1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: windshield wiper failure

Filed Jun 10, 2012 · Visibility · 97,500 miles · NY

The windshield wipers would not work, then every once in a while they will. I had them checked and the vehicle needs a 500 dollar body control module. It seems this is a very common failure, and in my opinion a defect!

Filed Nov 29, 2010 · Visibility · FL

For some time now my wipers had a mind of there own. They worked when ever they wanted. No as of 11/29/10 my wipers will not even come on at all.

Filed Aug 17, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · 80,000 miles · CA

There are many problems with my 1996 dodge grand caravan. 1. The windshield and rear wipers will go on an off when they want too. Sometimes when you turn them on you can't turn them off. The back one will come on sometimes when starting the car. 2. The horn all of a sudden stopped working. 3. When my van hit around 80,00 miles the air cond. Stopped working and doesn't get cold. Took it to a place to check and they said it was a know problem with dodge. And that it would cost around 1,500.00 to repair.

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Visibility · 167,000 miles · GA

Dt*: the contact stated over the past ten years the windshield wipers intermittently activated. The vehicle has been to the dealership where repairs have been attempted 4-5 times. The repairs made to the vehicle for the windshield wipers are unknown. The problem still persists.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Body · IN

The cup holder in some vehicles is located directly adjacent to the dashboard. When the vehicle stops, beverage splashes onto the dash, in this case into a computer board in the dash through slots in the dash for the heater controls. The result is total failure of the front and rear window defroster, windshield washer and wipers, front and rear heaters, and air conditioning. The lack of ability to clear the front and rear glass constitutes a safety hazard. This particular vehicle is a 1996 dodge grand caravan se [xxx]. Possibly several brands of vehicle have this engineering design problem. The response that I got from chrysler when I asked about replacement parts is that the warranty is for three years, and after that "tough." their e-mail response is attached. At a minimum, replacement parts should be available for a reasonable time after production stops, and this vehicle is still in production. Since it is a design error, I feel that this field failure should be corrected without charge. If that is not possible, then I should be allowed to purchase and install this $20 computer board myself. It requires removal of four screws. --->snip<--- your vehicle was provided with a warranty against defects for a period of 3 years or 36,000 miles. Your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved in this issue, are understandable. However, your request for consideration in this matter must be declined. *nm updated 07/16/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jul 4, 2005 · Visibility · 95,000 miles · WI

My 1996 dodge grand caravan wipers goes on and off as they please. I was told it could either wiper motor or computer brain box or both that cost upwards of $500. I didn't repair due to cost. I think that should be covered under a recall when it's distraction on the windshield and a safety problem. Gm recalled thier wiper problems on the chevy trucks.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Visibility · KS

The windshield wipers do not operate making the ability to see the road during inclement weather difficult. The manufacturer was contacted by owner.

Filed Oct 28, 2004 · Visibility · 130,000 miles · VA

My windshield wipers on my 1996 dodge caravan quit working. It will not work on any mode. When I pressed the wiper washer, it squirted water and the wipers cycled once. I tried it again one time and it did not work at all. It worked one time but it cycled very fast. Also, it turns on anytime it wants to. It is so unreliable that I do not think that it is safe to drive cause you do not know when it is going to rain.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Engine, Suspension · 92,000 miles · AZ

There are two major problems with my 1996 dodge grand caravan. First there is a serious vibration in the front wheel/tires. I have replaced 8 tires (in 30000 miles!), both front axles, all three motor mounts, and had the transmission overhauled, as well as having three alignment checks. The vibration is still there. The second problem involves the windshield wipers. The front wipers were, for a time, coming on any time they felt like it; this was remedied by replacing the multi function switch on 09/21/01. Since then, the rear wiper will occasionally come on for one swipe when I first start the vehicle - annoying, but not an immediate hazard. But today, my windshield wipers quit working at all. They will only work if I put the wipers on interval - in which case they do nothing for a time, then make two to four swipes, then wait a while, make one or two swipes, wait a while, etc. They will make one high speed swipe across the windshield if I press the washer button in. I spent $80 today so the dodge dealer could tell me this was caused by a body control module failure. This repair costs over $400...and researching a used part online, I learned that both the wheel shimmy problem and the windshield wiper problems are not unique to my car but are very common issues with the dodge caravan/chrysler town & country/plymouth voyager family. Losing your wipers, having them come on at random when they take a notion to, and a non-stop shimmy in the front are each, by themselves, serious safety issues warranting a recall. Collectively, they spell out a lack of concern that daimler chrysler has for the safety of those who drive their products. It is my understanding from my online research that chrysler was aware of the problem as long ago as 1998 but deliberately ignored its own information. It is apparent that the only way these safety issues are going to be addressed is if the federal government takes them to task.

Filed Jul 29, 2004 · Airbags, Body · 500 miles · MD

Serpentine belt or tensioner clip has had to be repaired 4 times (towed every time) electrical problems since the beginning; turn the key and the windshield wipers start going, turn the key off and the wipers "keep" going, take the key totally out of the ignition and the wipers go and the "dinging" alarm that tells you the lights are on or the key is in, starts.(I seriously thought the car was possessed) or turn the key and "nothing" comes on except the engine. I've replaced the battery 5 times at least - it's usually better w/ a new battery for a little while. Have had to have the window motor and assembly replaced on drivers side twice and 5 times on the passenger side. Most recent was 4/04, which was replaced 7/04 again. The side sliding doors on both side do not lock, if you push the button down, you can't get it back up. The rear hatch is damaged from closing the door, looks like I was hit in the rear, but have not been. Check engine light was on for months in fall '03, no mechanic could say why. Wanted to get the A/C charged but it wouldn't hold a charge. Dealer couldn't figure it out. Took it to another mechanic who said the A/C unit was totally melted. Had it replaced and then the computer reset. Replaced the transmission at 100000, the "plantatary gears" were cracked. Check engine light is on again in 7/04, failed emisions, replaced o2 sensor, light still on, tack sticks and car won't accelerate at times - I can push it to the floor and it won't go?? Feels like it's choking, no power. Have a 3.8l, should have power. There is no panel/door for pass. Airbag to come out. If I ever got in an accident, what would it do...just bust through my dash? Over time, the dash on that side has gotten soft and mushy, what's that about? My dad bought the same year caravan I did, but he doesn't have the grand caravan le and he doesn't have the 3.8l and he hasn't had a single problem...I guess I got all of them.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Visibility · TX

Without any indication windshield wipers stopped functioning regardless the time of usage.

Filed Jun 6, 2004 · Electrical · OH

I own a 1996 dodge grand caravan with several electical problems. First the check engine light is on and will not reset. All of the fans for the heater and A/C doesn't work. The rear wiper is continuously working. We have had the van to the mechanic several times(too many to count) and they can not find anything wrong. The company really needs to recall this issue.