Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 0801001 | 05/25/2001 | 620059 | Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty. *tt | 07/10/2001 | |
| 0800600REV | 12/29/2000 | 080600 | 618049 | Subject regarding wire splice repairs. *sb | 04/03/2001 |
| 083997 | 11/28/1997 | 6088845 | Vehicle may experience remote keyless entry transmitter batteries discharge prematurely. *nlm | 01/10/2000 | |
| 082797A | 09/26/1997 | 08-27-97 | 6088814 | Vehicle may expereience inoperative cd player sales code raz radio. *nlm | 01/07/2000 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| 180497 | 01/24/1997 | 51271 | Erroneous mil illumination with hex code $29, $2a, $2b, erroneous pcm resets, displayed fuel economy inaccuracy. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||||
| 190699 | 09/17/1999 | 607958 | Information regarding the ignition switch housing service. *tt | 10/19/1999 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||||
| 080600 | 02/25/2000 | 609995 | This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts. *tt | 04/12/2000 | |
| 083897 | 11/21/1997 | 6088843 | This bulletin involves transaxle kickdown, linkage wears the wiring harness. *nlm | 01/10/2000 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ||||||
| EA01007 | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 02/21/2001 | 11/22/2002 | AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING | 02V293000 | |
| There is no summary currently available | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 01/01/2010 | 31000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the contact stated while driving 30 mph in rain condition the fan belt failed causing the steering and air conditioning system to fail. the vehicle was taken to the garage diagnosed located a defect in the fan belt are there wasn | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 72000 | ||
| 1997 dodge caravan. starting at about 30,000 miles, the windshield wipers would mysteriously come on, make 4 to 5 wipes and turn off. we made jokes about the ghost riding with us. it was an intermittent problem, happening about every month or six weeks. it could not be reproduced on demand. finally, at 72,000, the windshield wipers refused to turn on from the stalk--except when the windshield was given a squirt of fluid by lifting up on the turn signal/wiper control stalk, then they gave the regular three wipes and turned off. the dealer replaced the entire switch unit. it did not help. then they called chrysler's super tech 800 number and no help was provided. since the car could not be inspected with no wiper function, the entire body control module was replaced (computer) which fixed the problem. cost: $741.00. since all of the mechanical parts of the wiper system worked, if this happened again, i determined i would simply pull a hot wire through the dash to an on-off switch and connect that up to the wiper feed--estimated cost of less than $10.00. | |||
| 10/18/2008 | 135000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle stalled. the contact shifted from drive into park and the vehicle was able to be restarted. two days later, while making a turn at approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and nearly crashed into a building. the vehicle persistently stalled after these incidents and was driven to a local repair shop. the mechanic stated that the computer and control body module were defective and needed to be replaced. he called the dealer and they stated that a diagnostic was needed in order to determine the cause of the failure. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls related to the vehicle; therefore, they were not liable for the repairs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 135,000. | |||
| 10/11/2008 | 11000 | 1 | |
| No power to instrument panel 1997 dodge grand caravan. bad soldering joints in instrument cluster circuit board. *tr | |||
| 07/07/2004 | 1 | ||
| The consumer requested reimbursement for recall repairs. the consumer was denied because the repairs were not done the dealer. *nm the a/c was inoperative, the cruise control was inoperative and the ses light. recall# 04v480000. *sc *jb | |||
| 01/05/2001 | 40000 | 08/10/1997 | |
| Fuel tank, been a problem since we bought it, every time we go to bring the vechicle in for them, then could not find an answer after about the 4th time we brought it in, we said this is to much and we brought it in more then 3 times for the same problem, and we should get repaired free, i belive by lemon law?, well nutthing yet 3 years and running, with several several problems, should all be a recall cause that tomany problems, such as on alldata.com and read about the 97 dodge caravan 3.3l, my lord ever problem on that sheet i have, realy getting on my nerves... | |||
| 1 | |||
| On several occasions, while driving, both fans remain on, and the dashboard temperature gauge drops to c (bottom). dealer replaced relay by the radiator and the computer (power train module) but the problems remains. *tt | |||
