Caravan/Town & Country Electrical Problems

tedebear · February 2008

we had the transmission fluid changed.

Hmm...I read another thread recently where someone was having trouble with the backup lights. Apparently they could get the lights to come on if they wiggled the shifter a little when it was in reverse. There was some adjustment that needed to be done to the linkage.

I wonder if the mechanic bumped something under there with a tool when he was fighting with the trans drain plug?

correllbil · February 2008

Many years ago I had a simular problem with one of my Fords. It turned out to be a problem in the ignition switch. There is a contact in the switch that feeds the ACC (Accessories). I would check to make sure that the wire that feeds the cars accessories has power.

lisekwr · February 2008

I had an issue with my 05, and took it to the dealer. Have your dealer give you your money back, there was a recall an all town and countrys, they had an issue with the computer. It needed an update and it should have been done for free.

mbarbara · March 2008

My wife and I traded our 03 Durango in for a brand new 08 Town and Country on 2/14 and the joy lasted all of 2 weeks. We got the signature series which has everything the limited has minus nav and seat presets.
The first issue happened one nite when my wife put the van in gear after being stopped with the engine runnign and being placed into park. The shifter would not drop down into drive and was locked in park with the engine running. She turned the car off, took out the key and restarted it, which then allowed her to put it in drive.

Two nites later we went to the store and the same thing happened when I tried to start the car and back out of a parking space. But this ime the car would not give up my key. It let me stop the engine but locked the key in the ACC position. I fumbled the key back and forth for 5 minutes and it suddenly just let loose and everything worked.

This past weekend we drove up north and enjoyed the 1st 25 minutes with no radio, sat, sattv, nothing. We just watched aas the chrysler emblem appeared and disappeared constantly on the mygig system. The miraculously healed itself and returned to normal operation for the remainder of the trip and no problems on the ride home. My wife took it to the dealer on Monday and was told a fuse was inserted backwards on purpose while at the dealer on the lot and they reversed it when it left, they forgot to do this with ours (they didnt realize that I am an electrical systems engineer and am not dumb enough to believe that fuses have polarity but maybe ...). We gave them the benefit of the doubt and hoped for the best.

Tonite took the cake. On the way home my wife stopped for gas. After starting the car she she realized her window would not go back up, all the interior accessory lites stayed off, and the radio was once again showing the chrysler emblem and not turning on. She drove 3 blocks and suddenly the window control came back, interior lites came back on and the radio put out music.

I relize this is the 1st mdel year for the new design but come on!!! Our Durango was a 1st yr car and it was fine. I have never had any type of issues like this. I think I have a lemon and dread the coming moths of documenting repairs and wasting time.

There is one thing that is out of the norm. The dealer installed a UConnect mic as it did not come with our van about a week and a half after we took delivery. The voice commands and bluetooth work normal when the rest of the car does so I dont think the uconnect installation is the issue but who knows... Thank God I didnt install it myself this time.

Has anyone heard of any issues with the new town and countries that are anyway similar to this? I am guessing its an electric issue but did not think the ingition, windows, gearshift, or even key issue would be tied to the same systems controlling the radio. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Marty

xwesx · March 2008

I am guessing its an electric issue but did not think the ingition, windows, gearshift, or even key issue would be tied to the same systems controlling the radio.

The ignition, windows, dash, etc., are all tied into the Body Control Module, but not sure about the radio and other accessories. If they were, then the BCM might simply be defective or have a loose connector.

lholcomb · March 2008

I had my ABS system replace a year ago. Since then my ABS & brake light comes on. I've taken it in and the last time they told me the wiring harness keeps coming loose so that is why my lights come on. Is this something that can be fixed at home or should it be taken to the dealership? Any suggestion or anyone else have problems with their dash lights coming on. I also lost all dash lights the last time this happened but they taped the harness and it's lasted about 5 months. Thanks.

lholcomb · March 2008

larosaone · March 2008

My door locks suddenly stopped working, no one can find a problem, but they don't work from the remote or from the switch inside the car. suggestions?

beaupied · March 2008

I know what you're going thru....<2 weeks into my lease w/an 08 RT T&C Touring, the key fob issues started...wireless ignition node (WIN) went wrong...hence the jiggling to get the key out of acc or even out of the ignition..
I had no wipers (it was snowing), no heat, no radio, no wiindows, no power locks and no turn indicators. Luckily, I was two miles from the dealership I got it from. Over 3 weeks later, the replacement part came in. It's been now two weeks since that and this week I noticed dimming in the PRNDL lights and the radio lights. I drvie w/my lights on always, day and night. Yesterday I noticed dimming in the headlights on my way to work...called the dealership, left a msg, but no response.
This morning on I75 just north of Detroit at 80mph, 6am, still night darkness...the headlights went completely out on me. Imagine my fright!
This time it's something called the TIPM, Total Integrated Power Module. It's getting looked at as I type....don't know the outcome just yet.

