This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.
7.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$91.00
Average Mileage:
62,293 miles
Total Complaints:
90 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (43 reports)
- remove and replace the 20 amp fuse as described (21 reports)
- see your chrysler service center for software update (8 reports)
- unhook the negative battery cable for a few minutes (8 reports)
- try pulling fuse and cleaning terminals (4 reports)
- replace battery (2 reports)
electrical problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
Find a good Dodge mechanic
A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- Service TSB 08-040-04 - Reflash of bcm to fix intermitton door lock and alarm problems. I have used this to fix two vans.
2012Jan 16
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
After replacing the battery, I knew there had to be another cause. Checked CarComplaints.com - I should've done this the first time around - and read about the fuse fix. Worked like a charm! Thanks
2011Dec 26
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 74,500 miles
Door locks stopped working over Christmas holiday. Bad timing. Mechanic said battery wasn't throwing 12V. Think he may have known the fuse trick and just wanted to sell me a battery.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Oct 30
Caravan SXT 3.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,289 miles
I was booked to take the van for diagnosis in two days ($120.00) but found the fuse out then in solution and it WORKED!
Thanks everyone. I've cancelled the appointment.
2011May 03
Caravan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
I'm glad to see others share same problem in AutoBeef
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2011May 05
Caravan SXT 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
second problem in one month.....not sure if i would buy another dodge
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011May 04
Caravan STX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 87,200 miles
Took to dealer, serviceman hooked up to computer and reprogrammed.
Drove over 100 mi. when I arrived home got out of van pressed the lock lever, doors locked proceeded toward house getting my house key out to open the door when the lights flashed and the driver side back door opened. I closed the door and pressed the
lock lever and nothing happened, had to manually lock the doors.
2010Jan 01
Caravan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
This seems to be a reoccurring problem with this particular year of the caravan. I have spoken to my Dodge dealer and they basically say that since there has not been a recall, (for this specific car), and it is out of warranty that I am out of luck.Of course they will fix it for several hundred dollars although it is an electrical problem that should cause this year vehicle to be recalled.
This year vehicle has numerous electrical problems that I am speaking directly with Chrysler/Dodge about hoping they will fix this problem and possibly put a recall for this vehicle. Speaking to Chrysler I did find out that the next year of this vehicle they changed the sensor telling me that they realized there's a problem.
I'll update as possible.
2011Mar 10
Caravan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 66,797 miles
Just like everyone else, at about 60 000 miles, the door locks stopped working one day. With two little ones, 3 and 5, in car seats in the rear, this is a really annoying inconvenience and sometimes dangerous. I can't afford to get it fixed and it's making me crazy. I'm going to the battery trick and the fuse thing and see what happens. Honestly, I have started to hate this car.
2010Mar 17
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
We have had to lock are doors by hand for about a year!!!! I'M sick of it!!The locks just stopped working one day can't find out what happened!!with three kids it would be nice to be able to push one button down and be done !!! but now have to run around and push all them down!OK the lock button do'es lock the tailgate WHAT A BIG HELP!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Oct 13
Caravan SXT 3.3L, V6 (R)
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
The electric door locks stopped working. The key's on/off switch make the sound and you think your door is locked as usual. Then eventually you figure out, if you're lucky, BEFORE anything important is easily stolen from the vehicle, that the doors ARE NOT LOCKING! The back hatch does, but that's it. Very annoying, because the only door with a keyhole for manually unlocking or locking is the driver's door. You must climb across and back for all others!!
We are all paying for this with our time and hassle and possible theft; why should we pay financially to have it corrected?
2010Jun 07
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I never take the time to write complaints like this. I am a single mother, hospital employee and full time nursing student among other things. About 6 months ago the power locks on all four doors quit working in my van. This is a serious safety hazard with 3 young children. I have not been able to take my car in until now because of finances and my schedule. I just spent $260.00 at the dealership to have the door lock actuator binding replaced and the locks quit working when I got home 15 minutes later. My brother who has mechanic experience has messed with fuses in the past but it is a very temporary fix at best. I can't believe a car company does not have to be accountable for something like this. I am sorry they don't care enough to fix the problem but it is a DAILY inconvenience and safety hazard for a single Mom on the go and for many other unsatisfied customers. I am on a tight budget and have spent several thousand dollars on car repairs over the last few years. I will never buy another Dodge again.
