Hi guys, just bought a 2002 caravan SE 3.3! It runs great and was taken care of very well.

I'm just having a couple of what seems to be electrical issues.

The headlights are the major one.

When I have the running lights on (switch to "off") both headlights are lit. However when I turn the night lights on (switch to left) the passenger light turns off, but driver light illuminates brighter.

When I put the high beams on both lights work fine.
Sometimes if I turn the van off before I turn the lights off, the driver side light will stay on after I've turned the lights off. I have to move the switch to the middle position and back to off again to turn it off.

I've cleaned the FCM as I've seen quite a few posts about that, but to no avail. I'm assuming at this point it's a grounding issue, but I'd like some insight before I start tracing wires.

Also, I recently took it to the mechanics to have the water pump replaced. After the service, the airbag light is on intermittently. I've tried disconnecting the neg battery terminal but that hasn't fixed it. I'll be asking the mechanic to run codes later this week, but if anyone has a clue that would be great!

Thanks for any and all posts!

 

If it's not the FCM connection I'd look at the switch itself. It's a known problem area. Some have success taking it apart and cleaning it.

There's a good chance the clockspring mounted behind the horn pad is causing your intermittent airbag light. Generally you'll have horn and/or cruise control problems associated with the light but that's not written on a stone tablet. Another common fault are the seat belt tentioners. Checking for codes is a good move. Just have to use a scanner capable of reading chassey or body codes, don't recal which. They start with a C or B instead of the usual P.

Need wiring diagrams? Send me a private message (in User CP upper left) and include an email address.

 

Thank you Cougar, I'll get the codes scanned. The clockspring is only 40 bucks so that's a nice cheap fix.

As for removing the switch, know anywhere I could get instructions?

I'll post updates as well as I go through things.

 

This is a thread from another forum that has pictures at the beginning and end and some narrative about disassembling the switch:http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/sho...won-t-turn-off

Didn't watch this whole video but it should show you how to remove the panel the switch is on:

 

I just last week got a letter from Dodge saying that they are now replacing headlight switches on Caravans that have been having problems with the headlights. You may want to contact your dealer about if you are included in that program. I have had problems with the headlight switch myself, but have just taken it out and tried to clean contacts. It will be nice to get a new switch at no charge.

 

extended warrenty on the headlamp switch applies to the '05 and '06 model years