Normally I'm on looking for my truck, but My mom has been having multiple problems with her 2006 Caravan. she sent me this today before asking me to check out some newer used micro cars (yaris, iQ, 500 etc).
"This morning I started the car & the check engine light came on again. I have invested $1500 plus regular oil changes in this car this year already. There is a recall that I have to take it to the dealer for on Nov. 4th (airbag sensors). And something is wrong with the electrical - windows don't roll down and turn signals/washer fluid/high beams are all mixed up"
last year she replaced most of the suspension, bushing prematurely worn out etc. Could this be a lemon or has anyone else had these problems?

 

well cars do break down. we need the code from the vehicle to determine what the issue is. you just mentions that you repaired a few issues but did not say they actual issue just that the light came on. now i think in that yr if i am not mistaken you can check by turning the key on/off/on/off/on. to get the code.

 

Yup. Lots going on there. Can you get more details? A scanner will reveal more info in regards to the CE light. Autozone or the like will scan for codes for free.

Corrosion on the IPM (fuse box) connections and internal circuit board are a known issue causing many electrical problems.

 

She's going to get it checked out tomorrow, i'll try to get as much info as i can mainly my question was "is this common for 06?". I dont even know how long the warrenty was or is for her. bad thing is im away at school and can't do the work myself, and cant help out financially because I've gotta fix my plenum and need new tires. I think the biggest thing for her is that her last 2 caravans went over 100k miles without any problems like this is one is having. according to her (shes a book keeper) she's spent more on nonmaintenance repairs on this one in 5 yrs than she has on the last 2 put together. wierd thing is she bought the last 2 brand new, zero miles, this one was "new" it was the floor model at the dealership we got her 97 and my truck at. good deal on it because it didnt have stow'n'go but had a dvd and great soundsystem but everyone wanted stow'n'go apparently or didnt want the dvd player. Personally from all the electrical problems shes having I think the harness is bad. i had a harness go bad on a bike i was fixing, it was throwing codes left and right but everything tested out good even with new parts, we finally tested the harness and it had a short in it somewhere. got a new one and no more codes. shes gone through lightbulbs likes no ones business. I'll post up the CEL code when she gets it read.

UPDATE: No more CEL, without having it reset. I have no idea where to even start, but I dont think she's gonna keep this van much longer. She's already started looking for a 4 banger hatchback, Nissan has better MPGs than the Caliber. so unfortunately shes going towards that, unless she finds a really good deal on a Caliber. Oh well thanks for help (and offers to help). DF has been great help with everything so far. Back to the Ram page.