Battery, BCM, or what?
santorini_mou
05-26-2005, 05:26 PM
Late last year my 98 AWD 3.8L Caravan started doing the usual BCM problems: lights flashed on and off, door chime went crazy, and clicking sounds. I put it off.
A couple of days ago it wouldn't start. I had juice, no dimming of lights when I tried to turn it over. No starter clicking either. It just wouldn't turn over. I had it towed back to the house, pulled the BCM and I ordered a used BCM. Two days after the tow, I went back outside put in the old one and it turned over! I left it there.
Today I got the used BCM and put it in. Still dead. Yeah, I probably needed the BCM. But what's up? Any ideas? Thoroughly cleaned the battery posts already. I'm taking the battery to get tested tonight.
A couple of days ago it wouldn't start. I had juice, no dimming of lights when I tried to turn it over. No starter clicking either. It just wouldn't turn over. I had it towed back to the house, pulled the BCM and I ordered a used BCM. Two days after the tow, I went back outside put in the old one and it turned over! I left it there.
Today I got the used BCM and put it in. Still dead. Yeah, I probably needed the BCM. But what's up? Any ideas? Thoroughly cleaned the battery posts already. I'm taking the battery to get tested tonight.
GTP Dad
05-26-2005, 07:12 PM
Sounds like a bad battery. The BCM will not affect the starting portion of the vehicle although it will cause instruments and lights to do funny things. I would have the battery tested to see if it is good. If so then check the wiring from the battery to the starter solenoid and the power control center under the hood. You could also have a bad ground wire somewhere that is causing your problem so check out the negative side too.
sandokana
05-26-2005, 10:37 PM
I agree with GTP Dad. You must have a bad connection somewhere. Take your time and go through all the connection and check the battery.
santorini_mou
05-26-2005, 10:57 PM
I checked the battery at the local parts store. As suspected, it's fine. I'll be tracing the lines to the starter soleniod tomorrow, which was also recommended to me at the store. Thanks for the advice. I believe you guys are right, wiring problem or the starter solenoid is out. I'll post back the verdict or ask for any suggestions tomorrow.
santorini_mou
05-30-2005, 01:17 PM
I started a new thread for my question. It's not the battery or the BCM. Please see "It must be Electrical? 98 Caravan Help". Thanks guys!
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