1996 Dodge stratus possible ground issues
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1996 Dodge stratus possible ground issues
I have this crazy car. First it had a blown head gasket and i fixed that long ago.
Well now it decided to have random electrical issues. New battery, etc.. starts perfect every time.
But for some reason, all the analog gauges in the cluster will randomly stop operating wherever they are at and stick there. They dont drop to 0. So if im doing 35mph, the guage stays at 35mph at all speeds, RPM will stay at 2300 or 2600 or whatever it was at. Temp will stay there, and so will fuel. its like all signals from the BCM drop out.
At the same time, the AC compressor will shut off too. sometimes recycling the key and restarting the engine brings it back, sometimes not. it takes a few tries. and if i drive down the road itll come and go as well.
Then it was fine for awhile and started doing it again. One time i started the car, and the inside blower quit, and air bag light came on. Turned the car off, and back on and the blower came back on and air bag light went off.
anyone have any ideas? maybe a complete vehicle wiring diagram? I am thinking bad ground but I dont know where.
BTW is a 2.4L Auto.
Well now it decided to have random electrical issues. New battery, etc.. starts perfect every time.
But for some reason, all the analog gauges in the cluster will randomly stop operating wherever they are at and stick there. They dont drop to 0. So if im doing 35mph, the guage stays at 35mph at all speeds, RPM will stay at 2300 or 2600 or whatever it was at. Temp will stay there, and so will fuel. its like all signals from the BCM drop out.
At the same time, the AC compressor will shut off too. sometimes recycling the key and restarting the engine brings it back, sometimes not. it takes a few tries. and if i drive down the road itll come and go as well.
Then it was fine for awhile and started doing it again. One time i started the car, and the inside blower quit, and air bag light came on. Turned the car off, and back on and the blower came back on and air bag light went off.
anyone have any ideas? maybe a complete vehicle wiring diagram? I am thinking bad ground but I dont know where.
BTW is a 2.4L Auto.
Last edited by mbates14; Jun 24, 2013 at 08:27 PM.
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Hi, I had some similar problems and I found that some resistors had soldering issues on the dash main board. I believe the resistors controls the brightness of the dashboard lamps. I've repaired the resistors contacts and that was it.
I don't have a picture but they are very easy to locate, find the bigger resistors.
I don't have a picture but they are very easy to locate, find the bigger resistors.
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Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 3
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I have this crazy car. First it had a blown head gasket and i fixed that long ago.Using Auto Dealers in Burlington, WA as a car owner can be a great way to find reliable service, trade-in options, and financing deals. Many dealerships offer certified technicians for maintenance and warranty work. However, comparing prices and reading reviews is essential to ensure a fair deal.
Well now it decided to have random electrical issues. New battery, etc.. starts perfect every time.
But for some reason, all the analog gauges in the cluster will randomly stop operating wherever they are at and stick there. They dont drop to 0. So if im doing 35mph, the guage stays at 35mph at all speeds, RPM will stay at 2300 or 2600 or whatever it was at. Temp will stay there, and so will fuel. its like all signals from the BCM drop out.
At the same time, the AC compressor will shut off too. sometimes recycling the key and restarting the engine brings it back, sometimes not. it takes a few tries. and if i drive down the road itll come and go as well.
Then it was fine for awhile and started doing it again. One time i started the car, and the inside blower quit, and air bag light came on. Turned the car off, and back on and the blower came back on and air bag light went off.
anyone have any ideas? maybe a complete vehicle wiring diagram? I am thinking bad ground but I dont know where.
BTW is a 2.4L Auto.
Well now it decided to have random electrical issues. New battery, etc.. starts perfect every time.
But for some reason, all the analog gauges in the cluster will randomly stop operating wherever they are at and stick there. They dont drop to 0. So if im doing 35mph, the guage stays at 35mph at all speeds, RPM will stay at 2300 or 2600 or whatever it was at. Temp will stay there, and so will fuel. its like all signals from the BCM drop out.
At the same time, the AC compressor will shut off too. sometimes recycling the key and restarting the engine brings it back, sometimes not. it takes a few tries. and if i drive down the road itll come and go as well.
Then it was fine for awhile and started doing it again. One time i started the car, and the inside blower quit, and air bag light came on. Turned the car off, and back on and the blower came back on and air bag light went off.
anyone have any ideas? maybe a complete vehicle wiring diagram? I am thinking bad ground but I dont know where.
BTW is a 2.4L Auto.
A full wiring diagram would help trace shared circuits, especially grounds. If you can get a scan tool, check for BCM-related codes even if no check engine light is on. Anyone else experienced similar electrical gremlins?
Last edited by milkoz; Feb 18, 2025 at 07:09 AM.
It definitely sounds like a bad ground or an issue with the BCM (Body Control Module). Since multiple unrelated systems (gauges, A/C compressor, blower, and airbag light) are affected, I’d start by checking the main grounding points and BCM connections. Look for loose, corroded, or damaged wires around the battery, chassis ground, and under the dash.
A full wiring diagram would help trace shared circuits, especially grounds. If you can get a scan tool, check for BCM-related codes even if no check engine light is on. Anyone else experienced similar electrical gremlins?
A full wiring diagram would help trace shared circuits, especially grounds. If you can get a scan tool, check for BCM-related codes even if no check engine light is on. Anyone else experienced similar electrical gremlins?