hasteen · March 2008

I have the some problem, my door looks dont work from inside of by the remote.

larosaone · March 2008

I disconnected my battery for about 5 minutes and then re-coonected it and now everything works fine. I'm told this will work for a few months. Also the dealer can reprogram your computer for free it its still under warranty.

notsoredbeard · March 2008

Yes! Same problem....2001 T&C. The ABS and brake lights come on intermittently. Also, the trac indicator in the mileage box, and twice all the "idiot" lights came on and the gauges stopped working. Any idea what the problem is? The dealer wants to replace the cluster at about a thousand dollars! I've checked and checked and can't replicate the problem. Possible cold solder on the circuit board?

bperfetti · April 2008

Last night our 3-day old 2008 Town & Country burned out its own electrical system. It was parked in our driveway and all of a sudden the lights were flashing, horn blowing, wipers going. We went out, there was smoke coming from under the hood, the car was trying to start. Called 911, fire dept. came. Horn & lights finally quit, they unhooked the battery and pulled out the electric box. Car was towed back to the dealership this morning and I told them we don't want it back. I don't know what will happen from here, we are leasing it and signed the contract Friday night.

heiferhopper · April 2008

Seems like there is an issue with these vans. I too have had problems: we were traveling back from Orlando to Houston when, about 1 hour out of Orlando, we pulled into a service plaza. Upon returning to the van and starting it up, we noticed that the wipers were going, the instrument cluster was not working and the nav/stereo was out. Also, the AC was not working but the climate control was. We also couldn't get the back hatch open. We tried to find a dealer but it was a Saturday and after 1 pm. We decided to drive back to Houston as is.

A few hours later, we pulled into a McD's for dinner. Upon returning to the van and starting it back up, everything was working again. Just as mysteriously as it began, it seemed it was over. We drove with a working van until about 1PM CST, when we got close to the TX border. There, the road got consistantly bumpy. I began to notice the ID-10-T lights coming on and the seat was doing the Cha-Cha. From that point on, the issue was intermittent and would go out and come back unpredictably.

We took it to the dealer on Monday and they were perplexed to say the least. I related to them about a post that I read here about the BCM and the TIPM and they, after some more troubleshooting, decided to order those modules. The modules are on backorder for 2-3 weeks. I will try to update after it is all fixed.

On another note, this is a major safety issue, so I would recommend that everyone who have experienced it go to the NHTSA site and file a complaint. I will provide a link, hopefully it works:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Larry

bperfetti · April 2008

Larry, I used your link to file a complaint but after I choose the Chrysler and click on Town&Country, it won't accept it. I would gladly file a complaint form if it would let me.
Bonnie

heiferhopper · April 2008

I see what you are saying. I hadn't submitted the complaint yet because I wanted to wait until it was out of the shop. However, I believe that the problem with the site is because it is a new year for this vehicle. You may be able to submit it for a 2007, but I am not sure how that will affect the complaint. The VIN number should make it clear that it is for a 2008, though.

jllctaylor · April 2008

I was on vacation last Wed, March 26 in South Carolina when I had the exact same electrical problem. I went to get in my '08 T&C and the automatic doors did not work. I went to start and the wipers ran nonstop. I had no instruments or radio.

A dealer in SC has had my van for over a week with no fix. They ordered the TIPM. It did not fix it. They ordered another part. It did not fix it. They have been looking since last Friday for an electrical short with no success.

Chrysler did give me a rental to drive back to Ohio, but not until Saturday. So, I was on a family vacation with 3 small children with no ride. I am trying to be patient, but starting to get irritated. I am still in a rental with no end in sight.

Any thoughts?

heiferhopper · April 2008

That's funny. Seems that Chrysler has something against family vacations. Anyways, we got our van back the other day and they replaced the Body Control Module, the Total Integrated Processor Module and a wiring bundle. Didn't fix anything. This time, besides the previous issues similiar to yours, we are seeing white smoke coming from under the hood and the engine will die. "Hopefully", this means that there is a hard failure and that the shop will be able to pinpoint the cause. They are getting a Chrysler tech to come down (which they did the last time) and assist in trouble shooting.

