electrical problem
7.0
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$65.00
Average Mileage:
48,381 miles
Number of complaints:
18 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (10 reports)
- remove and replace the 20 amp fuse as described (3 reports)
- see your chrysler service center for software update (2 reports)
- change fuse (1 reports)
- pull the phone charger (1 reports)
- remove and reinsert BCM #1 fuse (1 reports)
2008Apr 01
Caravan 3.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
I also have door lock issues. I purchased the vehicle with 24,000 miles on it and have had problems since purchase. It has been returned to the dealer at least 10 times for repair and the repair will last up to one week then I am back to not having locks. I am worried about my child riding in a vehicle that does not lock properly. I find myself leaving it unlocked because it is such a hassle to unlock.
2008Mar 04
Caravan SXT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,850 miles
This is the FOURTH time my van has been serviced for power door lock failure. It has always been covered under warranty, but I'm very tired of this issue.
It always starts with me getting SHOCKED on the driver's door and then the door locks will not lock manually. They have always locked with the keyfob.
After finding this site, we removed the BCM #1 fuse, but this didn't work.
This time, the dealership replaced a computer module (twice, because the first computer was bad and I didn't have any dash lights). My van was in the shop from Tuesday of the first week to Thursday of the next week. They were nice enough to rent a vehicle for me, after they realized that it was going to take time for the parts to come in.
I have a 6 year 60,000 warranty. I will be trading it in before my warranty expires!
2008Mar 05
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
Just wanted to register my beef about the same non functional door lock problem and thank those that have contributed what I hope will be a solution. If the removal of a fuse is not a permanent solution, I (we) need to return to this site and report that to save others a lot of trouble. I like my Caravan, only wish it was not plagued with electrical problems, I had hoped that Chrysler-Daimler would turn out a better product once that combination occurred but that does not seem to be the case - so much for German precision. I took a chance buying this van to begin with, having been a much dissatisfied Dodge customer when I got sucked in on its Dodge Dart "Convertriple" a number of years back, which was a total disaster. If I can keep this one running long enough to get together the difference between its trade in value and the price of an new vehicle, Dodge is off my list.
2007Jan 17
Caravan SE 2.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
It is just a pain to move over and lock / unlock the door. Keyless entry and inside buttons do not work. But quite surprisingly rear door lock still works with keyless entry. I wish there was a way to upload the bin file into the central computer system via regular PC.
2007Aug 15
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
I bought my caravan used. Problems started immediately.The lights will flash and the
horn will honk, making you believe that the doors are locking......but "NO!" It is a
royal pain to crawl over the passenger seat and into the back seats just to open the
door. I have tried removing the battery terminals for a few minutes and then
replacing them, but this solves the problem for only a few hours or less. The
Dodge dealership told me that I need to replace some kind of a harness...but I'm
not sure they know what they are talking about. I have read several complaints
from other dissatisfied Dodge customers and I am convinced that if you buy junk.......
you have junk. I will never buy another Dodge. Why won't Dodge stand behind their
product and make this right? Obviously reputation means very little to them. I am
just one person with a big problem....but I share this problem with many, many
others...and the word is getting out to the public about the "Don't care attitude"
that Dodge has on this issue. Hopefully this summer I'll be able to unload this piece
of crap!
2007May 01
Caravan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 35,000 miles
Door locks have stopped working. Dodge wants a diagnostic!(I DON'T THINK SO). I have found the 20 amp fuse and the battery works for about two days. I don't not have the notice mentioned. I have already paid for the wiring to be replaced on the air bags then got the recall. locks started shortly after. I am asking for any other suggestions. It does not seem by the complaint the computer programing does not work either. Thanks for your help!
2007Jun 06
Caravan SE 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 41,000 miles
Same issues as most everyone in this thread. This is clearly a design or quality issue on Chrysler's part, and they damned well address it.
As Steve posted (similar to my experience) how exactly do the power locks/or ECU computer software "break" after over 40k miles of service w/o the issue occurring even once?
I've not tried the BCM or other "fuse trick" yet, but I will - as I feel confident the problem with re-occur in a matter of hours or days.
So far I've been pulling the battery cables (major PITA) which has restored function for varying amounts of time (many hours to a few days). I also replaced the OEM battery just to be sure that it was not a factor. No joy. Locks worked for two days and then required the usual reset.
