1999 Dodge Caravan Speedometer, gauges, and warning lights

1999 DODGE CARAVAN
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BRITTON_DANA
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Electrical problem
1999 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic

At random times, the ABS warning light and the Check Engine Warning light will come on. When they do, all of the gauges and the lights in the dash go out. I have found that if I hit a bump or hit the dash in a particular place, they come back on. The problem is worsening where, some times it is a week or more before I can get things working properly again. On 1 such occasion this past week, my husband hit the dash too hard and popped the hand off the speedometer. I need to get the speedometer fixed and also try to find out what could be causing the other issue. Can you tell me a low cost way to get the speedometer fixed and the other problem handled or at least help diagnose the problem?
Jul 20, 2009 at 10:37 PM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
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your van is know for having a problem with the instrument cluster.

the solder joints start cracking and not making contact.

it has to be replaced.
Jul 21, 2009 at 1:03 AM
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BRITTON_DANA
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Thank you for your reply. Can I get a little clarification as to how much needs to be done, please. Are you saying that the entire instrument panel needs to be replaced, just the speedometer, or basically how much are we talking needs to be replaced. And is this something that is economically feasible or should I consider a new vehicle?
Jul 22, 2009 at 7:54 AM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
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before you replace the instrument cluster, there is also another common problem.

The BCM has a resistor that goes bad in it. The BCM is under the dash on the left side by your feet.

either one could be the problem. And there really isn't a magic answer about how to figure out which one it is.
A crap shoot at best.

If you decide to buy used ones, make sure they have a 30 day guarantee, cause a lot of them will be defective.
Jul 22, 2009 at 9:29 AM
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