I don't know much about dodge cars or electrical stuff in general, so I'm asking for your guys advice. My moms 98 caravan died when she got home. The cluster needles and lights won't work. Headlights, int lights, heater, radio etc won't work. Engine won't crank, won't prime, but the battery still outs out 12v even when th key is on accessory. Checked fuses and they're all fine. When I turn the headlights on, the big headlamp fuse and lowbeam fuse make a fast, loud flickering sound. The red power wire that connects the fuse box to the battery only puts out 1v and then sometimes it'd go up to 7v. Should it be putting out 12v? Any help would be appreciated thank you

 

Before you start chasing circuits eliminate the obvious. Make sure the battery connections are clean and tight then connect a set of jumper cables to another car, let it run 5-10 minutes then try to start the van. If it comes back to life you will likely need a new battery. Better than that, take your battery to any parts store and have them perform a load test. It's the best test to determine battery life.

Batteries can be fickle. They can show you 12 volts yet be too weak to do anything when under load.

BTW - Fuses blow. They don't make sounds. Could it be the relays you're hearing? Clattering relays are a sure sign of weak power.

 

Oh OK ill be sure to do that. And yes I'm sorry, it was the relays not the fuses. Ill jump it when I get the chance

 

Did you tried to Jump start the car first? or clean battery terminal?

 

Yup jump started and worked for a bit. Did a load test and determined the battery needs to be replaced. I found out the battery is too small. Thanks for the help