1997 Dodge Grand Caravan: windshield wiper failure

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 Nov 28, 2006 · Visibility · NY

My 1997 dodge caravan has the habit of turning the windshield wipers on by themselves about twice a month. While they have never failed to work when I needed them, I've recently discovered that other caravan owners are experiencing the same thing with much expense taken to fix at no avail. I certainly would not want a faulty wiper system and would like to see the mfg. Take some responsibility if this is indeed as rampant a complaint as it seems to be.

Filed Apr 23, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · 120,000 miles · IA

1. Wipers turns on automatically - usually when a turn signal is on. 2. Service engine light turns on frequently with p1698 code and no other pending code. Present interval at an average of a week. Dealer cannot find the root of the problem. Found out this incident is very common as discussed in several chatrooms. Incident usually starts with ABS light on then instrument cluster dies, followed by airbag light then the service engine light. At incident, power door locks does not work. At incident, sometimes ABS and airbag light will turn off after s short drive then the instrument panel will work. 3.rear interior lights remain lit even when dash switch is off and no door ajar. Sometimes a single interior light turns on when starting engine and remain lit.

Filed Sep 24, 2004 · Visibility · 100,000 miles · AL

While driving windshield wipers stopped working. Vehicle was on recall for this problem. However, problem recurred.

Filed Sep 7, 2004 · Visibility · WA

While driving in inclement weather the windshield wipers would come on and go off intermittently. The mechanic informed the driver that this vehicle was not on recall. Please fill in additional information.

Filed Jun 22, 2004 · Body, Visibility · IN

My 1997 dodge grand caravan has been a headache since I got it. Right after I got it I had to pay $600 to get my dashboard fixed because all my gauges quit completely. Now my windshield wipers will go off by themselves even when they are off. This happens when I hit the brakes or unlock the doors or open the driver side door. My check engine light stays on all the time. We have it put on a tester and they cant find why its on. The rear end rattles pretty bad also and sometimes there is no pick up and go.

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Visibility · 113,000 miles · MO

While driving front windshield wipers came on without warning. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Apr 18, 2004 · Visibility · NY

The wipers occasionally comes on when turn signal is on. The wipers came on while I was turning - changing lanes and partially blinding my view of the road. I almost crashed while making the turn and in the same time trying to turn off the wiper. Since the wipers went on when the windshield is dry, it causes the wipers to streak loudly and scratch the glass. Also, the wipers crossed each other and cause it to suddenly back against the glass. Luckily, the wipers didn't smash the windshield. Having the wipers turn on a dry windshield glass while turning is very dangerous. We were lucky that my children and I weren't hurt by this incident.

Filed Apr 12, 2004 · Electrical, Visibility · 92,000 miles · GA

Reported problem to dodge corp. Several years ago about wipers coming on by themselves. Was advised that since no recall, no remedy. On this issue, my research shows that there have been enough complaints and this issue should be handled by a recall. Secondly, and most recently. Both driver and passenger windows failed. Dodge represents that time/mileage precludes repair at their cost. Rear wing vent window quit working approx. A week ago (mar. 2004). Vehicle seems to be falling apart electronically. Mileage/warranty should not be an issue. Defects are defects. Recall requested. *jb

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

The transmission does not shift gears if the air conditioner is on. The air conditioner turned all the way up will blow out air as if it was on mid way. The wind shield wipers come on when the turn signal is activated, which causes me to buy blades more often. The brakes seem to lock up when the ground is wet. You can hear metal hitting together, and the car continues to roll. My sister-in-law, and one of my daycare moms had the same problem, but they were not as lucky as I was it caused them to rear end another vehicle.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 49,000 miles · ME

Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical problems since it was purchased three years ago: windshield wipers come on by themselves for no reason, cd player works intermittently, instrument panel goes haywire and we lose the gauges and mileage, power door locks work intermittently, keyless entry works intermittently, air conditioner odor and fan problems, sometimes cool air sometimes not and the list goes on.