Grand Caravan going downhill ???

Ok, here's the situation.

I have a 96 Grand Caravan/3.3 liter/2WD

First of all, I have a problem that I have noticed is somewhat commonplace with GC's and Voyagers.. The instrument panel went dead. Now I have tried replacing the BCM, the instrument panel, and tried pulling the IOD fuse. None of these things worked (guages still flatlined) I have heard that the CCD may have some bearing on this problem. Where is the CCD located ? And is this a really expensive thing to fix ? :banghead:

This problem started just after the alternator was replaced (if that means anything)

I have been dealing with this for a while now...

But recently, another problem has come about.... Whenever I let up on the accelerator, it makes a weird noise similar to an engine brake on a semi but not as loud, (I dont know how else to describe it, sorry) It does not make this noise when I accelerate... just when I let off the gas.

Other than these problems, the van runs well. I am just afraid that it may get worse.This is my only vehicle without which I would be hurt'n 4 certain !

Can anyone help shed some light on any of these problems ?

Thanks in advance. Any help/suggestions are appreciated

The CCD isn't a component. It is a data bus system (wires and IC chips) the electronics in the van use to transmit data on. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4739323.html

Have you tried an instrument cluster calibration test? When the alternator was changed was the battery disconnected first? Not doing that can damage the PCM, a major player on the CCD bus.

I'm not sure if the battery was disconnected or not. I got the van from my sister. Her hubby changed it. I will have to call and ask.

Thanx for the reply.:popcorn:

Ok, here's the situation.

I have a 96 Grand Caravan/3.3 liter/2WD

First of all, I have a problem that I have noticed is somewhat commonplace with GC's and Voyagers.. The instrument panel went dead. Now I have tried replacing the BCM, the instrument panel, and tried pulling the IOD fuse. None of these things worked (guages still flatlined) I have heard that the CCD may have some bearing on this problem. Where is the CCD located ? And is this a really expensive thing to fix ? :banghead:

This problem started just after the alternator was replaced (if that means anything)

I have been dealing with this for a while now...

But recently, another problem has come about.... Whenever I let up on the accelerator, it makes a weird noise similar to an engine brake on a semi but not as loud, (I dont know how else to describe it, sorry) It does not make this noise when I accelerate... just when I let off the gas.

Other than these problems, the van runs well. I am just afraid that it may get worse.This is my only vehicle without which I would be hurt'n 4 certain !

Can anyone help shed some light on any of these problems ?

Thanks in advance. Any help/suggestions are appreciated
You said the Instrument panel was replaced, was it a new one or used?

It was a used one from salvage yard... couldnt afford a new one.

It was a used one from salvage yard... couldnt afford a new one.
Might have the same bad connection problem
see link:
http://www.ingriddijkers.com/CaravanPics.html

The bad Instrument panel problem has caused a lot of grief. If the connections on the one you put in were not originally bad, they might have cracked with the removal from the other car and re-installation.
The pictures show where to do the repair if you know about soldering.
Also make sure your battery is fully charged and not causing the problem.
Regards

I will look into that. Thanks for the reply.

Any idea what the noise is when I let off the gas ? That has me boggled. And I hope it isnt something that is going to scrap my car if it isnt fixed right away.