Ok, my car is possessed. I know that Dodges have quirky electrical problems, but this one is driving me out of my mind. I don't know where to start. My turn signals will just stop working. If I smack the dash, I am lucky if they work again. If I smack the dash too hard, my headlights will go on and my wipers will go on. Thought maybe switches, but if that were the case my 4-ways would still work as the switch for them is on the steering column. Now here's another wrench into the works, I thought maybe the radio was the culprit. All the wires are intact, nothing loose. The fuse behind the unit is still good. I noticed that if I held the off button too long on the radio, the signals would quit. Over the winter, I had to open and close my car to get it to start. I also noticed that anytime I use the turn signals, open and close windows, turn on head lights, the altmeter gauge would twitch(and it would twitch in time to the turn signal). The headlamps are stuck in the up position(not sure if this is a cooincidence or not)I am getting error codes 12, 15, and 21. The 21 I'm not too worried about, but it's the 12 and the 15 that gets me bugged. The 15 is an occational appearance, but the 12 is a constant. One day I got all systems ok, but now the numbers are back. I did also notice that when I turn off the car and it's really quiet, I hear a click like something is trying to turn on or off. Now tonight I heard a hum, but I didn't hear the click. ANY help appreciated as the car needs to pass inspection in Sept.

Thanks
Cheryl
1990 2.5 ltr. non turbo

 

It sounds like you may have a bad turn signal relay and / or bad wiring in the dash. Best bet would be to try and trace the wires, you can get schematics here (it's not free sadly) http://www.alldatadiy.com/

Code 12 is merely battery disconnected within past 50 key ons. Are your battery cables on tight? Do they look corroded at all or puffy? I had a problem where weird electrical symptoms were present (including turning off on the highway at 70 mph.... boy did my tranny LOVE me for that) and I just replaced the clamps and fixed it. Check to see if your battery is dead as well.

Voltmeter gauge fluctuating is normal: it states the voltage (electrical pressure) that is currently in the system. When you turn on more loads you consume more power. Since there is less power, there is less electrical pressure: hence your voltmeter will go down. If possible, a higher output alternator would make up for said decrease: I upgraded from a 90 amp to 120 amp so I could turn on more loads with less drain on the electrical system (Not sure if you can do that, I have a 3.0L).

Code 15 is no speed / distance sensor signal (http://www.allpar.com/fix/80s-codes.html)

If the radio is aftermarket, try removing it completely and check to see if your hum and click go away.

 

UPDATE:
Changed the battery. The voltmeter isn't surging anymore, but the turn signals are still quirky.I let the car sit overnight, so we shall see this morningwhat I willor will not get.I was afraid I'd have to start checking wiring. I have a factory Body Diagnostics Procedures book and I think it has a wiringschematic of the car. Now if Ionly knew how to read it! I have very limited tools(next to none) to really check things, so if anyone has fixed this problem without the use of high tech tools, it would be a great help.

 

Hmmm, turn signals now work. Perhaps the battery drain was just too much? I put the battery in my newly acquired 1993 Dynasty, and it works fine, but the radio doesn't work. Maybe it was the radio all along?????

 

Ok, the turn signals are still quirky, but not as much. I am wondering if maybe the switch is going bad?

 

Well, since I had a braking problem, I sent her to the shop. I explained the problem to my mech, which he seems to think it may be a fusible link. We shall see.....