97 Caravan 3.3 Instrument Panel / BCM
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Joined: Sep 2006
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97 Caravan 3.3 Instrument Panel / BCM
I was getting some funny stuff on the instrument panel plus some hard-to-start trouble. I resoldered both connection jacks on the instrument panel but that did not fix the starting problem. During the starting problem there was a lot of clicking and buzzing from the BCM. Turns out the big problem was the battery terminals were corroded. After cleaning the terminals, everything is fine except - these 4 buttons now flash quickly in unison(twice a second), the Rear window wiper, the rear window wiper intermittant, the recirculation button, and the A/C button. This happens all the time when the ignition is on. The buttons all work, it's just the lights. I may have shorted out the connectors when I resoldered, or perhaps the BCM was affected by the low voltage and buzzing during the battery terminal problems. Any wisdom?
Joined: May 2008
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RE: 97 Caravan 3.3 Instrument Panel / BCM
Greetings,
I have a 1997 3.3 liter Dodge Caravan.
About 2 years ago the instruments and the dash lights started working intermittently.
The gauges and dash lights would turn on and off for no apparent reason.
There were no other malfunctions on the vehicle and no OBD2 error codes.
I researched on the Internet and performed the resoldering of the instrument cluster connectors.
I also checked the cabling and connectors for intermittent contact.
The intermittent operation continued.
Eventually, I received a PO1698 OBD2 code which is a communication error with the TCM (transmission control module).
I took the Caravan to the authorized Dodge dealer for service.
They claimed to have tested the cables to the TCM and to the instrument cluster.
They claimed to have reprogrammed the main computer and the TCM with updated firmware.
After they cleared the OBD2 error code from the computer, they were not able to capture the PO1698 code again nor were they able to observeany intermittent operation of the instruments or the dash lights.
They summarized that they really hadn't found anything wrong and charged me $180.
For the following two months the instruments and the dash lights operated perfectly.
Then the instruments anddash lightsbegan to perform intermittently again.
I then checked the OBD2 code and PO1698 was back!
Currently the instruments and dash lights only operate about 1 day out of 7 days.
I haven't had any time to further explore the problem and I fuel up frequently to keep the fuel tank full as I don't have reliable fuel level indication.
So I don't have any answers but thought my experience with the 1997 Dodge Caravan might be an interesting reference.
I seriously doubt if you damaged anything when you resoldered the connectors.
From all the posts on various forums on the Internet it appears that the Dodge Caravan has a lot of electrical problems associated with the instrument cluster and the dash lights.
It also appears that the symptoms vary and what is a fix for one Caravan is not necessarily a fix for another.
If I ever discover the root cause of the instrument cluster on my Caravan I will definitely post the results for others as this can be very frustrating.
Ned
http://www.home-machine-shop.com
I have a 1997 3.3 liter Dodge Caravan.
About 2 years ago the instruments and the dash lights started working intermittently.
The gauges and dash lights would turn on and off for no apparent reason.
There were no other malfunctions on the vehicle and no OBD2 error codes.
I researched on the Internet and performed the resoldering of the instrument cluster connectors.
I also checked the cabling and connectors for intermittent contact.
The intermittent operation continued.
Eventually, I received a PO1698 OBD2 code which is a communication error with the TCM (transmission control module).
I took the Caravan to the authorized Dodge dealer for service.
They claimed to have tested the cables to the TCM and to the instrument cluster.
They claimed to have reprogrammed the main computer and the TCM with updated firmware.
After they cleared the OBD2 error code from the computer, they were not able to capture the PO1698 code again nor were they able to observeany intermittent operation of the instruments or the dash lights.
They summarized that they really hadn't found anything wrong and charged me $180.
For the following two months the instruments and the dash lights operated perfectly.
Then the instruments anddash lightsbegan to perform intermittently again.
I then checked the OBD2 code and PO1698 was back!
Currently the instruments and dash lights only operate about 1 day out of 7 days.
I haven't had any time to further explore the problem and I fuel up frequently to keep the fuel tank full as I don't have reliable fuel level indication.
So I don't have any answers but thought my experience with the 1997 Dodge Caravan might be an interesting reference.
I seriously doubt if you damaged anything when you resoldered the connectors.
From all the posts on various forums on the Internet it appears that the Dodge Caravan has a lot of electrical problems associated with the instrument cluster and the dash lights.
It also appears that the symptoms vary and what is a fix for one Caravan is not necessarily a fix for another.
If I ever discover the root cause of the instrument cluster on my Caravan I will definitely post the results for others as this can be very frustrating.
Ned
http://www.home-machine-shop.com
ORIGINAL: tcampb51
I was getting some funny stuff on the instrument panel plus some hard-to-start trouble. I resoldered both connection jacks on the instrument panel but that did not fix the starting problem. During the starting problem there was a lot of clicking and buzzing from the BCM. Turns out the big problem was the battery terminals were corroded. After cleaning the terminals, everything is fine except - these 4 buttons now flash quickly in unison(twice a second), the Rear window wiper, the rear window wiper intermittant, the recirculation button, and the A/C button. This happens all the time when the ignition is on. The buttons all work, it's just the lights. I may have shorted out the connectors when I resoldered, or perhaps the BCM was affected by the low voltage and buzzing during the battery terminal problems. Any wisdom?
I was getting some funny stuff on the instrument panel plus some hard-to-start trouble. I resoldered both connection jacks on the instrument panel but that did not fix the starting problem. During the starting problem there was a lot of clicking and buzzing from the BCM. Turns out the big problem was the battery terminals were corroded. After cleaning the terminals, everything is fine except - these 4 buttons now flash quickly in unison(twice a second), the Rear window wiper, the rear window wiper intermittant, the recirculation button, and the A/C button. This happens all the time when the ignition is on. The buttons all work, it's just the lights. I may have shorted out the connectors when I resoldered, or perhaps the BCM was affected by the low voltage and buzzing during the battery terminal problems. Any wisdom?
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Joined: Sep 2005
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RE: 97 Caravan 3.3 Instrument Panel / BCM
Sounds like the HVAC controller needs to be re-set.
I believe, but could be wrong.
Turn the ignition ON but dont start the car.
Turn the blower on high.
Push the Left button and the right button together. ( The flashing ones. )
This will start a Diagnostic mode.
After it runs.
The blinking should stop.
Try a few other combo's if my memory is failing me.
Good luck
I believe, but could be wrong.
Turn the ignition ON but dont start the car.
Turn the blower on high.
Push the Left button and the right button together. ( The flashing ones. )
This will start a Diagnostic mode.
After it runs.
The blinking should stop.
Try a few other combo's if my memory is failing me.
Good luck
