7.2
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$95.00
Average Mileage:
55,866 miles
Number of complaints:
44 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (21 reports)
- remove and replace the 20 amp fuse as described (9 reports)
- unhook the negative battery cable for a few minutes (5 reports)
- see your chrysler service center for software update (4 reports)
- change fuse (1 reports)
- needs a new dash console (1 reports)
electrical problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2005 Dodge Caravan power door locks quit working
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Jul 15
Caravan LX 3.3L
- 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.
2008Dec 20
Caravan SXT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 17,000 miles
Made appointment at dealership with estimate of $90-$300. Problem had existed for about 2 weeks. I decided to try the locks again and they worked. I canceled appointment but 2 weeks later, they do not work again. I am going to wait a while and try again before I make a trip to the dealership which is in another city. Mileage is still well within the warranty mileage but unfortunately is beyond the warranty time. I love my van, but being a senior citizen widow, I must have a vehicle in which I can feel safe.
2009Jan 04
Caravan 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,800 miles
After the battery went dead, I replaced the battery and then soon after the power door lock stop operating. I am not sure if the replacement of the battery have caused the problem or it is just a design flaw. Anyway, I found a suggestion in the internet. The solution is to remove IOD (20amp) fuse from main fuse box located in the engine compartment next to the battery for at least 5 (five) seconds and then replace it. Make sure the fuse is still good. This solved the power lock problem for me for now.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 07
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 72,000 miles
I paid the dealer mechanic $150.00 and all he did was pull the battery cables off for a few minutes to reset the computer. This fix lasted about 2 weeks. I started pulling the battery cables myself and that seemed to work for a while, Now that doesn't work anymore. My wife and I babysit 3 of our grandchildren they are all under 3 years old. I'm afraid that one day one of the doors may be accidentally opened by one of them. We have to crawl all around the inside of the van and over car seats to lock and unlock all of the doors. This is very frustrating and as well as painful for my wife's arthritis. I'll probably be getting rid of this minivan soon, it really is a safety hazard. This seems to be a wide spread problem and Dodge should be held accountable for it's fix.
2008Dec 20
Caravan LX 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 48,201 miles
Typical complaint of other reports involving BCM failure with accompanying door lock failures, with temporary fix with battery disconnect or pulling the 20 amp fuse to the BCM. Royal Gate Dodge (St.Louis) wants a $70 "diagnostic" charge plus an unspecified amount to "fix" the problem. The diagnostic charge is a scam since restoration of door locks is accomplished with pulling the fuse or battery disconnect. Is that not enough of a diagnosis? I refuse to pay Chrysler for a non maintenance related defect on a car with 48,000 miles. My suggestion is (1.) to definitely call Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997. The more you make a nuisance of yourself with the
calls and complaints they get, the sooner a recall might come out. (2) Contact
the Attorney General's office of your state and (important) formally file your complaint there. The dealership and Chrysler is more likely to respond to pressure from the AG's office than from us as individuals. Remember this can be seen as a safety issue as well.
No more Chrysler products for me.
2008May 16
Caravan 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 79,430 miles
I have been trying to find out why my locks don't work any more cant fine it and don't really have the money to fix it but i have a child and i don't need them trying to open the door if im moving down the road i think dodge needs to get up and fix this problem before some gets hurt
2008Dec 03
Caravan SXT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Join the others with this complaint regarding door locks not working
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 27
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
This is my third Caravan and have always been pleased until I bought this one. Very dismayed to see the number of complaints and lack of action by Chrysler. Will try the battery solution and the fuse disconnect but am not overly optimistic.
2008Nov 10
Caravan SXT 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 96,800 miles
Power door locks not working. Same as everyone with this problem-----removing and replacing 20A IOD fuse takes care of problem for a short time. Haven't heard of a permanent fix yet. Wonder if Dodge will step up to the plate on this problem?
2008Aug 13
Caravan LX
- Automatic transmission
- 37,500 miles
This has happened to my van twice now, both times my brother-in-law pulled the fuse and the battery. The first time, it lasted less than a day, he just did it again as I'm typing this, we'll see. It's very annoying!! My husband has worked for Chrysler for 15 years in the van plant, never heard of this problem until mine. I do agree that Chrysler should acknowledge this problem and consider it as a recall. Will see how long it's fixed this time!
2008Oct 06
Caravan SXT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
I was surprised the fix was that simple I believed all along that it was a fuse but the Dealer said its best to let them check it out for 90$, economics would not allow that,so I found this forum I did reset the 20amp fuse and it worked, next time I'll replace it.Thanks forum
2008Jan 06
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
After a few months of not having the convenience of my power locks, I went to the Dodge dealership. They 're-flashed' my locks. It's some kind of software update. Anyway, I haven't had a problem since. I will say that it's ridiculous that I had to pay to have this done, since apparently, alot of people have had this same problem! I think it should be a recall that they should fix without cost to the consumer. It only cost $91, but that sucks when everything else is so expensive now days. So, now I don't have problems with my locks anymore, but my engine light stays on and I have to replace the battery already. I had the engine light checked, it's just a sensor that doesn't need to be replaced? There's something very screwy with this electrical system. I will never buy another Dodge!
