'03 Caravan multiple problems... :(

I've been reading the posts here this after my '03 Caravan went down this morning and just wanted to get some advice.

in chronological order...

- Bought used with 110,000 miles about 6 months ago.

- Engine light came on for good about 1 month later.

- Radio stopped working but it still will display time.

- Then blower motor on ac/heater started only working on high.

- Few days ago the C/H temp sensor on the dash started behaving erratically and now just doesn't move even when van is totally warmed up but the van was running like it knew it was warm.

- This morning took off for work and the windshield wipers were on and as soon as i turned the headlights on (while driving) the wipers started to bog down then the battery light came on the dash and started beeping.

- Turned around went home shut it off, started back up 10 min later and no battery light...?

- Took it to shadetree mechanic down the road just now and he's talking about a "pcm bypass kit" that dodge makes for these since they go out so often?

I'm open to any suggestions, thanks!!!!


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I've never heard of a pcm bypass kit so, I'd be kind of leery of that mechanic. The blower motor probably has a bad resistor, only working on high is a nearly sure sign of that. Those radios do go bad from time to time but, I'd probably check the fuses to make sure none are blown. I'd have the alternator tested, a weak battery can cause the computer to go haywire. I've also seen in rare instances where the rectifier bridge diodes get weak and a couple AC volts get into the system and wreak havoc on the computer since it cannot interpret AC voltage. Have you had anyone pull the code?

When multiple electrical problems like yours pop up a good place to start is the Integrated Power Module or IPM. That's the fuse relay panel under the hood. There are TSBs on it describing corrosion on the internal circuit board creating seemingly unrelated electrical problems.

Good bet fixing the charging problem could fix most of your other issues. As was stated the computers/modules on the van are sensative to low voltage and voltage spikes. No telling what problems you'll see.

This PCM bypass kit new to me too. Can you get us more details on it like part numbers, exactly what it bypasses, etc. ?

Not sure this applies to your van but early 4th generation vans had a recall for water leaking and dripping on the radio creating shorts.

Agree on the blower. Working on high only is a classic sign the blower resistor block is toast. It's up behind the glove box. If you have auto temp controls it uses a blower control module located in the same area. I have read of folks replacing a thermistor or fuse on the block, not sure which, available at Radio Shack. Not sure how long that would last.

You said the "engine light" came on. What code was making it turn on?

The radio recall just involves putting metallic tape over the top vents.