Please, to all who have experienced this, file a complaint with the NHTSA and also try to email Chrysler's CEO, Bob Nardelli. I have tried to find his email, but I cannot at this moment. The most I will be able to do thus far is to email Chrysler and file the complaint w/the NHTSA.

Larry

jllctaylor · April 2008

I just spoke with the dealer in SC that is trying to fix my T&C. They think they have all repaired except they cannot get the wipers to stop. I am not sure if this makes me feel good or not.

They have had the van for a week and a half. This is unfortunate. I really like the van, but I need to be in it in order to appreciate it.

Jerry

bperfetti · April 2008

I did report our problem to NHTSA. We picked up a new 08 T&C today, exactly like the one that fried it's electrical system earlier this week. Hopefully we won't have any problems with this one, but I'm pretty nervous about these 08 T& C vans now. The dealership is still fighting with Chrysler to get them to take the car back. None of the salesmen there want to try and sell that car.

eriefishing · April 2008

Last night, after starting the van and turning the light switch to on, the headlamps did not turn on. Tried turning them on several times, didn't work. I had to turn the vehicle off, restart, then the lights came on. Has anyone else had this problem? I have also had issues with the Power door locks not working which I reset by pulling the fuse when it happens. Starting to wonder if these issues are associated with each other. Van has almost 50K miles. Any information is appreciated.

Thanks

totsied · April 2008

I went to pick up my new 08 T&C at the dealer last Friday. My kids and I were excited to be getting this new van with all the 'toys' (was planning to sell my Honda Odyssey). Got in the van for a test drive and all seemed well. Stopped to do a tour of the dealership and then got back in to drive to the finance department (large dealership). Radio, navigation, windows and interior lights would not work. We drove to the service department who couldn't find an issue. Started the van back up and suddenly everything was working again. The dealer (nice guy) and I drove the van around the lot stopping, turning off, opening doors and restarting in an attempt to recreate the issue. Was funny, we looked like a chinese firedrill and I was thankful he was willing and understanding. On about the forth 'drill' nav, radio and windows went dead again.

Long story shortened... I left the van for them to check and went to work without officially buying it. Googled the issue and found all this. Dealer can not 'fix' the issue. They try fuses and still the issue appears. They were kind enough to tear up my paperwork and refund my deposit.

Think Chrysler needs to put some effort into this issue or reputation will be tarnished for good. I'm keeping my Odyssey (very reliable) for now and looking into a new one or possibly a Sienna.

Thanks for the posts.

waterlooman · April 2008

We have a 08 T and C which we really enjoy, except we have had several electricl related problems. The first week we had the vehicle, the rear doors would not shut and latch, the defrost would not work, ( which is rather a necessity in Iowa in the month of January). The dealer re loaded the software which he said would take care of all the problems. It seemed to take care of the defrost problem, but the rear doors still do not close all the time, and now at various times when we start the vehicle, the radio and navigation will not operate, so back to the dealer again

heiferhopper · April 2008

That is rather unfortunate. When our van is working, it is a very nice van. We are pretty upset that this van has this many issues. We talked to a local family with the same van and they stated that they have had the very same issues with no resolution. We are going back to the dealer tonight and dropping off the van.

lnlward · April 2008

We have the exact same problem with our 05 stow n go. We are up to 70,000 miles now. My parents have an 05 T & C too, its not stow n go, but same problems with the door and lights on both vans. If you find a solution, please let me know!

srs_49 · April 2008

They had to reload the software so the defrosters would work? That's scary!

jllctaylor · April 2008

After a dealer has had my 08 T&C for 2 weeks in South Carolina (we are from Ohio and were on vacation at the time), they called yesterday to say it was ready to come back to Ohio and everything is working. They did not actually repair anything! They had it so torn apart looking for the electrical issue and when they started putting it back together, it decided to work.

On top of all this, I am being asked by my dealer in Ohio to pay $150 to get the van back to Ohio. Chrysler corporate picked up 5 days of the rental that I am currently driving. The SC Chrysler rep picked up 5 more days of the rental. My dealer in OH is sending a driver to pick up the van and they want me to pay $150. I am embarassed for my OH dealer and Chrysler. It has come down to $150 and they won't cover it. Unbelievable! This has now become my problem financially, in addition to the two weeks without this van and all the phone calls I have made.

