We let the battery go dead about 1.5 years ago, After replacing the battery, the AC and rear wiper lights flash continuously. And occasionally the gauges all seem to shut off (go all the way to the left), dash lights go off and radio quits. The check engine, ABS and air bag lights come on. Just as mysteriously everything goes back to normal after a short time. Sometimes can get them to come back on by stopping and turning ignition off for a short time. Occasionally the check engine light remains on afterward. Autozone can't interpret the code (manufacturer controller, improper inputs/outputs). Just this morning dash lights off, no radio, no AC, shut ignition off and everything works. Anybody know the culprit before I take it to the dealer and leave a pint of blood.

 

Hi. I don't think the dead battery had anything to do with it. Your lack of radio kind of scares me, I don't know the circuits enough to know for sure.

Problem: Instrument cluster dies off.
Likely Reason: Ground pin of the instrument cluster has a poor connection.

Stranded Short Term Solution:
Hit the dash hard! If you can't start your car and your dash doesn't light up (no odometer, etc) but the engine cranks, it is because the ground pin isn't connected. This brings down the alarm circuitry, which places the car in anti-theft mode. I had my doubts, but I left my car in a parking lot for 6 hours while I read up on things. Leave the key in the ignition, like it was running. Hit the dash with your fist hard until the intruments light up.

Proper fix: Take the cluster out yourself and resolder the ground pins. Takes maybe 2 hours start to test drive, some say less. DON'T go to the junkyard or dealer and buy a new cluster. This appears to be a manufacturing defect that may fail at any time.

Search Instrument cluster on google and you may come across a procedure or the forum I came across.

 

I have seen two problems with the caravan and T/C, one is the ignition switch and the other is the circuit board on the back of the cluster. I would try a ignition switch 1st.

 

Thanks for the replies. Tried the "hit the dash hard" thing so far and it has worked both times. Will probably ty to resolder the pins as I'm due to drive it to Texas(from Indiana) the end of the month. Another forum I came across (*********.com) suggested that it might be the body computer. Also came across a reset fix for the blinking AC lights, although I tried it on mine and it still seems to indicate a problem (AC, Recirc and rear wiper light flashes). Again THANKS.

 

Please replace astericks with dodge followed by talk. Can't believe this forum will not let you reference another one. Oh well thanks again

 

repaired 1998 3.3 dodge caravan. we hit the dash lights came on. i soldered the pins worked. got a used cluster off ebay installed in less than two hours this was two years ago not a problem.less than 50.00. ollie

 

OK - Stupid question time. Not having the cluster out yet - What do I want to solder the pin connection (foil on the board ) on the board or the crimp connection in the connector. I've seen a wiring diagram so I know which are the ground pins. Thanks if you get the chance to reply.

 

I have always replace the circuit board and reset the gauges, with a scanner. As far as the blinking lites on the a/c / heater control head, you'll need to run the cool down test, because you have replace the battery.