2003 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical problems

Filed Nov 18, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 238,958 miles · SC

There are two problems that are very serious. First, in 2017 as I was exiting the interstate, I drove through a puddle. As I attempted to turn left onto the road, my steering wheel locked and it was only with extreme force and slamming on the brakes that I kept from running through the guardrail, and dropping down to the interstate below. I was unable to make the turn and stopped on the overpass until my steering wheel unlocked. Yes, my engineer husband keeps up with all of our regular maintenance, including the belts. Next, with an unusually heavy rain this past week, my battery light came on. After parking for an hour, my steering wheel would not turn when I attempted go again. I restarted the car five times before the steering unlocked. All week, during that heavy rain, the steering locked regularly. These problems are all over the web. Women and children everywhere are in danger of dying from something that should have been recalled years ago. Why is there no recall for this problem? If you are refusing to do anything about this, then you are eligible for being sued along with chrysler, for allowing this to continue uncorrected.

Filed Apr 25, 2016 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · MA · fire

Takata recall, my can has had some serious safety electrical issues for quite some time now.I've had many dangerous situations. With this can one thing after the next. I'm not sure exactly the problem but something the power control modual or wiring harness is not ok. The radiator fans didn't work as well as the power controls windows,heat,AC,radio, and the wipers ect.there is sparking coming from the car. Wires had started to catch fire. As well as the car overheating.

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 130,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge grand caravan. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact tested and replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to successfully restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair facility. The mechanic stated that the pc module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the horn would continuously activate. The mechanic disabled the horn and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 111,000 miles · TX

Driving to meet my husband. I was on a highway I got up to 60 MPH. My van started losing the instrument panel. At first only a little bump (ding) then as I continue driving I lost the whole instrument panel intermittently and the wind shield wipers came on and sprayed wiper fluid and all lights would not work. When I got the panel back it would leave the air bag light on. It had no effect on the rest of the engine. I had something similar happen before and it was a dead battery. I went and had both battery and alternator tested they are fine. It has not happened again but it had happened at least every 2 weeks for 6 months with no answers. This is the first time it completely lost the instrument panel but not the first time it would lose 5 MPH or so on the instrument panel and nothing to the engine. I am going crazy thinking my car is possessed! Went to a non dealership repair shop and was told that since it was not doing it right now they can't tell anything.

Filed Mar 5, 2014 · Electrical · 101,000 miles · NY

Vehicle was being driven on road totally cut out, would not re start, after some 20 minutes restarted, decided to drive on thruway back to mechanic, would run for a short time then cut out again. Given to chrysler dodge dealer, unable to locate problem, could not fix.. Replaced ECM module replace oem module no better. Own mechanic replaced a wire, at least it run but now cuts out in car wash, puddles, slush. Chrysler still have no idea, except that they have several instances of the same problem. Also ignition key works only when tapped with a hammer and turn, apparently this is also a common fault.

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · 159,955 miles · MD

My air bag light came on and horn stopped working was told by dealer it was the clock springs but its not included in the recall.

Filed Sep 11, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 165,000 miles · VA

I have had so many major problems with my 2003 dodge grand caravan! I bought it used in 2008 w/ 68k miles. At that time the transmission had already been replaced. I had to replace the entire power steering system ($2000), auto window regulator, AC blower, tires, alternator belt, water pump, etc.the engine light has been on for some time now and mechanic says misfiring spark plugs. When serviced for problem(@ 170k miles) discovered original factory sp still in. Horrible corrosion/build up, had 2 fuel system flushes. Light on again. Newest & most dangerous problems,on multiple occasions now, van has completely turned off while driving, idling, and parked. It happens randomly and unexpectedly. More frequently while at lower speeds or parked but once while I was actually driving. When it cuts off the oil light remains illuminated. The car turns right back on. 5 times while driving 25-50mph has gone into cruise control by itself, and I loose control until it decides to give it back! Today, for the first time, after parking and turning car off myself, it would not restart. Ignition not responding, no noise, nothing. Tried to jump it and nothing, notices that lights and other electrical components not effected. Fortunately an observer also happened to be a mechanic, he took out the starter fuse and stuck some wires in the socket and had me turn the key, it started!!! He said that it seems there is an ignition communication problem, a.k.a. Computer problem. I have 4 kids that are always with me and this is our only vehicle. If the vehicle is dependent on the computer to function, then I have zero room for communication problems. I have reviewed all of the complaints for this make/model/year, there are multiple complaints that are similar if not identical to mine. I wonder how many complaints have to be filed before action is taken? Does someone have to die first?

Filed Aug 21, 2012 · Electrical · 119,282 miles · AZ

We were driving down the freeway going 75mph and everything died. No power steering, no power brakes! Luckily we were in the far right lane and were able to barley able to make it of the side of the road without being hit or hitting anyone. In 110 degree weather, we sat with our 4 small children waiting for a tow truck. And then for someone to pick us up. We don't' even know how the tow truck was able to get the vehicle without getting hit, it was that close to the side of the road. Nothing started and after 3 shops, finally found it was the computer, took the part out and its messed up and we were told not only by all 3 shops, but by all the parts places that its common in this make and model. That is unacceptable! My kids not only are afraid to get in the car, but I have had to start taking something for anxiety, I am so afraid to drive any car now, afraid of that happening again. It was terrifying going that speed and losing all power and control over the vehicle. It should not have happened.

Filed Jan 28, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 123,000 miles · MD

While driving, the left headlamp stopped working. It started working again a few minutes later, and has continued to turn on and off for no apparent reason. High beams work ok. The same problem occurred with two different bulbs. When the ignition is off, I can turn on the headlights, but the left light has a slight delay turning on. When I turn the ignition on, the left headlight goes out. I cannot find any relays or fuses for the headlights. Two mechanics have looked at the problem, and have not been able to fix it. This seems to be a common problem on the web, but I can't find any solutions.

Filed Jan 20, 2011 · Electrical · 79,850 miles · VA

2003 dodge grand caravan sport, the head lights and dash will dim for a quick second. This happens when its cold out side and when the transmission is down shifting when braking. I have had the batter and alternator test and received passing results. Once the engine and tranny is warmed up there is not problem. Have done a internet search that revealed several issues with this on the 02 models but did not find anything on getting it repaired.