My dealer and Chrysler have lost me as a customer. I am only 70 days into a 2 year lease. I am not sure what to do from here. I hope the van works when they get it back here...I am doubtful.

maryh3 · April 2008

I can't help you with your problems but once I thought my radio and navi were out too on my new 08 T&C . That was the first time I used the remote start. I drove for a while without the radio but then it occurred to me that I might not have the key turned the proper spot on the ignition for everything to work. I moved the key slightly in the ignition and everything came on. When you use the remote start, you then have to insert and turn the key for the van to drive. If you don't get it to the proper spot on the ignition the radio may not work even though the van will still drive.

cinnaminbrn67 · April 2008

I have a 98 T&C, and I've had problems with everything in my dash board shutting down while driving, but, the car is still running. I've gone to my car to start it up and it will act like its going to start, but, don't turn over, mean while, everything on the dash is not working. After the 3rd attempt to start it, it's just dead. The only thing working is the radio. I went on another advice sight and someone told my to hit the dash board. Guess what? That worked. That worked for about 6 months. Now, that don't work. Can I pleeaassee get some advice???

cinnaminbrn67 · April 2008

The alternator was the first thing I changed. After that, I changed the relay switch. I'll try changing the battery this time and see what happen. thank you :sick:

cinnaminbrn67 · April 2008

I'm having a problem with my dash board going out while driving. Also, when I go to start my T&C, I'll go to start it and it will start and just die. I'll do that three times and after that it's dead altogether. Now it won't do anything. The only things thats working is the radio, the interior and exterior lights. I've put in a new alternator and relay. Can you help me please?

dhaywood · April 2008

We have had the following issues with our Town and Country

1. When we turn on the vehicle the radio, wiper, power windows, and ac/heater do not turn on, but the van runs normal otherwise. Then if we turn it off and back on right away they work.
2. Sometime (more often then not lately) when all the above things are working while driving the radio (radio, CD, tape) will suddenly go to a buzzing noise and will not work again until the van has been off for a least an hour.
3. NOW- tonight my husband saw flashing lights outside our window. When he went out to check it out our light were flashing quickly on our radio was turning on and off. The fuse box was also ticking. The vehicle had been turned off for over an hour and there were not keys in it. We unplugged the battery for now.

HELP!!!

ttevik · April 2008

replace the instrument cluster.the printed circuit board has a bad solder connection.
i found one at a salvage yard for $75.00 bucks.

imidazol97 · April 2008

I would look on Ebay for someone who rebuilds such things. I notice there was someone doing GM instrument clusters. Rebuilt should mean no future problems.

ebay ad for company

This their store after I searched for Chrysler.
Same store

This is the store on Ebay which is a business that rebuilds various kinds and brands. I'd suggest contacting them and reading about their warranty, etc.

notsoredbeard · April 2008

Follow-up to message 180 and my response: I bit the bullet and replaced the instrument cluster on my 2001 T&C. The ABS and Brake warning lights were coming on intermittently, along with the Trac light. Paid Chrysler $870.00 !

Guess you know what comes next.drove about 5 miles and the lights came on again! Taking it back tomorrow morning.

Does anyone have a clue about what the problem can be?

(By the way, removing and replacing the instrument panel is very easy. The cluster can be removed with just 8 screws in less than 10 minutes. Respond is you need instructions.)

dlipary · April 2008

My 2001 Grand Caravan only has one driving light coming on and one headlight comes on at low beam and the opposite one comes on at high beam, The heater switch doesn't work but the heater can be turned on by the knob but it only blows low speed on high and doesn't blow on any of the other settings. The heater also doesn't blow hot air only outside air and the a/c only blows outside air. The ABS and brake light stays on and so does the tract light even though it doesn't have that option. Also the light bulb light stays on.

twisster76 · April 2008

beaupied I noticed your post and I'm having similar electrical issues although thankfully not with the headlights. Our entire entertainment system and backup camera just decide to work or not work whenever they want to. Our dealership has been of no assistance. Currently we have a new system on order, but it has no ETA. We've had our 08 Signature Series for exactly one month and these problems started 2 weeks after we got it. I was curious as to what dealership you were working with and if you've had any results. We are in the Metro-Detroit area as well, we leased ours through a dealership in Southfield. We're getting ready to head up to Auburn Hills and start banging on Corporate's doors.

rphodge · April 2008

The van goes dead and a module on the fuse panel starts buzzing. Nothing works. The battery is fairly new and the cables are clean and tight. I have discontected the negative cable to reset the computer but I do not want to do this forever. What is the problem?

notsoredbeard · April 2008

Conclusion: After replacing the cluster, the problem turned out to be the brake module...replaced it for another $300. Of course they told me that the cluster was also bad and I couldn't replace it with the old cluster. So after about $1100, it's fixed. (Problem was brake light, abs light, trac warning coming on intermittently; and total instrument panel malfunctioning several times.)

