1997 Dodge Caravan: windshield wiper failure

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Electrical · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the radio stop working and the windshield wipers activated independently. In addition, the check engine, air bag and battery warning lights would illuminate and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 Apr 7, 2007 · Body · AZ

I have a 1997 dodge caravan se purchased new. Two years ago I noticed a spot on the roof, and another on the hood where the polycoat was beginning to peel. Within two years the car looked as if it had some kind of disease. I began to notice other caravans of similar age, and they had the same problem. I saw other makes of cars that were much older with original paint jobs and they weren't experiencing this problem. I am really disappointed with the paint job and poly coat on the dodge caravan. I feel for what we payed for, and with the problems we have experienced , such as the windshield wipers coming on by themselves, the service engine light coming on and going off, the interior light coming on or not when the door was opened, the warning bell not going off when the door was open, the emergency brake working or not working, the fogging of the plastic headlights - at least the paint job should have lasted!

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 Dec 18, 2003 · Transmission · 123,000 miles · OK

I consider ourselves fortunate after scouring thru the numerous customer complaints on the 1997 dodge caravan. We bought the vehicle used in 1999 with 23,000 miles on it. It was mainly used to transport myself and our three children all under the age of 6 at the time, but now my husband drives it back and forth to work. We to have had the intermitent ghost wipers ever since purchasing the vehichle and were constantly told by the dealer that nothing was wrong or could be found to be wrong. We have within the last six months replaced the drive belt, the water pump, & timing belt due to routine maintenance. However, the transmission at 123,000 miles just went out on my husband while he was driving down the road. We are told that it will cost $1,500 to fix. We have chosen to get it fixed, but at the time of that decision did not realize the number of complaints about the chrysler transmissions. This is definitely a safety issue, as the van left my husband stranded in the middle of an intersection with oncoming traffic. Will it take someone getting killed before chrysler is held responsible for these defects? I do not like the fact that my husband will be driving this vehichle again, once the tramission is repaired. As I stated above I consider ourselves one of the fortunate ones to not have experienced so many problems as other owners have had with their vehichles, but when will the time come to hold chrysler responsible for their shody workmanship? I can honestly say this is the first and will be the last chrysler car I ever own. My other car is a ford f-150, which I am very proud to drive!

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.

Filed Jul 15, 2003 · Visibility · GA

Consumer states while traveling and without any indication windshield wipers would start working. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Jun 24, 2003 · Airbags, Locks · VA

Windshield wipers come on by themselves all the time, sometimes they stop after a few swipes and sometimes I need to turn the switch on and then off again to make them stop. So far they have worked when I needed them but it may only be a matter of time before complete failure. This should be a recall item, it is very unsafe! (1999) airbag light comes on and stays on nearly all the time now. (jun 2003) sliding door lock doesn't always engage or disengage when using the power locks.