2004 Dodge Durango

SHEVONR

MEMBER
2004 DODGE DURANGO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
71,996 MILES

It is currently being checked at a dealership, and they think it is the door lock actuator module. The car started and as I put it in reverse it shut off, we tried 3 more times and it only stayed on for 5 seconds before dying completely, also my keyless entry would not work or panic button. I had previously had problems with the alarm system drawing the battery, but a draw was never located and the car started up again with no problems, and it was never looked into again. They had also replaced a door lock actuator on the driver side, which did not work when I brought it back.

Are the 1st and 2nd incidences related and can this happen again?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,752 POSTS

Any bizarre thing imaginable can happen with all the unnecessary, unreliable, complicated computers on today's cars. Every year more computers are added and we buy these nightmares because of the cool toys and gadgets rather than demanding reliable transportation. Sorry to say we are stuck with these computers until manufacturers wake up and go back to simpler vehicles that people want to buy.

Beginning in 2004, your lock cylinder in the door is a computer module because, ... Well, ... I don't have a clue what problem they solved, but I'm sure you know it's not cheap to fix. Most intermittent problems like these are fixed by replacing a computer, but unfortunately, you can never know for sure if it's fixed unless it acts up again; then you know it wasn't repaired. Intermittent problems are miserable to find. Problems that act up 100 percent of the time are easier to fix because when the circuit works, you know you found the problem.

Another problem with computers is when you buy a remanufactured one, which is what we usually get, there could be an intermittent problem in it from the previous owner that the rebuilder was not aware of. You might pay for a computer that has more problems than your old one. This is why I'm still driving a 1988 Grand Caravan; only one computer, for the engine.

Caradiodoc