Message center does not like the cold!

[rammitch]

I have a weird problem going on. After the caravan has been sitting in cold weather for a few hours and I start it up, the message center is dead (brake indicator, Check engine light and airbag light), and the chime dings once, then after about 3 seconds starts chiming real fast. This lasts for anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, depending on how cold it is. When the chiming stops, the Airbag light comes on and goes off, just like when you start it up on a warm day and everything is working normally.

I kind of suspect a relay is sticking in the cold weather because I swear that I hear a click when the airbag light finally comes on, but can't swear to it. My question is which relay (or part) would affect the entire message center?...or has anybody seen this problem before? Thanks for taking the time to help.

[RIP]

Welcome aboard. Try to remember anytime you post a problem include the model year. Helps us know which wiring diagram to look at. Wouldn't hurt to throw in the engine size too.

[rammitch]

Can't believe I forgot that info....1999 Caravan SE with the 3.3. Thanks again for looking!

[rammitch]

I found the problem...It's got to be a connection under the dash. I tapped on it the other morning while the chime was on and immediatly the airbag light came on and chime stopped. It's been 3 days and we haven't been back above freezing temps since then and still no problem. I'll crack into it again if/when I swap front speakers out.

[RIP]

Yup. I'm a heal. Somehow you got lost in my mix.

Sounds like you've got a handle on it. Don't envy you. Loose connections can be tough to track down meaning it could be a connection in a nice big wire harness connector or a tiny connection on a microprocessor circuit. Hope it's the former.

The Junction Block (JB) at the left lower side of the dash holds the relays on the inside of the van. The combo flasher, 3 door lock, rear defrost, and courtesy lamps relays are there. On the back side of the JB is the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM controls the message center. The BCM is a microprocessor that controls and conditions much of the electronics in the van. It's the box with the chimes.

20 amp fuse #6 on the JB appears to power the message center. It also powers the climate control panel. Seeing problems there too?

[rammitch]

It's still working just fine after tapping on top of the message center....I don't think I'll crack into it any further unless it has a relapse. The climate control center works properly, as does the rear wiper.

Thanks for the help!

[RIP]

Thanks for the update. Hope you luck out with that golden smack to the dash. If you ever have to get in the dash here's a how to slide show: http://photoshow.comcast.net/rlshaull/