even happens to Dodge trucks with an IPM. Sometimes called a TIPM. In other words it is a power distribution box to your vehicle that supplies power to most of the main functions.
If the objective was to collect moisture and heat with circuit boards and wiring, Dodge would receive the grand award with Ford in second.
Update from Mar 16, 2016: I take THIS defect very seriously as this 2004 Caravan around one hundred miles per day. This defect IS NOT covered under Dodge's recall although I have filed a complaint with the NHTSA. However, it is covered up until a particular previous year.
The "Clockspring" which is located in the steering wheel has poor wiring terminals and pulls apart or loses connection. This part will eventually fail which causes a loss of communication from the steering wheels electronic components to the vehicles computer system. This includes the stereo controls on the steering wheel, the cruise control, horn, and CAUSES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO BE DISABLED. Sadly, this has only been recalled on earlier models. IF you see the airbag light on your gauge cluster and your steering wheel controls do not operate, this can be a hazard to your entire family.
The poorly designed clockspring terminals in the steering wheel are also near the turn signal switch. This part can also internally break apart and cause the turn signals to not automatically disengage when the steering wheel is straightened after a turn.
I have a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan that has been giving me a problem for some time. I have taken it to a Dodge dealer for a number of times, but was unable to get the problem repaired. I would like someone to give me some information where the body control module is located and if there is a way it can be checked for defects. Problem lights go on and off with vehicle turn off or on? Horn doesn't work? I feel
like the body control module is defective?
- Tommy C.,
Lexington, TN, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Multiple electrical problems - engine vibration while idling (electrically related), gauge cluster gone wild, lights flickering, electrical system flickering, transmission shifting strangely, transmission gear selector lights ALL lighting up on gauge cluster, and radiator fans not operating. This van has created an electrical engineer.
The fix: Engine Vibration at idle and multiple electrical issues - Clean Corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery)
Gauge Cluster Gone Wild - Clean Corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery)
Speedometer needle stuck - Reset gauge cluster. Hold trip button in until gauge completely resets itself and begins to light up. It will recalibrate itself.
Lights Flickering - Clean corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery) OR clean battery terminals, test battery grounding terminals to engine and chassis for continuity. OR Test alternator voltage output and battery. Check wiring to alternator for continuity.
Transmission Shifting Strangely/Randomly lit transmission gear shift selector lights/Radiator Fans not operating - check transmission range sensor for corrosion. Strangely, this circuit affects the radiator fans. The electrical system is effected heavily through this circuit. Failure of this sensor has similar affects. When ALL transmission gear selector lights on the dash light up, the transmission slips in to limp mode. Most of the time, if not all of the time, it is unable to shift into any gear.
Interior lights, dash lights, interior features and windows not functioning properly - Clean corroded IPM (Circuit board in main fuse box near battery)
One or more fuel injectors not functioning properly - test PCM C2 connector pins for continuity to each injector. (2003 and earlier models with pre-NGC computer systems may vary). There is a specific weak point for models with the wire harness that runs near the exhaust manifold on the side of the engine above the transmission. Over time, the wiring frays/corrodes/breaks from the exhaust heat. Check this wiring. This harness also runs to the MAP sensor. In 2005 models, this harness was moved to the opposite side near the throttle body.
IPM corrosion (as mentioned multiple times) - despite the claims mentioning that it only applies to 2001 - 2003 models, it is happening on all vehicles in which the similar IPM has been used. I have seen Dodge models up to 2007 currently with IPM problems (maybe even newer that I have not seen). It even happens to Dodge trucks with an IPM. Sometimes called a TIPM. In other words it is a power distribution box to your vehicle that supplies power to most of the main functions.
If the objective was to collect moisture and heat with circuit boards and wiring, Dodge would receive the grand award with Ford in second.
Update from Mar 16, 2016: I take THIS defect very seriously as this 2004 Caravan around one hundred miles per day. This defect IS NOT covered under Dodge's recall although I have filed a complaint with the NHTSA. However, it is covered up until a particular previous year.
The "Clockspring" which is located in the steering wheel has poor wiring terminals and pulls apart or loses connection. This part will eventually fail which causes a loss of communication from the steering wheels electronic components to the vehicles computer system. This includes the stereo controls on the steering wheel, the cruise control, horn, and CAUSES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO BE DISABLED. Sadly, this has only been recalled on earlier models. IF you see the airbag light on your gauge cluster and your steering wheel controls do not operate, this can be a hazard to your entire family.
The poorly designed clockspring terminals in the steering wheel are also near the turn signal switch. This part can also internally break apart and cause the turn signals to not automatically disengage when the steering wheel is straightened after a turn.
- Jack K., Hudson, WI, US