1997 Dodge Caravan visibility problems

Filed Jul 11, 2012 · Steering, Visibility · 114,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the power steering failed and the windows became foggy, causing very dangerous conditions for the driver. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced; however the contact had just replaced the serpinitine belt 2,000 miles prior. The manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 72,000 miles · ME

1997 dodge caravan. Starting at about 30,000 miles, the windshield wipers would mysteriously come on, make 4 to 5 wipes and turn off. We made jokes about the ghost riding with us. It was an intermittent problem, happening about every month or six weeks. It could not be reproduced on demand. Finally, at 72,000, the windshield wipers refused to turn on from the stalk--except when the windshield was given a "squirt" of fluid by lifting up on the turn signal/wiper control stalk, then they gave the regular three wipes and turned off. The dealer replaced the entire switch unit. It did not help. Then they called chrysler's "super tech 800 number" and no help was provided. Since the car could not be inspected with no wiper function, the entire body control module was replaced (computer) which fixed the problem. Cost: $741.00. Since all of the mechanical parts of the wiper system worked, if this happened again, I determined I would simply pull a hot wire through the dash to an "on-off" switch and connect that up to the wiper feed--estimated cost of less than $10.00.

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Transmission, Visibility · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. Two weeks after the vehicle was purchased, the check engine light illuminated. The dealer stated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Two weeks later, the transmission failed and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. They took three weeks to repair the vehicle and, before the contact could pay for the repairs, the new transmission failed. The dealer informed her that she would have to pay for any new repairs made to the vehicle at the cost of $900. While the vehicle was at the dealer for three weeks, someone in the service center caused the front windshield to crack. The mileage information and VIN were unknown.

Filed Apr 30, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · 150,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The rear driver side vent window is stuck in an inward position and cannot be opened. While driving at any speed, the instrumental panel lights begin to flash and the vehicle shuts off. The vehicle can only be restarted after waiting 15 minutes. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2006 · Visibility · 49,900 miles · OH

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 MPH on normal road conditions the windshield wipers started working every time the turn signal lights were operated. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealership however the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.

Filed Aug 17, 2006 · Visibility · 107,500 miles · OH

Have owned a 1997 dodge caravan (bought as new) for 108,000 miles. Recently we've had a problem with our windshield wipers. For several years, we've had the problem of the "ghost wipers" where they would come on on their own. But it would only happen very rarely. Now, we have a problem where the switch does not regulate the speed of the wipers. The intermittent part does not work at all. We recently had it taken to a goodyear dealer and they diagnosed the problem as a body control module going bad. This is an expensive fix. Have noticed a previous complaint (#10154526) and also several complaints posted on carspace automotive forums. Some say the bcm is the problem and others say it isn't.

Filed Apr 4, 2006 · Visibility · 104,000 miles · ME

Purchased dodge caravan new. At 40,000 miles, windshield wipers began random wiping action unrelated to time or weather conditions. They would turn on, wipe four or five times and turn off. At 104,000 miles, without warning, wipers refused to respond to switch except for "wash and wipe" cycle. Vehicle could not be inspected as wipers could not be turned on for inclement weather. Three trips to the dealer resulted in a "body control module" being replaced for a cost of $741.00 in order to make them work. If they had stopped during a blizzard, it could have been very bad. (please note, dates are from memory and could be slightly off).

Filed Aug 19, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · 70,000 miles · FL

Dt: consumer complained about electrical problems. Instrument panel did not work. The instrument cluster was digital. Buttons for air conditioner and rear defroster flashed constantly. Consumer took vehicle to garage, and they recommended dodge dealer. Also, windshield wipers came on their own. Vehicle did not have to be on running for windshield wipers to come on. They came on about every two weeks. Also, traveling interior lights came on. Consumer stopped lights from coming on by putting tape on door. Consumer believed these were different issues. He replaced fan control module last year, and that did not help.*ak consumer added that pounding on the dashboard made the dash light illuminate.

Filed Jul 20, 2004 · Visibility · 117,000 miles · FL

The consumer was driving and the windshield wipers turned on by themselves, and run erratically, and will not shut off at the correct position. When it's raining, wipers cannot be controlled. The dealer told consumer that similar make, model and year vehicle have experienced the same problem.

Filed Sep 12, 2003 · Visibility · WA

When making a left turn and without warning windshield wipers would shut off, causing a distraction to consumer's view. Dealer has been notified. *ak windshield wipers turn on when steering wheel is turned or theturn signal turns off.