2010Dec 10
Caravan 303
- Automatic transmission
- 34,476 miles
2005 dodge caravan door locks quit working at 54000 kl. This is a definite safety issue that needs to be addressed by dodge. Thanks to this site locks are working for a short time.
2007Dec 14
Caravan SXT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 22,000 miles
I unhooked the battery cable about 20 times- removed the BCM fuse another 25 time & the problem continued to re-appear. The above 2 methods worked for a while but the duration of the fix lasted for less & less time.- I am hoping this last"reprogramming" procedure will cure the problem.I have spent approximately $300.00 to finally get to this point.(The "reprogramming "cost $170.00 @ my local Dodge dealership)
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Nov 26
Caravan 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,854 miles
All door locks quit working, the main doors can be locked by pushing the tabs down or using the key but the rear hatch door on the Caravan can't be locked with the key, so there was no way to lock the rear hatch. Lucky for me one of the postings on your site was to remove the fuse and put it back in, that worked. I had tested all the fuses with a test light and all the fuses were good. This seems to be a big problem with the 2005 Dodge Caravans. It's about time they did something about it. Thanks to your site I was able to fix the problem but many people do not have a computer to check for sires like your's! If you take it to a shop it could cost big$$$ just to remove a fuse and put it back in! I wonder how many times that exact thing has happened??? It's time Dodge admits they're 2005 Caravans have a problem!
2010Oct 01
Caravan 3.3
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
I went to lock my van with the remote and the horn beeped but I noticed the doors didn't lock. I thought I would google it to see if there was a solution and I found this website and replaced the fuse and that worked for 1-2 weeks. I guess what I am most surprised at is there has been alot of complaints for this problem and there has not been a recall. I have tried to find a website or phone number for Dodge to complain or at least see why there hasn't been a recall and have had no luck. How many complaints do you have to have in order to have a recall??!! 2005 is the worst year too!!!!! The dealership said they have not heard of this problem but they will gladly run a diagnostic for $125. Why should I pay for that, its obviously an ongoing problem on the 2005 caravan! If someone knows anything more on the fix please let me know.
2010Jun 23
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 55,923 miles
it is very bad to have this problem because the lock does not lock or open with the central lock and I have to lock it by hand. sometimes the children forget to lock it since we sometimes leave valuable things in the car and i have to unlock the door for them and lock it while driving and parking.
I need to know, what is the problem?
how much does it cost?
2008Feb 06
Caravan SXT
- Automatic transmission
- 39,000 miles
Door locks and alarm system quit working. For a single senior, this is extremely unsafe as I often have to reach across to lock the passenger door. Someone could easily jump into my car if that side is open by accident. Same thing if I'm trying to let someone in, it's a long reach. I have to check all locks before I leave the car anywhere and the alarm system doesn't work, making it an easy target for thieves, although most people don't want a dodge van but it's my only vehicle. I love the comfort of driving it but do not feel safe. Every time I go into a dealership they say they have never heard of the problem and I've checked with at least 4 of them. I've done the battery thing and now that doesn't work. The passenger window has stopped working completely and the clock can't be set.
I am so sick of being jerked around by car companies. The last van we had, had electrical problems also. We recovered under the lemon law but I can't turn around and do that again, it would be suspicious and of course I'd be the liar. Quality control in this country has gone to hell. Once they learned there was no profit in making things last, we started getting junk.
2010Jun 03
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
Locks suddenly stopped working. We were told it would cost about $500 to fix, but we declined. Mysteriously, they are working again--except for one.
2010Jul 26
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 73,876 miles
After reading other complaints, I checked my fuse box. I did not have a 20 amp ION, but an IOD. I didn't even unhook the negative, just popped it out and back in, they work.
