On 3 occasions recently all the dashboard gauges stopped working while I was driving the vehicle. The gauges resumed either on their own after a few moments or after stopping and restarting the van. Dealer could not recreate the problem and the diagnostic code only said that communication had been lost. The technician claimed that he could not find similar issues in his database, but from this website I see there are many others who have experienced this problem. There does not appear to be sure-fire fix. The vehicle is drivable and lights and windshield wipers continue to work while the gauges malfunction. But, driving is difficult without the speedometer and the odometer and trip mileage are incorrect after the gauges come back to life.
1998 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 79, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Intermittently instrument panel flickers while driving. Radio/cd-player dies out some times. It happens around 3 to 5 times in 1 hour driving.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that in october 2009, all of the gauges and lights on the instrument panel began to fail. The failure occurred intermittently and became progressively worse over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that diagnostic code p1689 caused the failure to occur. The mechanic stated that dodge is aware of the failure; however, there was nothing they could do about it. Chrysler was also contacted and stated that it was "not their problem, buy a new car." the failure mileage was approximately 155,000. The current mileage was approximately 157,000. The VIN was unknown.
Sometimes when I start my van, it will start and immediately shuts off, no matter how many time you try, the ABS, and alarm dash light stay on. If you tap on the dash or wait a while the van starts normal. Also all the gauges sometimes stop working while I'm driving.
I own a 1998 dodge caravan and my speed odometer, my RPM, the temp gauge, and the gas gauge pop off at least 3 times a week either I wait and eventually it will come back on or I must hit it sometimes it comes back on other times it don't. Is there a recall on this. The ABS comes on the check engine light also comes on. It is very dangerous when you have children in the car.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. In addition, the brake line failed and was repaired by the dealer. The clockspring was also replaced according to a recall without the contact's consent. When the contact retrieved the vehicle, all of the electrical components were flashing on and off intermittently in the passenger compartment. The horn did not operate and there were other electrical issues with the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were less than 59,492. Updated 08/19/09 *bf updated 08/20/09.
I only owned the van for about 2 weeks(it was used) and all my gauges went out. The first time I turned on the mirror button it came back on for a few days went out again. The second time it happened I turned on the wipers it came back on for about a day, then it went out completely. It seems alot of people have the same problems.
Caravan will attempt to start then stalls out. Once done 3 times it will not start for hours or days. All gauges fail at this time as well. Dealer cannot duplicate so tries to charge me for replacing various parts. Dodge needs to be responsible and place a recall on this problem.
Randomly will start up and immediately shut down. After 3 times, will not start. Have had it taken to 4 different mechanics over the last 18 months. 2 were dodge dealerships. One dealership replaced the starter for $440. The next dealership (I was out of town for christmas, so couldn't return to first dealership) replaced the power train control module for $800. Still have had the problem. The message board is full of people with the same problem and dealers replacing the same parts that I have had replaced and still not getting fixed. If I can look on the internet and see what is wrong, why can't a mechanic? I will have the instrument panel cluster changed next and it better be no charge!!
I have a 1998 dodge grand caravan that has some electrical problems that can't seem to be fixed. The dashboard lights turn off and the vehicle won't start and stay running. It used to come right back on after tapping the center of the dash, but that doesn't work anymore. It even happens now while we are driving. My local dodge dealership can't figure out what's wrong with it, and after spending a chunk of money trying to get it fixed many different times, so my wife and children feel safe in it I am definitely sorry I ever bought it. The problem occurs now almost every day to every second day, and will last anywhere from a couple of minutes to couple of days.
After having my transmission replace I noticed everything on my dash was dead, my ABS and alarm set light would come on. It only stayed that way for a few minutes and then everything would come back on, but then the problem only got worse. I would try to start the van but when I did it would shut back off because my dash gauges were not working and my ABS light was on. I have 3 kids and I depend on my van for transportation. I went on a website " topix" and found that there are alot of people with the same problem, also that is how I got this address. It seems like nobody has the right solution, there are just different suggestions. I think there should be a recall so that way everybody can stop wasting money on what repair shops try (say) and let dodge figure it out and compensate for all of the hassles, missed appointments, and everything else.
Sometimes when I turn the key the engine will start and immediately stall. After the third try, it will not start at all. The gauges and odometer also fails at this time. After sitting for anywhere from 1 hour to 4 days (so far) the engine will start. It might be ok for a day or a month and then it happens again. Several times while driving the gauges go off, engine falters and then comes back on. Other times engine starts and idles rough as if there is a vacuum leak then it straightens out. This has been a problem off and on for around 2 years but is now happening more frequently. Today I went to a store and when I came out the car wouldn't start. It is still parked at the store. I researched the problem on the internet and found a variety of answers. Don't want to have to install many parts at $250 plus labor each time and still have the same situation. I know of three people with similar problems. I would like to know why there have been no recalls or service bulletins issued about this problem.
I have a 98 grand caravan when I bought it the back hatch would not open then I noticed a loud humming in the tires when I bought it had the bearing replaced fixed that problem then when checking oil noticed strut towers rusted driver side about 5 to 6 inch total separation passenger about 3 inch,next my air bag light came on at the same time as my cruise control and horn quit working,now my instrument panel don't work all of it don't know how many miles or how much gas nor how fast im going have not had nothing fixed trying to get a hold of dodge will some one have to die from the strut towers before they recall them? Also when I put gas in I have to open windows a really strong smell of gas fills the van.
The instrument cluster constantly shorts out, causing the car to not run . We have taken the vehicle to numerous service centers and dealers, none of which could determine the problem. This has been an ongoing problem for the last six years. We have contacted the dealer they say there is no recall for this. We demand a response from them and they do not return our calls.