| 07/11/2000 | 1 | ||
| While parked, vehicle caught on fire in the left front corner of the engine compartment, it states that the only possible natural cause for the fire would be an electrical malfunction, however this was not present in the evidence that was examnined after the fire, claim 13-7000-834. *slc | |||
| 12/30/1999 | 1 | ||
| Starter caught on fire, fire started in the alternator/ignition system, claim 18-0315-533. *slc | |||
| 07/11/2000 | 1 | ||
| While parked, vehicle caught on fire, the vehicle experienced a fire that originated in the left front corner of the engine compartment, the only possible natural cause for the fire would be an electrical malfunction, claim 13-7000-834. *slc | |||
| 07/11/2000 | 1 | ||
| While parked, vehicle caught on fire in the left front corner of the engine compartment, it states that the only possible natural cause for the fire would be an electrical malfunction, however this was not present in the evidence that was examnined after the fire, claim 13-7000-834. *slc | |||
| 07/11/2000 | 1 | ||
| While parked, vehicle caught on fire, the vehicle experienced a fire that originated in the left front corner of the engine compartment, the only possible natural cause for the fire would be an electrical malfunction, claim 13-7000-834. *slc | |||
| 12/30/1999 | 1 | ||
| Starter caught on fire, fire started in the alternator/ignition system, claim 18-0315-533. *slc | |||
| 05/18/1998 | 9 | 02/07/1997 | |
| Vehicle experienced several electrical problems: windshield wipers inoperable due to a short in switch, radiator fan relay replaced, ground wire loose in engine causing dash cluster to go haywire, horn, power windows, radio, speedometer, and air conditioner inoperable at times. *slc | |||
| 02/01/2000 | |||
| Dealership repaired defect of airbag/steering column/electrical problems last february. consumer states that these defects have occurred again. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 01/02/2007 | 3 | ||
| Alternator belt came off, all power to vehicle was lost. *jb | |||
| 12/30/1999 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced fire in the alternator/ignition system, claim 18-0315-533. *slc | |||
| 07/20/1999 | 1 | 09/22/1996 | |
| Starter failed causing the vehicle to not start on first try during cold weather. nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 08/28/2003 | 4 | ||
| We have had to replace 4 batteries in 6 years. these include batteries by three different manufacturers. initially, the batteries were covered by the 3yr/36k mile warranty, and we were told the batteries were defective. obviously, there is an electrical problem with the van. in each case, the batteries went suddenly dead (would not hold any charge at all) long before they should have.*ak | |||
| 04/28/1998 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states battery had to be replaced. *tt | |||
| 07/03/1997 | 1 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Battery failed. nlm | |||
| 03/01/2000 | 1 | 02/01/1997 | |
| I feel this vehicle should have a recall on some of the problems it has. they are defenitely a major factor in safety. i hope these problems are fixed in the newer modles because most people purchase mini-vans for their family or company vehicle. therefore, this particular vehicle i feel could probably fall under the lemon law. or, manufactors are just making a big profit and are not considering the safety of their drivers. i would like to see them put their family in a vehicle with the problems mine has and quarantee their safety.*ak | |||
| 10/17/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| The windshield wipers would automatically come on while traveling on the road. they would come on for two to four wipes and then stop. this intermittent problem was rare at first, then started to happen more frequently. we finally took it in to the dealership for repair. they replaced the windshield wiper switch at no cost to us. (only because we were under the 36mo./36,000mi. waranty.) the next problem was the battery went dead. we took it in for repair, and the dealership replaced the battery at no cost to us. (only because it was under the 36mo./36,000mi. waranty) . the other problem was that the inside rear view mirror became unglued from the front windshield. i went to a auto repair store and purchased a rear view mirror glue kit. i glued the rear view mirror on myself. ( i don't have confidence in the dealerships glue) thank you ........ richard maldonado. *ak | |||
| 10/12/1999 | 2 | 02/01/1997 | |
| I feel this model, caravan se sport, needs alot of upgrades. i feel that this vehicle is not a safe vehicle for families. i believe that dodge is | |||
| 08/22/1998 | 1 | 05/31/1997 | |
| Battery failed. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 04/15/2001 | 1 | 03/07/1997 | |