2010Jul 07
Caravan SXT 3.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
Back doors do not lock or unlock unless manual pull button. A real inconvenience.. No help from dealer.
2009Nov 02
Caravan SXT
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
Report all Problems regarding Power Locks, Brakes and Rotors and AC or other, on your 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan or any other year with similiar problems to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration @ 1-888-327-4236. I've read several complaints regarding above listed. The gentleman said that they don't know about these problems and cannot request recalls unless the consumers complain. He was very easy to work with.
2010Jun 28
Caravan EX 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I like my 2005 Dodge Caravan. I I like the way it rides and how it handles. The stow and go seats have been very convenient. All of the power door locks and power sliding doors are very handy. But, one day the power locks stopped working. My husband stressed out about fixing it. He complained about it going to cost a lot if it needed to go to the dealer for fixing. Luckily, I found this website and pulled off the negative battery cable and pulled the ION 20 amp fuse. I waited a minute or so and put it all back together. The door locks function again as they should.
Thank you to carcomplaints.com and everyone else who made a report, I was able to fix my own problem without the help from my husband or the dealer. The best part was that it didn't cost me anything.
2010Jun 02
Caravan LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
6/2/2010 -6/4/2010 -The electric doors wold not lock or unlock with the key.The dealer said it was fixed and we drove 1/4 a mile and it quit again.Then it worked for the weekend and now it doesn't work again.This is a big problem and we don't know what else to do to get this problem fixed......
2010Apr 05
Caravan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I can't believe, after reading all the same problems on this website, that Dodge has continued to stand by and do nothing. I like Dodge, but I will never buy another one. Unhooking the battery works for a limited time. Now, to make matters worse, the door knob on one of my doors has come off and that door cannot open PERIOD!! I can't afford to trade it in on something better or I would. Dodge needs to do something!
2010May 14
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
Same as other folks. Power locks no longer work but the rear gate still locks. Will try to pull fuse to see if it helps. I'll also call my AG office to file a complaint etc.
2009May 06
Caravan SE 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
Tired of having to go around and unlock the door every time my child needs to get out!!!
2010Apr 08
Caravan SXT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
it is most irritating as the power door locks can fail @ anytime w/out warning
2009Sep 15
Caravan 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 43,496 miles
This is really getting under my skin, I have had it to the dealer ship twice and they have not been able to cure the problem. Now they want me to purchase a new module, at a cost of $400.00 and $300.00 for labor. I feel that this is a too great a burden on my senior's fixed income. I see that there have been 59 other complaints about the same problem, is this not enough to have an investigation done and a recall on this vehicle?
2010Feb 14
Caravan 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
Had good luck at Chrysler dealership. First I visited an electrical car repair shop. They said dealer was next best stop & handed me a Chrysler tech bulletin released at end of 2004, Get a copy of bulletin 08-040-04. This bulletin has repair procedure for computer software update. Process takes about 30 minutes and is the next best thing to do.
My door locks work and tailgate doesn't trigger theft alarm.
2010Jan 12
Caravan SXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 59,068 miles
I've removed and replaced the fuse three times and each time the locks start working again. It seems to last about 5 weeks each time.
2010Mar 03
Caravan SXT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 149,600 miles
This site is great! I also had my door locks stop working about a week ago. I pulled the 20amp IOD fuse & reinserted it & presto! they worked again! Thanks to all of you for your input. Now lets hope Chrysler does the right thing & recalls these cars for a permanent fix.
2009Dec 22
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 62,758 miles
Crawling across my van to unlock back doors when I am 9 months pregnant is not a good option! There is only one keyed door and to get the kids in and out isnt fun! It started working all on its own for a while then quit again. The lights and factory comand start also quit at the same time. Very large inconvinience and will look at other makes of vans next time because of this.