1998 dodge grand caravan. Tried to start it and it would start and die about 3 times and then not start at all. Replace PCM. Worked a couple days and then started again. Read on web boards of this happening to other people and if they hit the dash it would start and when it happened again I hit the dash and it would start. When it wouldn't start all the guages on the dash would not work. This seemed to work. Then when I went over a bump and turned at the same time the van would die. I could put it in "n" and get it started again while I was still turning. This is very dangerous becase you loose power steering while going around a corner. Heard on message borad if you took the instrument cluster off and check the saudering that this woudl solve the problem. Did this but did not solve the problem. Then the fuel gauge would stop reading when it did have gas in it. Then the fuel guage would start dinging even though it read full. I have seen on the internet with many people having the same problems. Below is one such website. Have done all kinds of diagnostics on it and can not figure out what is wrong with it. It still looses guages and will not start intermittently. Http://www.topix.net/forum/autos/dodge-grand-caravan/tpc8ih1li2s41i22d/p5.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the instrument cluster panel intermittently failed to illuminate. Also, during the instrument panel illumination failure, the engine was sluggish and operated at a reduced speed. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who duplicated the problem, but was unable to determine the exact cause of the failure. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 11/21/2006 -
1998 dodge grand caravan - when new, recalled for safety belt repair/replacement and air bag clock switch replacement. For about the past 2 years, the interior light switch and instrument panel lights switch from dim to light with a clicking sound but has not been a problem I feel needed immediate addressing. More recently, rear air vents blow cold/warm/hot air when A/C is turned on. However, front vents blow ice cold air. Rear air vents function differently each time we start the car. All these electrical problems cause me great concern for our family of 5 regarding other essential systems that might be affected in the future. After reading all the other problems with this brand, I'm fairly certain we will be purchasing a more reputable brand when we replace our car. What is chrysler doing to address these numerous electrical problems?
Consumer dash lights malfunctioned, consumer took vehicle to the dealer and they could not resolve the problem. *ts the consumer stated instrument panel containing the cluster of the engine, temperature gauge, RPM gauge, speedometer, gas tank and digital odometer began to intermittently go off and come back on while the vehicle was on. The problem began to effect the speed of the vehicle and the gas that was left in the tank, it also effected the door locks which did not automatically activate as they were suppose to. The check engine light illuminated which was due to a problem with communication between the processor and the transmission. When the consumer pick the vehicle up from the dealer,within 20 minutes, the consumer saw a thin bluish smoke coming from under the hood on the drivers side. When the consumer arrived home he inspected the vehicle, but saw no visible signs of damage to anything. The dealer has been unable to diagnose the problem.
An electrical failure caused the headlights to malfunction. They flickered on and off while engaged. Dealership was unable to correct the problem due to the defective part being on back order. This was a common failure on these vehicles. *ak
Ignition switch at first would give me some trouble by not turning at all. But I was able to eventually get it to work. After some time without failure, it finally did it again, only this time, it would not budge. I tried turning the wheel, I tried to move the shift lever, all in an attempt to see if it was part of the problem. But to no avail. The ignition switch was completely frozen, and the car would not start. When I had to have it towed, the vehicle could not be put into neutral, because the shift lever is in the locked state when the ignition switch was in the off position. The total cost of the repair, not including the tow, was $250.00. Dealer wanted $325.00. This problem leaves you stranded, and the vehicle cannot be moved because the shift lever is locked. Could happen to someone in a remote area, hopefully the weather will be warm at the time! I also know from many other people who own dodge/plymouth mini vans, ranging in years 1997 to 2000, and they have had the same exact problem. Will chrysler recall this, replace fault units with better quality units, or even reimburse those of us who have been stranded for this common problem?
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall 02v293000. Also, horn was inoperable.
About three or four times a week I will lose my dash guages. The lights and upper dash light will still work but guages won't. After no set amount of time it will power back up and doors will lock down, seat belt light will come on and van will act like it just started (goes through intial start up sequence). Sometimes the van won't start. Key will be turned and van will start up and immediately stall. This will happen three times and then doesn't roll over or anything. Lately van will lock and unlock itself continually while driving, sometimes unlocking itself after alarm has been set risking the loss of valuables in the car while we are away. The check engine light comes on periodically and we take it into dealer and the computers aren't communicating so they replace wires, etc and fixes for a little while but doesn't fix the stalling problem, etc. Dealer doesn't know what is wrong and suggested replacing all wiring at $2000 but no guarantee this is causing problem. We have already spent close to $700 on new starter, etc. To no avail. On message board someone suggested when it doesn't start before it completely won't turn over to turn the key over and hit the dash as hard as possible and it worked....started right up. Suggested the circuit board is bad. Why can't the dealer figure this out. Still costs $500 to fix. We don't have the money to keep putting into van....we just bought it less than a year ago...but we can't afford to get anything else right now either.
Air bag warning lamp illuminated. Horn failure/speed control failure.
Ignition froze up. The key will only turn half the way. Vehicle was towed to dealer, and the ignition housing was replaced.
Airbag light illuminated/cruise control was not working, and horn won't blow.
While driving the cruise control would not engage when applied. The driver pressed down on the horn and there was not a sound. Also, air bag light flashed on the dashboard and stayed on. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. *ak recall#1500521
While driving driver pressed the horn and there was no sound coming from the horn. Consumer noticed that horn came on and off intermittently. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that air bag module needed to be replaced.
Airbag light and ABS lights remain lighted. Cruise control and horn non-functioning.
At any speed air bag light comes on and stays on. When the air bag light comes on horn and the cruise control will not work. There is an article in a consumer magazine that documents the problems the consumer is having. The problem mentioned is a defective clock spring.
Intermittently, the turn signals and hazard lights did not respond when using the multi-function switch. The dealer has not been able to determine the cause of the problem. Please provide further details. *jb
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