2003 Dodge Caravan: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Dec 14, 2009 · Electrical · 99,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. There was an electrical shortage in the instrument clusters and in the headlights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. He was advised that he would have to replace the computer at an expense of $1500.00. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2008 · Electrical · 49,980 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. In an attempt to drive the vehicle, the headlights and tail lights flashed and would not shut off when the key was removed from the ignition. The contact had to disconnect the battery in order to dim the lights. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer, but was diagnosed online as having a faulty fmc control module. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 49,980.

Filed May 31, 2007 · Electrical · 40,422 miles · NV

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. While driving 45 MPH, the head lights flickered on and off and the instrument panel lights dimmed intermittently. The dealer stated that the instrument control and power control module needed to be replaced. The dealer made the replacement but, approximately two days later, the same failure recurred. The dealer did not inspect the vehicle again. There was defect investigation # ea05009 for the 2001-2002 dodge caravan. The current mileage is 52,000 and failure mileage was 40,422. The consumer provided repair invoices. Updated 07/26/07

Filed Dec 28, 2006 · Lights · 45,787 miles · SC

Tl * - the contact stated that the headlights will not stay on. The vehicle has 59,000 miles. The contact stated no particular weather condition nor speed were involved when failure occurred. There are no warning signals. The vehicle did not lose power. The contactwas not sure if the lights on the dashwent out when the headlights stopped. The dealer replaced a module under the hood. The contact did not know what type of module, however, it did not correct the problem. The contact took the vehicle in\\\ two more times to dealer, and the dealer could not find anything wrong. There have been no injuries.

Filed Oct 19, 2006 · Lights · 25,000 miles · MO

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the headlight darkened intermittently. There was no warning signal prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer where the problem could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was contacted and a reference# 15541666 and case# 8521138 were provided. Updated 12/05/06.

Filed Oct 3, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · 40,000 miles · IL

We have a 2003 dodge grand caravan,with a headlight/electrical system problem. Without warning, the headlights and fog lights will flash, shut off altogether, or dim. The interior lights (dash board) are also affected and will do the same. Problem appears to be with the head light switch, however, diagnosis is inconclusive. It is an intermittent problem. Very dangerous when lights go out at night and very aggravating for drivers in front of you when lights keep flashing. Internet search reveals several similar complaints and the federal safety agency investigation / recall on 2001 -2002 vehicles for similar problem.

Filed Aug 27, 2006 · Electrical · 69,000 miles · KS

2003 dodge caravan headlights - unwanted shutting off while driving with minimal electrical load. Dangerous for mom & kids on highway at night. Preceded by other, probably associated, electrical problems. Wife at wal mart returned to vehicle. Gauges flickered, dashboard crazy, clicking sound from driver's side/relay(s) buzzing, power locks wouldn't function (great if she was trying to get away from mugger). Wouldn't start. This event preceded by headlights cycling off and on right after startup, but after running a few minutes stayed on during that operation cycle. Back to the wal mart event. Vehicle taken to dealership - replaced battery. Back to the future. Checked fuses, connections, harness, battery cables for fault/corrosion - nothing. No codes. Costly fixes may include:1) fuses and boxes, 2) battery cables and terminals corroded, loose or not grounded/battery,3) headlight switch,4) multi-function wand on steering column (there was a 2003 viper recall for lamp contacts corroding - 20031010 - this could be it for the caravan too...dealers were supposed to reflash the bcm software),5) fcm,6) bcm,7) alternator (charging issue as opposed to control/regulation issue...maybe shorted diodes),8) god darned electrical harness,might throw in ignition switch too. Noted that dodge has a tsb for older models with a software algorithm adjustment for fcm, but not in effect for 2003 models?can this work for the 2003?this will be the last dodge we ever purchase, or that extended family ever is associated with, if this is not resolved to our satisfaction promptly. Dr.z and/or the federal safety agency - if you want to fly someone down here asap to see these results reproduced - we get them nightly - so quit the liability mitigation game and get this resolved. Factory car.

Filed Aug 17, 2006 · Lights · 36,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated the head lights intermittently go out while driving. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for inspection however the problem could not be duplicated. Updated 9/5/2006 - the last time the headlights went off they remained off for about 10 seconds before they came back on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the headlight switch.

Filed May 16, 2005 · Lights · KS

Dt consumer states the headlights on her vehicle goes off and on. The vehicle has been serviced on ten different occasions, but the service dealer states they can't find anything wrong with the vehicle.

Filed Jan 2, 2004 · Lights · TX

I recently purchase a 2003 dodge caravan. The headlight switch is not illuminated. My dealer says that the illumination was removed in the 2003 models. Does this comply with title 49 part 571 standard no 101?