2002 Dodge Caravan Grand Caravan's dashboard gauges and tur

CINCYBOYS

MEMBER
2002 DODGE CARAVAN

Electrical problem
2002 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Automatic 125000 miles

All of a sudden none of the dashboard gauges are working on my van. The turn signals are not working either. Although, I can see the arrow flashing very, very faintly when I turn it on.

A quick recent repair history is having the alternator replaced twice, the first one went bad. Also having the starter motor replaced three times in one month, the first two went bad. We had the serpentine belt replaced twice, again the first one went bad. (Notice a pattern here?) The idler pulley was replaced at the same time as the alternator the first time. Last summer we replaced the wiring harness under the battery because the battery had leaked causing damage. Also the radiator, evaporator, and evaporator core, after our air conditioner stopped working.

My husband is an electrical engineer and car repair hobbyist, and would like to try to fix this problem himself, if possible.

1 Reply

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

With the signals working faintly in the car and working normally on the exterior I would think there is a ground problem. Start by the battery and check the body ground. Sometimes even though they look ok, but not making a good contact. Then move towards the dash. Using a jumper wire connect each connection to a ground, One on the body and one on the dash. The dash lights may still be working but are faint to see.