I can't believe, after reading all the same problems on this website, that Dodge has continued to stand by and do nothing. I like Dodge, but I will never buy another one. Unhooking the battery works for a limited time. Now, to make matters worse, the door knob on one of my doors has come off and that door cannot open PERIOD!! I can't afford to trade it in on something better or I would. Dodge needs to do something!
Same as other folks. Power locks no longer work but the rear gate still locks. Will try to pull fuse to see if it helps. I'll also call my AG office to file a complaint etc.
This is really getting under my skin, I have had it to the dealer ship twice and they have not been able to cure the problem. Now they want me to purchase a new module, at a cost of $400.00 and $300.00 for labor. I feel that this is a too great a burden on my senior's fixed income. I see that there have been 59 other complaints about the same problem, is this not enough to have an investigation done and a recall on this vehicle?
- desroches1,
Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Had good luck at Chrysler dealership. First I visited an electrical car repair shop. They said dealer was next best stop & handed me a Chrysler tech bulletin released at end of 2004, Get a copy of bulletin 08-040-04. This bulletin has repair procedure for computer software update. Process takes about 30 minutes and is the next best thing to do.
My door locks work and tailgate doesn't trigger theft alarm.
Power locks quit working on my van. I have two VERY active children. This is not acceptable. Took to shop to get fixed. They told me it was because there was a pencil stuck in the track of one of my sliding doors. They reset the computer and it worked. Cost $100 deductible.
Already had the auto locks fixed once and they stopped working again (not sure now of the time frame). This time, they stated that the switch and actuator had gone out. Replaced both and was working again. $100 deductible for warranty. Less than 1 month later, they quit working again. So disgusted, I just took my van in to get them fixed again. Also noticed that my head lights would cause all lights to stay on in my van and cannot get them to turn off unless I wiggle the switch for a long time. Does not happen all the time but a lot. Shop told me that the lightswitch will do this if you shut the van off before you turn off the van. Replaced the actuator and switch for door locks AGAIN...we will see how long it lasts this time. I am going to test this head light switch theory!
This site is great! I also had my door locks stop working about a week ago. I pulled the 20amp IOD fuse & reinserted it & presto! they worked again! Thanks to all of you for your input. Now lets hope Chrysler does the right thing & recalls these cars for a permanent fix.
Crawling across my van to unlock back doors when I am 9 months pregnant is not a good option! There is only one keyed door and to get the kids in and out isnt fun! It started working all on its own for a while then quit again. The lights and factory comand start also quit at the same time. Very large inconvinience and will look at other makes of vans next time because of this.
I had the problem of power door locks quitting and pulling a fuse could reset the problem for days or more. Then it would quit again. The car was starting easily, running smoothly then one day the battery died, totally dead. I bought a new battery and installed it myself. The car went though computer resetting which took a few hours before the car would start again. Everything started working normally again, even the door locks. I think the factory battery was the problem. I bought the new one (84 month / 7 years). The old one lasted about 3 years, 19,000 miles. I think the computer controlled Dodge needs a very clean power source or strange things begin to happen. I was told I could reset the computer for $200, new window regulator motor $450, and said I would use it the way it was.
I read this blog and removed, cleaned and replaced the fuse, I wonder how many times I can do that. We don't have the extended warranty. Thanks for the help. sounds like we're at the start of many such times of this occuring
Chrysler should do a recall and fix this problem. This is a terrible inconvenience and too expensive. Dealer said I needed a new computer - that a download would not work and that a short had occurred. It's outrageous to spend almost $500.00 for a problem like this.
nothing but problems this last year...lights go out as im driving, automatic locks no longer work, cars front end makes popping/thumping noises when driving and hitting bumps (this has been repaired twice only to not work).
First, I would like to say, we have had good service out of this van, has a lot of space, reasonable gas mileage, and drives very well. This is the first problem we have had. It seems to be a class problem and I think Dodge should make it right with a recall, but doubt it will happen.
Auto door lock/unlock failed to operate with Key Buttons or switch on door panel (72000 miles). Checking Internet, I found this web site and tried the remove the 20Amp fuse, labeled IOD and reinstalled the fuse. I did clean with alcohol using a swab - doubt that is necessary.
Doors lock/unlock after reinstalling rhe fuse.
After fixing it -- I called my extended warranty folks and they said it was covered and to take it to Burgmin Dodge, and likely the ACTIVATOR would need to be replaced and I would have to pay $100 deductible. My wife had called dealer before and they said a common problem and reset the computer would fix it for $50 (not sure exact words).
I called dealer after having read the web site and having talked to my warrantly folks. Told him I had fixed it with fuse removal and re installation - but understand from web site that this fixes does not last forever. I asked him what he would have done, maybe replace activator. He said probably reset as I did - remove fuse. Then I get the idea the next step is to REPROGRAM COMPUTER (whatever that is). NOT SURE HOW THAT IS DONE. THEN MAYBE THE ACTIVATOR (cannot remember what he said about that). But, He suggested I bring it in for a checkup before my warranty runs out at 80000 miles.
We had some conversation about what he would do to diagnose? I am not sure, but it would cost me $50 or so and he did say it would put me on record.
I DID as one other person on this site suggested - register a complaint with www.NHTSA.gov and tried to slant it to a safety issue which I think it could be if kids are involved.
Got this van only because I went through a bankruptcy and this was all the dealer had that would fit my family. So when I got it it seemed pretty rusted on the gas pedal and in the tire rim area. Owned it couple months now and the door locks won't work. My key fob works and makes the alarm sound likes its locking but it def doesn't. I have to also use the key just to open the trunk. With just one key lock on the driver side I have to crawl all over the van each time we get in and out which is real fun with 4 children. Not to mention I don't have the money to get it pro fixed so I looked the problem up on here hoping to find a fix. Shouldn't haven't to go through all this with the amount of miles on the van. Seems like it's a common defect and the manufacturer should take some responsibility and recall it. When pigs fly I guess.
The door locks - and electric windows - quit working on our Caravan at random. The suspension is cheap, if you get a flat tire it just might take out your fuel filler hose (happened to us!), and fit and finish is on par with a Yugo. This is certainly the last Dodge product I will ever own, which is too bad since the basics - strong motor, comfort, and storage - are great with this vehicle. This Dodge product is simply too shoddy compared to the competition.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I can't believe, after reading all the same problems on this website, that Dodge has continued to stand by and do nothing. I like Dodge, but I will never buy another one. Unhooking the battery works for a limited time. Now, to make matters worse, the door knob on one of my doors has come off and that door cannot open PERIOD!! I can't afford to trade it in on something better or I would. Dodge needs to do something!
- David B., Bossier City, LA, US