1997 Dodge Grand Caravan: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jun 29, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 150,000 miles · OR

Car has faulty gas gauge and despite how much gas I put in, will toggle between having gas to empty and sits on empty, has run out of gas as a result, hard to start and now will not start. Also has many electrical quirks, turn headlights on inboard dash light goes off and vice versa. Had someone fix fan to go on when plugged into battery since cannot get into computer dashboard and internal heat fan stopped working, also indicators work sporadically (so evidently an electrical communications issue). I've read that this year has had recalls due to faulty fuel hoses/lines and when using after market fuel filters even from napa which will cause fuel lines to become faulty. My van falls within this year, but I was told my specific VIN # didn't apply. Van is 3.3 liter engine, v6.

Filed Jan 28, 2013 · Transmission · 126,321 miles · PA

Was driving the van about approx 35 MPH in a snow storm when it started to slide, I accelerated to keep from spinning out and the transmission let go..took it to the transmission shop that put it in and they said the spider gears were "welded" to the shaft and it caused the shaft to break..this is the second tranny we put in this van for the same thing. Manufacture defect..they should pay for the new tranny.. It cost me over $1950 to put this tranny in and it is a rebuild from advanced auto..they said its a manufacture rebuild..also, the switch for the headlights is very loose and you have to play with it and get it in a certain position to get the lights to stay on. You have to turn them all the way to the right then pull it out a little then it will stay on..

Filed Apr 29, 2010 · Lights · NY

My headlights seem to not be bright enough. There seems to be some kind of films blocking the light.

Filed Apr 29, 2010 · Lights · NY · crash

Turning out parking lot and did not see pole. Damaged my left front headlight and my fender.

Filed Apr 29, 2010 · Lights · NY · crash

Turning out parking lot and did not see pole. Damaged my left front headlight and my fender.

Filed Aug 7, 2008 · Body, Electrical · 149,766 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. Whenever the contact shifts, the vehicle makes an unfamiliar noise. When the vehicle is parked, it operates normally. The transmission stalls and will start back up, but it is unreliable. The vehicle would rev and have to be restarted in order for the revving to stop. If there is a power fluctuation, the rear wipers will turn on and off at random. The high beams on the headlights do not work, but the failure was repaired. The parking light on the front driver's side failed. He replaced the bulb, but it still does not work. The contact stated that he is constantly replacing the low beam lights. The serpentine belt slips off; however, it has been repaired. The check engine light flashes on and off and there is a burning electrical smell coming from the vehicle. The front strut assembly is rusting and rotting. The rocker panel on the driver's side is rusted completely. The current mileage was 186,000 and failure mileage was 149,766. Updated 09/10/08 *bf updated 09/11/08.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Electrical · 149,766 miles · NY

I own a 1997 dodge grand caravan se all wheel drive. My van has 185,000 miles on it aprox. And had 149,000 when purchased in 2004. I am having several electrical issues with the van from the get go to current. My front wipers will come on by them self at any given time and they refuse to shut off. I have to pull my car over and shut it down and hope when I start it next that the wipers will stay off. Just recently my check engine light keeps popping off and then back on and continues to do so. My rear A/C and heater blower works intermittently. I go through headlights like im drinking water and most recently my cigarette lighter no longer has power to it. I would like to be able to charge my cell phone in the van. I have taken the van to my mechanic and have had repairs done to correct the issues but they seem to be unrepairable. I also own a 1996 plymouth voyager that has the same very wiper issue. I have filed a complaint with chrysler.

Filed May 14, 2007 · Lights · NC

Both of the headlight covers on the 1997 grand caravan were frosted from the inside and the lights did not showing up as bright. They appeared low lit all the time as if the light could not filter through because of the frosted look all the time. This was a hazard. I would like to know why the headlight covers looked like they did. This was a real problem. They looked horrible.

Filed Dec 26, 2006 · Lights · 130,000 miles · MT

The plastic headlight lenses on this vehicle have dulled to the point that the headlights have noticeably dimmed to the point that it's difficult to see the roadway at night.

Filed Sep 8, 2005 · Lights · MD

Dt: the owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the headlight lenses were no longer transparent, but were turning opaque. The consumer contacted the service dealer, and they stated there were no recalls on this specific component. The headlights would be replaced but at t consumer's expense. The consumer did not contacted the manufacturer.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Lights · 85,000 miles · NY

The clear plastic lenses that cover the head lamp bulbs have become extremely clouded and greatly diminish the brightness of the headlights. The dealer has told me that its normal. I have noticed this condition on many other similar vehicles and drivers are not aware of the condition . This condition creates an extreme safety concern for night time driving by reducing visibility. I believe that it is a design defect. There is no mention in the owners manual or maintenance schedule listed by the manufacturer of any required maintenance.

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Lights · 40,000 miles · SD

The headlights were dim and consumer was unable to see clearly on the highway while driving at night. Driver took the vehicle to dealer for analysis. Mechanic replaced the headlight bulbs, but problem recurred.