1996 Dodge Caravan electrical problems

Filed May 8, 2015 · Electrical · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the horn failed to function. In addition, the odometer displayed an incorrect reading and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v293000 (air bags), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · AL

I purchase this vehicle from owner in dec. 2013 and start having problem the owner I purchase it from purchase it from a bank back in 2006. They did know about an recall or etc. About this vehcle. The electric has problem and airbags, the fuel tank is leaking and fuel injection and etc,. Where can I can get help for these problems.etc.,.

Filed Jul 1, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 72,000 miles · OH

This vehicle has a chronic design problem with throwing its serpentine belt whenever the tension pulley gets wet. Soon as the belt is thrown there is no power steering, and it steers 10 times worse than a mack truck. The lack of steering is a definite safety hazard to every other vehicle on the road. As it happens suddenly by driving through a water puddle, etc. There is virtually no time to react. In addition to lack of steering there is no alternator output, resulting in rapid battery drain. Also there is no coolant system fan resulting in rapid engine overheating. This design fault has been known for well over a decade, no make that 2 decades, but chrysler has never acknowledged a problem. The problem dates back to all chrysler mini-van designs from the early 1990s to at least 2000. If the lack of steering is not a safety related defect I don't know what is. We have a used wheelchair conversion caravan van to transport my wife. This latest incident was the past saturday night as we left a restaurant to return home. It had been raining profusely and suddenly I had no steering. I knew immediately what the problem was since this is the 3rd occurrence in the past 6 months. Do you expect your vehicle to become inoperable just because you drive in the rain? Why has not chrysler been made to acknowledge this problem and issue a repair recall? I don't care if the van is over a decade old. This defect is one which endangers everyone else on the road and which chrysler should have been required to address well over a decade ago.

Filed May 18, 2011 · Electrical · 141,775 miles · NY

Car stop having electrical output.

Filed Apr 12, 2009 · Acceleration, Electrical · 18,000 miles · IA

Bcm-1, (warranty) loss of dash functions 1996: bcm-2 estimate $1200 replaced chrysler p/n p4686727 lost 95,000 mile odometer for a working bcm from junkyard (2001), bcm-3, lost fuel gauge and speedometer bcm from junkyard fixed p/n p46867(2006) bad windshield replacement leaks water into cabin, bcm-3, failed again currently no wipers, not able to find a 1996/1997 bcm only 1998 plymouth voyager bcm p/n p04801062ae. Will try to validate compatibility tonight. Adel chrysler estimate $1,400 plus labor. Already gave them $742 for tune up and trouble shooting what they said was a bad multi-switch ($110) did not fix and no discount for not knowing how to diagnose a problem properly. Their number is 515‑993‑4587 cory (karl is the service manager-owner's son).

Filed Sep 5, 2008 · Electrical · 192,400 miles · MS · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact attempted to drive her vehicle and noticed that there was a fire near the headlight switch. The fire was extinguished by the contact. There were no injuries and the fire department was not called. The vehicle was able to be driven back to the contact's residence. The vehicle has not been to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 192,400.

Filed Sep 17, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · 119,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. While driving in inclement weather conditions, water, or with the air conditioner activated, the vehicle temporarily loses control. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the serpentine belt slipped off. No warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was repaired approximately five times, however, the failures recurred two months later. The manufacturer was unable to provide assistance. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 119,000 and current mileage was 135,000. Updated 01-23-08. *kb the dealer stated upper radiator loose, loose clamps, front brake pads, belt tensioner, oxygen sensor, and alternator bracket. Updated 01/23/08

Filed Mar 27, 2006 · Electrical · 144,345 miles · CA

In 2003 bcm replaced for my windshield wipers would not operate. Over $600 . Last year my battery cables and battery were smoking and I was lucky I got to the dealer just in time as black smoke was gushing out from under my hood.... Another $600 repair. In january 2006 electrical system craziness. Check engine light was on and it could not be smoged. They reprogrammed the module and I was able to get it smoged 2 days later the check engine light came on and the car would turn over and die ....I returned and was told I needed a PCM module replaced $719. Getting the car back was one electrical mishap after another....the gauges went crazy...taken back to dealer....reprogrammed ....and then told they were not sure how to fix it...then got the car back and the clock and radio intermittently went on and off.. The computer shutting down and not allowing the remote to open the locks using the key the alarm would go off and I could not shut it off until the computer came back on and I could use the remote....I was then told by the service manager that I needed a body control module(bcm) which I replaced in 2003. He was nasty and rude. I told the general manager I really did not believe they knew what they were doing ....for each time I brought the car in with one problem they returned it to me with another. He could also not guarantee that if I paid another $550 for a new bcm that it would solve all the problems.... ...after 6 weeks and four trips to the dealer having my car over 2 weeks I was frustrated and angry....and after reading on the internet countless other dodge caravan owners have the same problems I am outraged dodge has ignored its responsibility to its consumers. .when I dropped it off the clock, radio, locks and alarm were the problem..but an hour after I picked it up it started raining and guess what....the windshield wipers were not operating.

Filed Jun 12, 2005 · Electrical · MN

The cruise control,and horn began malfunctioning about 6 months after I bought my used mini van. I now have no horn or cruise and air bag is is dought. I have heard that the clockspring in the 1996 dodge vans have been defective. I need to know if the new ones have been inproved, or if they or going to be replaced as a matter of safty. Also from time to time the wiper blades come on and go off by them selves. And one time the radiator fan came on the middle of the night by it self and drained the battery dead. I also have a simmy in the front end at 35 to 45 miles per hour.

Filed Feb 21, 2005 · Acceleration, Airbags · VA

The airbag light is on, the horn does not work, and the crusie control does not function......a clockspring malifuntion from all reports....and definetly a safety issue and hazard. Will attempt to replace but at a high cost....