2010Jan 01
Caravan SXT 3.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 19,000 miles
I had the problem of power door locks quitting and pulling a fuse could reset the problem for days or more. Then it would quit again. The car was starting easily, running smoothly then one day the battery died, totally dead. I bought a new battery and installed it myself. The car went though computer resetting which took a few hours before the car would start again. Everything started working normally again, even the door locks. I think the factory battery was the problem. I bought the new one (84 month / 7 years). The old one lasted about 3 years, 19,000 miles. I think the computer controlled Dodge needs a very clean power source or strange things begin to happen. I was told I could reset the computer for $200, new window regulator motor $450, and said I would use it the way it was.
Tom Anthony
Pompano Beach, Florida
5 years and only 24,000
2009Dec 03
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 22,500 miles
Chrysler should do a recall and fix this problem. This is a terrible inconvenience and too expensive. Dealer said I needed a new computer - that a download would not work and that a short had occurred. It's outrageous to spend almost $500.00 for a problem like this.
2009Oct 01
Caravan 2.4L 4
- Automatic transmission
- 20,000 miles
Removed the fuse, that fixed the front door locks, but rear still not working.
2009Nov 11
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
nothing but problems this last year...lights go out as im driving, automatic locks no longer work, cars front end makes popping/thumping noises when driving and hitting bumps (this has been repaired twice only to not work).
2009Oct 16
Caravan LX 3.6V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
First, I would like to say, we have had good service out of this van, has a lot of space, reasonable gas mileage, and drives very well. This is the first problem we have had. It seems to be a class problem and I think Dodge should make it right with a recall, but doubt it will happen.
Auto door lock/unlock failed to operate with Key Buttons or switch on door panel (72000 miles). Checking Internet, I found this web site and tried the remove the 20Amp fuse, labeled IOD and reinstalled the fuse. I did clean with alcohol using a swab - doubt that is necessary.
Doors lock/unlock after reinstalling rhe fuse.
After fixing it -- I called my extended warranty folks and they said it was covered and to take it to Burgmin Dodge, and likely the ACTIVATOR would need to be replaced and I would have to pay $100 deductible. My wife had called dealer before and they said a common problem and reset the computer would fix it for $50 (not sure exact words).
I called dealer after having read the web site and having talked to my warrantly folks. Told him I had fixed it with fuse removal and re installation - but understand from web site that this fixes does not last forever. I asked him what he would have done, maybe replace activator. He said probably reset as I did - remove fuse. Then I get the idea the next step is to REPROGRAM COMPUTER (whatever that is). NOT SURE HOW THAT IS DONE. THEN MAYBE THE ACTIVATOR (cannot remember what he said about that). But, He suggested I bring it in for a checkup before my warranty runs out at 80000 miles.
We had some conversation about what he would do to diagnose? I am not sure, but it would cost me $50 or so and he did say it would put me on record.
I DID as one other person on this site suggested - register a complaint with www.NHTSA.gov and tried to slant it to a safety issue which I think it could be if kids are involved.
2009Sep 01
Caravan LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 49,000 miles
Got this van only because I went through a bankruptcy and this was all the dealer had that would fit my family. So when I got it it seemed pretty rusted on the gas pedal and in the tire rim area. Owned it couple months now and the door locks won't work. My key fob works and makes the alarm sound likes its locking but it def doesn't. I have to also use the key just to open the trunk. With just one key lock on the driver side I have to crawl all over the van each time we get in and out which is real fun with 4 children. Not to mention I don't have the money to get it pro fixed so I looked the problem up on here hoping to find a fix. Shouldn't haven't to go through all this with the amount of miles on the van. Seems like it's a common defect and the manufacturer should take some responsibility and recall it. When pigs fly I guess.
2008Nov 20
Caravan SXT 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 97,000 miles
Took van back where we bought it. They removed BCM and cleaned all contacts
going in to the bottom. Then they adjusted the socket where the 20A fuse goes
in to make better contact. Everything has been working ok for over a month. So
far this has taken care of the problem.