Posting in case someone else has identical problems. Also, I would be happy to sell old cluster and brake module at a very good price, but note that they could be bad.

patty14 · May 2008

When I turn the ignition to start my 97 T&C, first I noticed that the instrument panel does not come on, and the engine turns and fires but dies right away. This problem is intemittent and they have not been able to diagnose. Anybody out there can please help, i would appreciate it.

wen518 · May 2008

The problem it's the body control

tedebear · May 2008

The problem it's the body control

Hopefully, it has been fixed in the nearly two years since that message was posted.

tomr6 · June 2008

It is a rare moment when I go to the net for a solution to a problem and fix the darned thing the first time. Our AC lights wouldn't stop blinking after a battery replacement and the dealer agreed to fix it for an additional $120! Your fix was perfect, and I'm obviously very grateful. Your newest fan, tom

alttab · June 2008

patty14-
I have experienced what is possibly the same problem. I have noticed that the only constant with this, is that mine will turn over exactly 6 times... on the seventh try it does absolutely nothing. It doesn't matter if the weather is hot or cold, wet or dry. It doesn't matter if I've just turn the van off, or if it's been sitting all day and night. I've attempted to lock and unlock the vehicle various ways, being suspicious of an issue with the security system, but even when I left it unlocked, I've had this problem. Once I've reached that seventh attempt and it has no response, it may start again in a few minutes or up to a few days later. It's totally random in occurrence and recovery. The only thing for sure is that it will do a complete start 6 times, shut off in about 2 seconds and not even respond to the ignition on the 7th time. I've been to 4 shops, including our area's preeminent electronics expert. No error codes are logged. I've left it for almost 2 weeks at the Chrysler dealership to have them attempt to recreate this problem, but of course, it wouldn't fail while they had it! I've waited for up to eight hours to attempt to start it again between the six starts, but it seems that it will not go to the final total failure unless I've actually had all six starts and shutoffs, regardless of how far apart I space them. I've even disconnected the battery cable for various lengths of time between attempts, but it still "remembers" how many tries I've made since the initial false start, before failing to start entirely. I haven't had a consistent problem with the instrument panel failure at startup, although, I have had the panel dials flat line and the odometer/trip meter displays shut off, while other lights (ABS, Service Engine Soon, Seatbelt, etc. ) begin popping on. This occurs mostly as I travel down the road and resets itself randomly, sometimes minutes later, sometimes days later.
I am still pursuing this, as it leaves me in a very bad situation of uncertainty with my only vehicle. If you have this problem again, please try starting it repeatedly and count to see if your results are similar to mine. I will keep you posted as well, in case I come up with a solution.
Good luck!!!!

tj_guy · June 2008

I have had this problem for several months now where my locks do as several of you have described: Not work in the van or from the remote key. Itake out the Fuse and voila it works for a few days. Called the dealer yesterday to amke an appointment and he goes " I've never heard of this problem" WOW I said, it is all over the net in blogs!!!! I guesss I will dela with an idiot today when I take it in for the BCM update. Hope it works, I don't want to pay for a new BCM.

I'll keep you up to date.

Just letting you know....I thinks this is a safety issue what happens if......Chrysler and dodge just need to fix the damn problems and suckit up.. No wonder people switch to foreign cars...customer service and quality products dude.

TJ_Guy

AKA a Jeep TJ owner

basline11 · June 2008

Good luck TJ-Guy. I'm having the same issue with the locks (for about a week now) and yesterday the automatic sliding doors started to act up. Please, please give us a post on what happens with you and the BCM. The dealers seems to want to replace that right away. :sick:

basline11 · June 2008

By the way, which fuse is it for the door locks? "> (I have an '05.which may be different.)

eriefishing · June 2008

I have an 05 and I believe it is the fuse labeled IOD, or you can just disconnect the battery. It has been several months since I have had to do that.

kdblvdd · June 2008

I am experiencing the same problem. have you had any success? thanks kdblvdd

billyntara · June 2008

I know you posted this two years ago, but thank you for doing it. My town and country went crazy yesterday, the air stopped blowing cold, windshield wipers didn't work, electric doors didn't work but I had lights (head and tail), radio and electric windows worked (thank God, I live in FL and it's June). I read your message and went to the auto parts store, they checked the battery and it was going bad. They put a new one in for me and everything works even better than before now. I didn't realize how dim my head and interior lights were. Thanks again!!

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