| Air bag light on dashboard will not go off during operation of vehicle/ horn will not function. also, consumer's wife smelled a burned rubber odor that went away before light on dashboard came on. *ak dealer replaced clockspring due to open circuit. *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 1 | 01/27/2001 | ||
| Problems with transmission on 1997 dodge caravan.*mr ignition tumble was replaced, fan assembly.*ts | |||
| 12/30/1999 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle experienced fire in the alternator/ignition system, claim 18-0315-533. *slc | |||
| 01/25/2000 | 1 | ||
| The coil pack caught on fire and melted. *et | |||
| 08/06/1998 | 1 | 06/18/1997 | |
| Torque converter locking up due to faulty spark plugs. mjs | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 12/05/1998 | 2 | 05/31/1997 | |
| Vehicle shut down due to failure of the (pcm) power control module and oxygen sensor. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 04/22/2006 | 93000 | 1 | 03/18/2005 |
| 1997 dodge caravan 3.3 liter v6 with 93000 miles. started vehicle and the starter mechanism locked onto the flywheel or failed to disengage, making a screeching noise. turned ignition off and engine shut down but starter kept cycling engine. removed keys from ignition and van was still attempting start by turning the engine over and over. strong smell of burning electrical components as the starter continued to cycle engine, unabated, with keys out of ignition. hood was popped and battery cables were disconnected shutting the starter off. the starter cranked the engine, nonstop, without keys in ignition, for approximately 10 minutes. the only way to stop this was to disconnect the battery. upon immediate inspection of the starter it was found to be red hot. the cables/wires coming out of the starter were red hot and smell of burning plastic filled the air. the starter was removed and found to be original equipment ( with chrysler corporation logo intact). the starter was found to be locked in the extended position and would not retract. a new starter was purchased and installed due to the original being inoperable. old starter was turned in to pep boys in raynham, ma for core refund. there is no doubt that if the battery was not disconnected, the starter would have continued to start the engine until it eventually(starter)overheated enough to ignite the wires and start an engine fire. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. there was an electrical short in engine. also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. *ak gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. inside door panel on drivers side is broken. *yh | |||
| 10/08/1997 | 1 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Starter failed. nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - RELAY | |||
| 01/05/2001 | 40000 | 08/10/1997 | |
| Fuel tank, been a problem since we bought it, every time we go to bring the vechicle in for them, then could not find an answer after about the 4th time we brought it in, we said this is to much and we brought it in more then 3 times for the same problem, and we should get repaired free, i belive by lemon law?, well nutthing yet 3 years and running, with several several problems, should all be a recall cause that tomany problems, such as on alldata.com and read about the 97 dodge caravan 3.3l, my lord ever problem on that sheet i have, realy getting on my nerves... | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 08/15/2003 | |||
| Vehicle caught on fire inside of the engine compartment without prior warning while sitting at an intersection.*ak | |||
| 01/17/2003 | 1 | ||
| Clock spring replacement / consumer requested reimbursement for repairs. *mr the vehicle was traded to consumer with the airbag light on. upon diagnosing the problem, the air bag clock spring was broken. *ts. also the right axle output shaft leaked oil, and the engine light illuminated on the dash board, the dealer replaced the spark plugs. *jb | |||
| While driving electrical wiring went out, and lost all power on vehicle. dealer contacted. *ak | |||
| 05/27/2001 | 2 | 05/01/2000 | |
| Was driving vehicle when distributor bearings seized up and caused transaxle to loosen up. transmission then failed. vehicle is an all wheel drive. towed to dealership. mechanic indicated plug on transmission canister cap had melted. this happened at 78,000 miles. had transmission replaced with new transmission. problem reappeared in new transmission. had previously smelled sulfur like fumes inside vehicle. vehicle gave big jerk , and made a loud noise before coming to a stop. also, noticed grayish smoke in rear. at dealership, mechanic noticed plug, made of plastic, had melted like the first one.*ak *slc | |||
| 04/15/2001 | 1 | 03/07/1997 | |
| Air bag light on dashboard will not go off during operation of vehicle/ horn will not function. also, consumer's wife smelled a burned rubber odor that went away before light on dashboard came on. *ak dealer replaced clockspring due to open circuit. *slc | |||