2009Sep 11
Caravan SXT
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
The door locks - and electric windows - quit working on our Caravan at random. The suspension is cheap, if you get a flat tire it just might take out your fuel filler hose (happened to us!), and fit and finish is on par with a Yugo. This is certainly the last Dodge product I will ever own, which is too bad since the basics - strong motor, comfort, and storage - are great with this vehicle. This Dodge product is simply too shoddy compared to the competition.
2009Sep 21
Caravan SXT 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
My problem could have started some time ago, the horn sounds and lights flash like the car is locked but I just noticed that it was not locking. I will try pulling the BCM #1 fuse and replace the IOM 20amp fuse. Has been a good mini van but will not be spending a lot of money on this problem.
2009Jul 22
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Door locks quit working while we were at the beach. Thank goodness we found this site with info to pull 20 amp fuse to BSM. It's working now, but based on other complaints we're just waiting for it to happen again.
2009Aug 01
Caravan SXT
- Automatic transmission
- 48,000 miles
I'm joining the club with the door locking issue. All of a sudden they stopped working. I was able to lock the front doors and sliding doors manually, but unable to lock the rear hatch door either manually or with the key because there is no lock knob inside the vehicle and using the key outside the vehicle you can only open the door not lock it.
I removed the battery cables cleaned the terminals and cables and replaced them and it is working now.
2009Jul 01
Caravan SE 3.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 55,923 miles
This Is a piece of Sh-- I purchased as used, I had earlier Chrysler VAn 1994 worked fine till date. This is Chrysler'd quality control problem they shoul fix it free of charge or may be nominal fee $10 max
2008Feb 01
Caravan 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 15,000 miles
I have two boys 1 and 4. My wife uses the van most. We want to dump it in the ocean because of this. We got a base van, and paid extra to have power locks. Now we are still paying extra every month for nothing...thanks a lot Dodge...oh whats that? they suck and took all of the tax payers money, and still could not make it work! wow thanks yet again Chrysler for screwing me twice! We used to do the disconnect battery trick, but now it wont last more than a few hours. Not even worth it now. Cant wait to dump this piece of sh*t. But no one wants to buy it because its not a Toyota or Honda. I think that makes 3 times Im getting screwed with this van.
2009Jan 05
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
First of all my van started stalling...it would start and run fine...then after driving somewhere, it wouldn't start when I turned the ignition...it just clicked...after several times of being stranded, I had it towed into dodge service center at no cost...ha ha ha...they said they would probably have to do a computer scan...ha ha ha...I said o k...they said it was the battery and they replaced it...HO HO HO...it cost me $379.87...I checked that battery over quite closely and have yet to find any gold on it...and now my power locks have stopped functioning...I have checked everything and everything checks out o k...am I missing something...THIS IS QUITE A PAIN...I don't want to pay $379.87 for a fuse...someone HELP
2009Apr 23
Caravan 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Dodge needs to recall this and fix it for their customers. I have been pulling the fuze since April and sometimes it lasts two days other times only a few hours. It is very frustrating and inconvenient since there is only one body lock on the car, drivers' side.
2009May 01
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Haven't had any problems with my caravan until now. Power locks are very important to me because of the inconvenience of crawling around inside to get the doors locked and unlocked. I am so glad I found this site so we could remedy this problem ourselves and eliminate a costly repair bill.
Chrysler does need to recognize this problem with a recall to stop this problem. Within the next year I plan to replace with another vehicle, and although this has been a good one (first dodge owned), I don't know if I will get another Dodge.
2008Jul 15
Caravan Grand Lx 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
The windows and door locks stopped working when "monsoon" season hit Arizona. I looked at this site and someone said to check the fuse and clean with rubber eraser. Good advise for me! Everything works just fine since. Cleaned all fuses while I was at it.
Now if the damn brakes will stop wearing down.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Nov 14
Caravan SXT 3.6L
Door locks have just stopped working. It's a safety concern. Car has been very well cared for, no reason in the world for this to happen at 69,000 miles. Looking for repair advice, not sure Chrysler knows how to fix it either.
Phil U.
Winchester, MA, USA
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