Has anyone found a DEFINITE fix for this yet? If so, please post it. I appreciate everyone's entries here. It confirms that we've done nothing wrong here to "create" this issue, but rather that Chrysler has a problem and needs to take ownership of resolving the problem.
How many others are out there dealing with this who haven't found this website? Exactly.
2008Jan 02
Caravan SXT
- Automatic transmission
- 51,500 miles
It is extremely annoying to hand lock and unlock doors when the automatic door locks
2007Nov 08
(reported on)Caravan 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 42,000 miles
I also had the power door lock problem. I got the update as well. I called Chrysler to give them a chance to make good on the problem because I believe that locks are a safety issue and should be a recall item and the fact that there was a software update to correct it means they know that the problem exists. They told me that they don�t decide which items to recall and that the NTSB makes that decision. It turns out that you can make formal complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and they will do an investigation. Their website is www.nhtsa.dot.gov or you can call them at 1-888-327-4236. If they decide on a recall you will get your money back on the software update.
2007Oct 08
(reported on)Caravan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 44,000 miles
door locks quit working so now can not lock back door.
2007Sep 12
(reported on)Caravan ES 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Removing the IOD 20 amp fuse seems to fix it for about a week. Disconnecting the battery only worked for 24 hours. I checked with the Dealer and there is a TSB out that suggests reflashing the computer but they have an hour labor to charge for it. So for now I'll just reset the fuse until they get enough complaints to find the real fix.
2007May 26
(reported on)Caravan 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
I have a 2005 Caravan and recently, we've had nothing but problems with the computer. The power door locks have quit working, either with the remote or manually.
2007Mar 27
(reported on)Caravan SE 3.0
- Automatic transmission
- 37,000 miles
Dealer wants to "reset" the computer but that only works for about 6 hours..........
2007Mar 19
(reported on)Caravan 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
In my case, removing and replacing the 20 amp fuse, not the 40 amp fuse, as described seems to reset the computer. Aside from having to open the hood, and accessing the fuse to reset the system, you don't know if the doors lock with the keyless entry as the lights flash as if it does even though the solenoids that operate the locks aren't activated. The only way you know for sure is to hear or see the locks activated. I'm experimenting with just using the keyless entry to lock and unlock and avoiding using the switches in the doors. I seem to go longer between computer resets when I do this? Perhaps this is because the radio is usually not on when the keyless is used?
My question to the service people is if it's a computer upgrade that's necessary, why did it work flawlessly for 45K miles and now it's become necessary to constantly reset the computer? And what is the warranty for this upgrade, undoubtedly not 45K miles.
2007Feb 09
(reported on)Caravan 3.2
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
Removing and reinserting the fuse as noted will reset the computer and the locks.
As a temporary fix, make sure you don't have anything (like a cell phone charger) plugged into your auxiliary power and turn off the radio, fan, lights etc. before using the power locks. When you forget, open the hood, pull and reinsert the fuse. On my van it's yellow, numbered "20" and it's in the far NW corner of the fuse box (front of car is north)which is easy to get to.
Long term, my mechanic tells me that the computer system needs to be updated. No price quote on that, he didn't have the ability today, said I could take it to a dealer or wait for him about a month, I'll wait, but $191 sounds like way too much.
2007Jan 05
(reported on)Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
Removed 40 amp BCM #1. Did not solve problem. Disconnected battery, solved problem for less than 24 hours.
Was told there is a bulletin concerning this, cannot find. Read one person paid $190.00 to get problem fixed!!!
Does anyone have any ideas?
2006Nov 27
(reported on)Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 44,500 miles
Electric door locks quit working. The manual and inside cover of fuse panel were no help at all.
To fix the locks, the fuse you need to remove and re-insert is the BCM #1 (body control module), a 40 amp square-shaped fuse identified on underside of lid. This resets the module. The same thing could be accomplished by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your electrical problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
2008Apr 03
Caravan SXT 3.8L V6
Unbelievable that Dodge has had so many complaints about this problem and hasn't come up with a long term solution. Since we have owned this van, we have had both power sliding door motors replaced (the right one twice), the rear power hatch motor replaced, the drivers door window motor replaced and now this..... I will never own another Dodge. I guess the Honda Odyssey is worth the price :(
av8tor
Charlotte, NC, USA
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