| 11/11/1999 | |||
| For no apparent reason, while the van was parked in the driveway with the ignition off, it caught on fire in the engine compartment. van had been parked for about 10 minutes before it caught on fire. the fire was put out the the fire department. van was totalled. please provide any further information. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 07/04/2001 | 2 | 06/03/2000 | |
| While driving at 25 mph consumer noticed white smoke coming from tail pipe. then, white smoke and flames were coming from under the hood. consumer stopped car and turned ignition off. consumer exited the car, and vehicle caught on fire. consumer feels this may related to recall for fuel leakage. *ak consumer states vehicle was in shop for transmission problems on february 16th, 2001. *slc | |||
| 10/12/2000 | 3 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Electrical component failures have resulted in five visits, four repairs - counting this current incident. warranty issues have prevented immediate repair, even though we hold an extended gold warranty. dealer claims clockspring involvement - customer claims operation perfect without for several months. customer left clockspring unrepaired due to warranty issue, since, a possible recall is under review. customer refuses payment for repair. dodge is unresponsive. dealer is unresponsive. lawsuit will be pursued. *ak | |||
| 11/15/2000 | 2 | 03/01/2000 | |
| Replacement of failed bulb caused abrasions to hand access door is too small, and a wiring harness obstructs access to light socket. two bulbs shattered. dealer had to disassemble battery and electrical bus to access the light socket, 30 min labor, $45 cost. difficulty of replacement discourages safe maintenance of lighting, and cuts your hands. | |||
| 10/20/1999 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| Van caught fire while parked in front of house. not driven for two&one half days. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 70000 | 5 | 11/14/1999 |
| Dt: consumer complained about electrical problems. instrument panel did not work. the instrument cluster was digital. buttons for air conditioner and rear defroster flashed constantly. consumer took vehicle to garage, and they recommended dodge dealer. also, windshield wipers came on their own. vehicle did not have to be on running for windshield wipers to come on. they came on about every two weeks. also, traveling interior lights came on. consumer stopped lights from coming on by putting tape on door. consumer believed these were different issues. he replaced fan control module last year, and that did not help.*ak consumer added that pounding on the dashboard made the dash light illuminate. *tt | |||
| 10/01/1996 | 1 | ||
| No summary. dt | |||
| 11/01/2001 | |||
| Instrument panel is electrical and light appeared on and off on dashboard intermittently. dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 03/13/2002 | 2 | 11/01/2096 | |
| First time clockspring failure rendered driver airbag inoperative. second failure rendered cruise control inoperative. a non-working airbag is a safety issue.*ak | |||
| 06/01/2002 | 67000 | 3 | 08/10/1996 |
| While driving, the air bag light illuminated. the dealer has been notified, and the mechanic stated that the clock spring needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer also stated that the cruise control works part time, and the check engine light stays on. *scc | |||
| While driving horn stopped working, and all dash warning lights came on due to an electrical short under the dash that caused wiring to melt. dealer said wiring and computer had to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1999 | 1 | 09/01/1996 | |
| Dashboard interior light switch (part number p04685630 36033e) started burning when ignition switch was turned on. the unit stopped smoking only after switch was unplugged. | |||
| 10/12/1999 | 2 | 02/01/1997 | |
| I feel this model, caravan se sport, needs alot of upgrades. i feel that this vehicle is not a safe vehicle for families. i believe that dodge is | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 6 | 02/01/1998 | |
| Dome lights just start flashing rapidly when ever they want dealer can not fix problem ,has happened every few thousand miles. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK | |||
| 10/11/2000 | 8 | 09/01/1996 | |
| Sliding door locking mechanism fails--door remains locked and door will not open, or door is impossible to lock. just before failure door has problem latching successfully. auto door lock makes buzzing noise when locking is attempted. after second failure, dealer service technician stated that it is common to require replacement of rockwell actuator part for these vehicles. we've had 3 failures of drivers side and 5 on passenger side. latest was today, 10/11/00. vehicle is now out of warranty, but the failures keep happening. | |||