1998 Dodge Caravan: windshield wiper failure

Filed Aug 28, 2014 · Electrical · 116,850 miles · CA

The los angeles cbs affiliate station aired a story about chrysler vehicles year 2007 to 2012 that were being investigated for a potential recall. The problem is a faulty tipm, also known as a powertrain control module. Vehicle owners report instrument panel problems, gauges not working, airbag not working, windshield wipers operating without being turned on, problems starting the vehicle, and so on. I have a 1998 dodge grand caravan with many of these same problems/symptoms. I spent $212 on inspection and diagnosis fees. Pep boys told me that the problem was the powertrain control module and it would take a prohibitively high price to replace. My vehicle has recently experienced problems similar to the ones described above: fuel gauge not consistently showing the correct amount of fuel in the tank; the airbag and horn not working; the wipers occasionally operate without being turned on; the power door locks do not work properly when vehicle is being locked & unlocked with the key; the heater operates without being turned on, and so on. I was wondering if this information can be used sent to the manufacturer or compared in information submitted by other chrysler owners. The powertrain control module is a durable part, it should operate well for the life of the vehicle. I'm wondering if there is any investigation going on which may lead to a recall. Thank you for your attention.

Filed Mar 12, 2007 · Tires · ID

We had a euro tour tire from big o (serial #u9ytt2n3903 produced by cooper tires size 205/70r15 [this size is not listed on the tire section]) on the front of our dodge caravan. My son was driving on the freeway that had been completed approximately a year before so the freeway was in excellent condition. My son said that while they had our van they had not hit anything nor was there anything in the road. The cop who helped my son change the tire said my son had not hit anything. Both steel belts blew out. My son said the tire exploded! It blew out the wheel well, blew off the bumper,blew out the headlight, blew out some of the wiring and broke the bottle for the windshield wipers & gave the fender a fat lip. My daughter-in-law was the vehicle ahead & looked back just in time to see pieces of tire & van flying everywhere. Luckily the van did not roll. There was $1800-$1900 worth of damage to our van. Big o replaced the tire but when we sent it cooper, they said they believed the tire failed because of a probable impact. A cooper tire dealer & the big o dealer in pocatello both told me they felt the tire was faulty. They did not believe the damage to the tire could possibly have resulted from impact. Everyone except cooper thinks damage to the tire indicates it actually exploded.

Filed Dec 20, 2005 · Visibility · 110,000 miles · LA

Windshield wipers have become intermittent and getting worse to the point of not coming on until the vehicle has been on for a half hour. This happened after the panel lights such as for the AC unit etc began to blink at a constant rate and then they steady out after 20 minutes. Have gone to two dodge dealerships. First one had me pay for and replace multi-function switch and it did not fix the problem. Second dealer said I have to order a $500 body control module computer plus labor and it may not solve the problem and they said it is a non-refundable expense even if they cannot fix the wipers. It is extremely dangerous to not have wipers working and I feel irresponsible that a computer is necessary for the wipers to work. The ntsb should have the authority to order dodge to fix this situation at dodge's expense since it is an obvious serious design flaw.

Filed Dec 20, 2005 · Electrical · MA

Dt: the contact stated the rear windshield wiper failed to operate . He was told by the dealership the body control module was defective. He contacted the manufacturer; they said the warranty expired. No repairs have been made.

Filed Nov 14, 2004 · Visibility · 83,000 miles · FL

My windshield wipers turn on even in the off position and I have had to remove the fuse so that they won't run continuously. I have a 1998 dodge caravan. The dealer can't seem to find the problem. I now have to drive without any windshield wipers or if it is raining I have to stop and open the hood and put the fuse back in...then they run continuously. This is very dangerous and I have noticed on the internet that I am not the only one with this problem. The dealer is now ordering a part called a bcm which costs $500 in hopes that it will fix the problem but they are not sure.

Filed Jul 10, 2003 · Visibility · 56,944 miles · FL

While driving in a heavy a rainstorm, the windshield wipers failed. Dealer notified. *ak *ts the windshield wiper motor was replaced.

Filed Jun 11, 2003 · Visibility · KS

The windshield wiper will come on and off intermittently while traveling in inclement weather.

Filed Jun 18, 2001 · Visibility · MI

Windshield wipers turn on and off. Although problem is intermittent, they don't work when needed. If switch is left on and forgot they start working without being aware that they were left on.

Filed Jan 16, 2001 · Brakes, Visibility · CA

We bought this van in januarary 1, 2000 we have had this van for a year now and have had the brakes done on it 8 times. The brakes get so hot that it melts the valve stems. Also when we bought this van the yellow lights on the front dash for the rear window wiper and the other lights surrounding that light keep blinking and wont stop blinking until driving on the freeway for about 10 to 15 minutes. The dealership didn't know how to make the lights stop blinking.

Filed Jul 31, 2000 · Lights, Visibility · NY

Windshield wipers become inoperable in rainy weather conditions due to a malfunction in the windshield wiper motor, and the multi- function switch.

Filed May 24, 2000 · Locks, Visibility · CA

Consumer was traveling about 40mph on the highway. And sliding door on passenger's side came open. Also, the windshield wipers work intermittently.

Filed May 12, 2000 · Visibility · IA

Windshield wipers would operate while in off mode. Dealer notified. Provide further details.