Hello! I have a problem with the headlights on my caravan. This is what's happening: Sometimes when I apply the brake or even turn on the radio, my headlights will go off for a few seconds or flicker/blink. Also when I touch the light switch it will flicker. I am not sure if its a relay problem or shortage somewhere. Has anyone else had a problem like this or heard of it? I would like to know what could be causing the problem so I can tell the mechanics.

I recently had my caravan in the shop and they couldn't determine the problem at that time. However, they did replace the water pump, power steering pump, steering rack and sway bar bushings. The van has 31,900 miles.

I am scheduled to take the van back to the shop this Monday since the headlights problem is getting worse.

Any information or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like a loose connection somewhere. You say when you mess with the headlight switch they flicker, maybe something inside the switch is bad.

 

Yes, but it doesn't happen all the time...just when it wants to. lol Its like it has a mind of its own.

And of course it will never do it for the mechanic!!!

Thanks for your reply!!

 

For starters, definitely sounds like a short or electrical connection issue. I would check the fuses to make sure first of all that its not blown or going bad. Sometimes they could be powered by the wrong size fuse and not function properly.

Secondly, I would go to this website....

http://www-5.dodge.com/webselfservic...m%28%27R%27%29

That's the Dodge Owners Website and it allows you to plug in the last 8 number of your van's Vehicle ID Number aka the VIN to see if there is any recalls for your vehicle. This will tell you if there are any, if they've been performed, or if they are still outstanding and need performed. These are free services short of you dropping the vehicle off and being without a car [:@]

I would do those two things first and foremost before dropping it off anywhere....as to avoid paying for any unnecessary sh*t...

By the way, welcome to DF!!!

 

Hi DevilsReject! Thanks for your reply and the welcome.

I went to the site you provided and there are no recalls. The fuses seem to be fine. I have an appt on Monday for the dealership mechanic to check it out. Luckily my caravan is still under the 3yr/36,000 warranty. I plan on purchasing an extended manufacturers warranty and will get all the info on that when I take my van in to be fixed.

I do believe there is a loose/bad connection and/or electrical connection issue somewhere. Hopefully they'll find the problem and fix it.

Thanks again DevilsReject and brandoncrone for your replies.

 

P.S. I noticed today that the battery indicator light flashes for a few seconds while the key is turned on. Then it'll remain on. So that might have something to do with my headlights issue. I will be sure to mention it to the mechanic so he can fix that as well.


*edited because I found that the high-beam indicator light is indeed working.

 

I have a 2003 DGC, i had/have this problem since i bought it. at first thought it was the alternator, so i got that replaced. an it still happens. I also have had the whole lighting wiring replaced. It is a design flaw. Simply too much of an electrical load for the system. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the reply!

So there's nothing we can do to fix it?? To me that is extremely inconvenient considering the headlights can go out at any given time! I hate to think that I can't drive at night anymore...or at least until its paid off and I trade again...which is 6 more years!!!!! [:@] Surely there is something that can be done to fix this problem!!

I'm scheduled to have the P.O.S. in the shop tomorrow.....I'll be sure to post what I find out.[&o]

 

Just an update on my caravan. I took it to the dealership today and the mechanic found that the switch was bad and needs replaced. He has ordered the part and is going to replace it next week.

Also, the Body Control Module needed upgraded and has been taken care of.

I also got info on an extended manufacturer's warranty and plan on purchasing one in early 2006.

Thanks again for all the replies. If I continue to have problems once the new switch is installed then I'll be sure to post again.

 

Please help...I am replacing brakes on 03 caravan every 6 months or so? The van has approx 95k miles. Also my stereo (factory, cd) goes off when I hit a bump or turn a corner?