98 Grand Caravan Electronic Problem

A few weeks ago my wife went out to start our van and when she returned she told me that as soon as it started, the LCD displays (odometer, transmision gear indicator, radio, and overhead console) and instrument backlights began to flash. She noted that the PDL also started locking and unlocking on their own. I just chocked it up to the extreme cold weather and didn't really worry about it as it functioned normally until now. What is happening is after starting the LCD displays begin to flash but the locks are fine. I decided to step outside and circle the van when this occured just to see what the exterior lights were doing and low and behold the rear lamps were also flashing in sequence with the LCD's. Thinking that this might be an issue with the daytime running lights circuit I tried turning the light switch to park and on positions. The flashing stopped with the switch in either position. Returning the switch to off starts the flashing again. One other thing, this occurs right after starting and is intermitent in nature. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Any info is greatly appreciated.

steve

We also have a 98 Dodge Caravan that seems "possessed". Lights flash, PDL go off and on, turn signal clicking - happens intemittently, but no one can figure out the problem. (Had it in several times in the 1st year) Seems to happen mostly when the right passenger side door is opened, but not always. I'm sure it's an electrical malfunction, but no one knows what. Will eventually stop after a couple of minutes. We were told to clean the door contacts, but that didn't do anything, either. This has always happened intermittently in the 6 years we have had it.

Actually, my problem turned out to be the remote starter. I guess somehow one of my kids got hold of the remote control and locked the system. Once we unlocked it all my electrical problems went away. Unfortunately, I can't offer you much help as my solution was a simple fix. I only hope that you find the problem and your solution is as easy as mine was. Good Luck.:p

you stated you unlocked the system, by that do you mean you just unlocked the doors with the remote or keys? i am having the same problem at this moment. i have tried cycling with the remote and keys, but nothing seems to work. any suggestions?

Jim

Hi Jim, when I mentioned the remote, I did not mean the Dodge remote that comes with the vehicle. My Caravan has a Valet remote vehicle starter installed. Up here in the North it's nice to be able to start your vehicle from inside your house or at work especially in the dead of winter. Anyway, there is a button on the starter remote that locks the system. When the starter was installed, the technicians failed to mention that when the system was locked, the LED's would flash in order to alert me that the system was in lock mode. As soon as I disengaged the lock mode my supposed problems went away. Hope this helps.

Steve

Hi Jim, when I mentioned the remote, I did not mean the Dodge remote that comes with the vehicle. My Caravan has a Valet remote vehicle starter installed. Up here in the North it's nice to be able to start your vehicle from inside your house or at work especially in the dead of winter. Anyway, there is a button on the starter remote that locks the system. When the starter was installed, the technicians failed to mention that when the system was locked, the LED's would flash in order to alert me that the system was in lock mode. As soon as I disengaged the lock mode my supposed problems went away. Hope this helps.

Steve
I sell the Valet remote starts. Well, they come packaged with "security" features. I always turn them off and do not hook it up. Reason is just what Stevelm said. My thoughts are if you want those features too, get an alarm. The Valet doesn't have any door triggers and virtually no way to tell you if it is "armed" or not. So, if you lock it with the remote, it will keep the car from starting unless via remotes. I suggest deprogramming this. GOTO www.directed.com and go to install guides. From there you should see Valet. Click on 552t if it is over a year old or 562t if it is newer. If still not sure, find the brain and look at the date stamp on it.