2002 Grand Caravan, electrical problem

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Allan Streib - 20 Dec 2005 14:11 GMT

(orginally posted to alt.autos.dodge but I don't think that all news feeds
include that group)

Intermittenly, all electrical accessories cut out simultaneously: blowers,
radio, wipers, windows. Usually just for a moment but sometimes longer.
Though the blower motors shut off, the power light for the climate control
remains illuminated. Instrument cluster and other instrumentation
(temperature/compass) are unaffected.

What would be the likely cause of this?

Van has about 68k miles, and the original battery if that could be the
problem, though it does start just fine.

Allan

Reply to this Message

Nosey - 20 Dec 2005 17:39 GMT

> (orginally posted to alt.autos.dodge but I don't think that all news
> feeds include that group)
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Allan

I don't have a wiring diagram for your vehicle but it sounds to me like the
ignition switch is going bad or you have wiring problems in the switch
harness. I believe all of the items you mentioned are normally dead when the
ignition switch is in the "start" position.

You can verify this by turning the key to the "run" position without
starting the vehicle, then turn on all of the accessories (wipers, heater
blower, radio). With the parking brake set and your foot on the brake pedal,
put the transmission in reverse or drive. Now turn the key to the start
position and hold it there (the starter won't engage unless the transmission
is in park or neutral). Take note of which accessories go dead, then release
the switch back to the run position. If these are all of the same
accessories that you are having problems with I would suspect the switch or
ignition harness. If you wiggle the switch around in the run position it
might reveal a "dead spot" in the switch. Don't forget to put the
transmission back in park and turn off the key when you are finished.

Signature

Ken

Reply to this Message

Allan Streib - 21 Dec 2005 00:38 GMT

> I don't have a wiring diagram for your vehicle but it sounds to me like the
> ignition switch is going bad or you have wiring problems in the switch
> harness. I believe all of the items you mentioned are normally dead when the
> ignition switch is in the "start" position.

That is a very interesting theory because not long ago we had trouble
with the ignition lock "sticking" in the locked position. The key would
not turn. Wiggling the key, the steering, and the gear selector would
not free it so it did not seem like an interlock problem.

Removing the key and reinserting a few times would free it. Local
locksmith figured the lock was dirty and advised "blasting it out with
WD40" which I did, and it solved the sticking problem, but possibly I
blasted the dirt into the electrical contacts? I would guess the
electrical switch is sealed and isolated from the lock mechanism but who
knows?

Maybe try spraying electical contact cleaner into the lock?

Allan

Reply to this Message

Mike Hollywood - 21 Dec 2005 03:51 GMT

I think wd 40 doesn't leave a residue. it evaporates, and contact cleaners
do the same thing.
a penetrating oil, like B P Blaster, will leave an oil film.
I think I'd find a lube made for locks, and try that.

mike

>> I don't have a wiring diagram for your vehicle but it sounds to me like
>> the ignition switch is going bad or you have wiring problems in the
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> Allan

Reply to this Message