1999 Dodge Caravan Electrical Gremlin

My 1999 Dodge Caravan has me puzzled. Yesterday, the power door locks would not activate from the remote, so thinking it was maybe dead batteries in the remote, I tried to power-lock from within the vehicle.... nothing. Then, I discovered that the power locks would work if the ignition is turned on, both with the remote and with the switch on the inside of the door. Next, I discovered the interior lights will not come on at all (door activation, nor switch on instrument panel), unless the ignition is on. The clock doesn't work nor does the radio, in any position of the ignition key. I've checked fuses, but all seems to be in order. The Caravan has power windows, power door locks, power seats, AM/FM/CD radio, interior convenience lighting package, etc. Any one have any clues what to look for? Thanks for your help.

You've got several different problems going on pointing in several directions. For now I would disconnect the negative battery cable for several minutes then reconnect. This will reset the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM controls nearly all the electronics in the van even with the key off. Let us know what happens.

Tried that one, also removed the fuse for that circuit, left it disconnected for 30 minutes. No effect. Anything else to try to reset the BCM? This Caravan has been problem free from day one til now.

mine has gremlins too... periodically the wipers just come on for a couple of passes then no more.. i don't even touch the switch when it does it....

Next to inspecting the BCM connection and tracing down ground connections, in my book, a new BCM is at the top of the list. Oh, and make sure your battery connections are clean and tight and the battery is fully up to speed. A battery load test reveals most battery issues. The BCM and all other modules are sensative to low voltage and voltage spikes.

Noodles1023 - A new BCM fixed my ghostly wiper issues. Then it came back a year later. I just live with it.

How much is a BCM and is it an easy shade-tree replacement?