I have a little issue. I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan 3.2L and the head lights stay on. We were out for a driver, turned the lights on and now they won't turn off. This includes the tail lights, though when you switch back and forth from high beam to low beam they work right.

I search this forum and found a few similar incidents and most were the front control module (silver box on the fuse under the hood) so I bought a new one and the problem still exists.

Others say it might be the body control module so I went and bought a new one and installed it (white box under the dash) and still no joy.

So does anyone have any ideas where to go from here? Thanks for any help.

 

FCM, IPM, BCM, switch, wiring, headlights. That's the system and you've already chnaged a big chunk of it. In general terms, the IPM and the switch have been known problem areas for these vans. In the IPMs case it's corrosion either internal or external at the wire connections and connectors. In the switch's case it's plastic/metal flakes gumming up the works to the point that 05/06 switches have an extended lifetime warranty. Wouldn't hurt to take a close look at these. Some have had success in taking the swithc apart, cleaning the gunk out and re-lubing.

Got a multimeter? I've never done this but I'm looking at a wiring diagram. Inside the switch the voltage path travels through a resistor network. This tells the BCM what switch position you've selected. Gain access to either the switch or BCM. On the switch measure resistance between pin 6 and pin 11 with the switch at headlights, park, and off. The resistance should vary with the highest resistance at the off position. Can't easily get at the switch? Go to the BCM and check resistance at pins 17 and 18 on wire harness connector C5. Look for the same result.

Power is always applied to the system. It's just looking for a ground to activate. Something is grounding the system.

Want the diagram? Send me a private message with an email address included.

 

Thanks for the input and I do have a multimeter but never really learned how to use it. I had some small success after reading Teardown of 02 Caravan PDC No Accessories Working. I took my fuse box (IPM) out and apart and cleaned everything.

Something interesting happened. Now when I plug the battery back in there is no lights, not like before, though when I turned the key to the on position the lights come on -parking lights and all, like before. When I turn the car off all but the head lights turn off. The rear lights and side markers turn off, just the headlights stay on. If I switch it to high beams and turn the key off it stays on high beams even if I try switching it back. I turn the key on, then low beam and turn the key off it stays low beam.

Now as far as checking pin locations I'm at a bit of a lose but I'm willing... As far as reading a diagram I might be at a lose there also, but I do own the Hayne repair manual with a diagram in the back, not easy to read lol.

Anymore ideas I'm all ear.. and I appreciate the help so far, thanks.

 

I'll keep updating this post, it may help others in similar situations.

What I've done so far is check every wire I could from the lights and I'm sure it's not the wires. I think it's with the factor alarm, or the panic button alarm. When you press the panic button on the key chain nothing happens. You can't use the door lock/unlock feature either. So I believe it has something to do with that system.

It's almost like the alarm is on but without the horn beeping. I'll have to check this out more and let y'all know what comes of this.

 

Long shot but have you disconnected the battery for at least 2-3 minutes during this troubleshooting process? That may reset the alarm. Other than that the BCM and SKIM module are the heart of the alarm system. You could inspect the SKIM connections for anything amiss. It's in the steering column. Beyond that you may need to have it reprogrammed.

Do the lights ever flash like the alarm is activated? Got a red alarm light on the dash?

 

Okay I thought I'd post back with an update for informational purposes lol.

After messing with this van and not really knowing how to use a multimeter or reading a wiring diagram I caved in and took it to the dealership. Well after a couple of days there I get a call and I'm told I need a new fuse box (IPM) so I say go for it.

Then another couple of days I get a call, I'm going to need a new wiring harness, so I say okay, go for it.

After roughly six days John, the service guy calls me to come to the shop. I go in and he explains that they can't fix the problem. He said that there is something grounding out but they are unable to trace down the problem. He tells me to take it the Chrysler dealership in the city because they have a better setup for electrical issues.

So I take it out way out to the city and drop it off. Three days there I get a call to come get the van, I'm excited cause it's finally fixed but, no, the guy tells me they can't track down the problem they replaced the ECM but that didn't work. So he says I should just use the van as a trade in for a new one.

So lets rehash:
new BCM - not fixed
new FCM - not fixed
new (IPM) fuse box - not fixed
new wiring harness - not fixed
new ECM - not fixed
total bill = roughly $2500 with parts and labor
the lights are still on.

So right now it sits in my back yard with the battery unpluged... I'm a bit disappointed since no one seems to be able to figure this out.