1997 Dodge Caravan Electrical trouble.

KITTYCON

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

My 97 Caravan is having electrical problems. I have checked fuses, and they appear fine. I had autozone run codes and there were none. It started a few years ago. The cruise control went out first, then the radio, then the horn. Some time in there it also started thinking a door was open, so it locks and unlocks the doors while you are driving and dings at you. The interior lights also will flicker on an off when it does that. Any ideas, and can I take it anywhere or is it a specialty electrical shop or dealer I need?

i also just saw that there is a recall on this van, with an airbag coil? My airbag light has been on since I bought it 4 years ago. Could the rest be related to this?

Thanks
Kitty

1 Reply

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Hi Kitty
and thank you
the air bag, cruise and horn all related to failed clock spring inside the steering wheel under the driver side air bag
have your VIN # on hand and check with your local Chry dealer if its still covered under the recall that was issued few years back
as for the radio
if all fuses checked OK radio need to be pulled out and checked (suspecting a bad radio )
dome lights and lock and unlock door bell all related to a door switch
check and clean the connectors on the sliding door s
Auto zone hand help OBDII reader will not communicate with BCM and AIR BAG system
you need to have it scanned by a shop where the proper scan tool used and it should indicate what door switch is staying open and the reason for the air bag light on
good luck