2008Aug 18
Caravan SXT 3.6L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 34,000 miles
the dealer said it needed a new dash console at the cost of 600.00 parts and labor. The so called wrench at the dealer hit the dash and the locks started working again. That is how they came up with the dash console needed replaced. It works for now. I will get a second opinion on this one from an independent shop.
2008Sep 29
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 36,300 miles
This is not the first time that this has happened. The power locks go out. We do the battery shut down and it fixes it, but the time between occurrences keeps getting smaller. I have seen many, many comments online about this. When we made an appointment with the dealership, they said that they had not hear of it and when I went to the Dodge site, it said that there were no known complaints or recalls on this car. It apparently needs a software update to the BCM to fix it. Apparently the NTSB makes the decision to recall an item. 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.
2008Aug 10
Caravan SXT
- Automatic transmission
- 42,000 miles
I don't understand why this is not on the recall list. I unhooked the battery cable overnight. The locks worked for about a month. Now they are back to not working. Will unhook the cable again.
2008Jul 24
Caravan SXT 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 33,000 miles
3yr old soccer mom van with low mileage has no power locks at all. wont work with the key fob, door switch or auto lock when driving. more than an inconvenience, is a safety issue with children and when driving in not so nice neighborhoods. disconnecting the battery to reset the computer is not something that should have to be done daily in this day and age.
2008Mar 10
Caravan SE
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I HATE DODGE. I had my van for two months and the power door locks quit working, my keypad wouldn't work, and my power doors quit working. After spending $200 at the Dealership to have it repaired, they finally worked again. One month later the same problem occurred. I waited a week or so - and they all started working again. WTF?!?! I've owned 3 Dodge vehicles - A Stratus and two Caravans. I've had nothing but trouble with each of them. I will NEVER buy a Dodge again. Mitsubishi here I come! I'm trading my van in on Monday. Good Riddance!
2008Jan 01
Caravan LX 3.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I have the same problem as all the other threads. Pulled the neg. battery cable. This fixes problem for varied time frame. No more Dodge products for me.
2008Aug 05
Caravan SXT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
Just wanted to brag......I almost made it to 70k miles before this one got me. Have not tried any fixes yet but if I find one I'll update.
2008Jul 10
Caravan 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 72,885 miles
WE JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED. AND THE ANSWER I FOUND WAS REMOVE THE BSM FUSE ETC... BUT I FOUND ON MY OWN THAT JUST UNHOOKING THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE FOR A FEW MINUTES WORKS JUST FINE. WE DID THE BSM ALONG WITH THE BATTERY CABLE AND IT ONLY WORKED FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND IT DID IT AGAIN. WE JUST RECENTLY JUST UNHOOKED THE BATTER CABLE AND IT FIXED IT SO FAR. IF THAT DOESN'T WORK THEN WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT SERVICED. I AGREE THAT DODGE NEEDS TO RECALL THIS BECAUSE IT IS A HASSLE AND DANGER. PARENTS DEPEND ON THIS ESPECIALLY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. THE VAN I HAVE ONLY HAS TWO KEY HOLES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE VAN. THIS IS A PAIN! IF YOU HAVE A BABY OR TODDLERS THE KEY LESS ENTRY IS A PLUS. BUT IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CLIMB IN THE VAN AND UNLOCK EACH DOOR MANUALLY ESPECIALLY IF IT THE WEATHER IS BAD.
2008Jun 20
Caravan
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
same here as everyone else , just so annoyed that i will have to buy a foreign car in order to get quality and customer service .
2008Jun 09
Caravan V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,320 miles
There are roughly 28 complaints underneath one topic and 19 complaints underneath another topic concerning this problem. I found my #20 fuse lying in the fuse box in the engine like it popped off. I have an auto start and I took it there first to see if they could find anything. They were appalled that the only fuse box they saw was in the engine. Like others, it just stopped working, however, I'm able to use my power windows and I'm able to unlock my trunk. Oh, I still get the annoying beep and the lights when I think I'm opening/closing my locks. Due to the fact that I have children capable of opening the doors at anytime, I feel that DODGE needs to look at this problem immediately before they have a lawsuit on their hands! I'm taking my car tomorrow to have them check on this problem along with a rattling heat shield and some humming/rubbing while I'm stopping then turning. Not too happy about the issue with the locks!
2008Jun 18
Caravan SXT 3.3L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,000 miles
The power door locks on my 2005 Caravan SXT 3.3L V6 stopped working the other day. When you push the lock button on the remote, the lights signal that the "lock" occurred, but it doesn't. The lock/unlock switch on the driver and passenger front-seats does not work either - no noise, no action, when they are pressed. I now have to lock/unlock the car manually - which is a pain for sure - but the real issue is safety in my mind. My Caravan has 40,000 miles now. I've found a lot of other people on the web that have the same issue. The solution, they say, is to disconnect/reconnect the BCM fuse and disconnect/reconnect the negative battery cable, and this should restore the locks temporarily. I'll probably take it into the dealer, and have them fix it, and I'm hopeful that Chrysler will issue a recall, as this could be considered a safety issue.
2008Apr 03
Caravan SXT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 49,000 miles
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 :(
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jan 05
Caravan
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
no_mas
Visalia, CA, USA
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