96 Town and Country Wiper Problem

[waveswing]

Have a 1996 T&C and the wipers have failed. Dealership is saying its the computer for the wipers. Can someone advise on where this may be and where I may find the part? How easy is it to replace? ANY help would be appreciated. Thanks

[RIP]

Most often known as the BCM or Body Control Module also called the BCC or " Computer. It's under the dash in front of the drivers left knee mounted on the Junction Block Panel (fuse/relay panel). It's about the size of your fist. It's function varies but, it controls nearly all the electronic functions of the van except the engine and transmission. Verify that's what they mean before you jump into this.

Good chance they are right because it appears the BCM provides the ground for the wiper on relay circuit. I'm sure they verified 20 Amp fuse #3 and 30 Amp fuse # 9 were good and they were getting power from them at the computer.

I could be wrong but, I think this is a dealer only part. They cost $3-400. You could try a junk yard but you have to make sure you get the same part number as there could be 2 to 3 BCMs for every model year.

To get to it remove the lower steering column panel and knee pad panel. You'll see the screws. Disconnect the negative cable on the battery anytime you're under the dash to avoid setting off an airbag. Keep in touch

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by waveswing

Have a 1996 T&C and the wipers have failed. Dealership is saying its the computer for the wipers. Can someone advise on where this may be and where I may find the part? How easy is it to replace? ANY help would be appreciated. Thanks

Before trying anything try going under the hood in fuse and relay center and pull the IOD fuse for a couple minutes and see if that helps at all , sometimes just resetting the BCM will fix certain anomalies . Would think you would be seeing other problems too if the bcm was bad .

[RIP]

Would think you would be seeing other problems too if the bcm was bad

That's why I would love to see an internal schematic of one of these. Dont spose you've seen one anywhere have you vipergg? Good point on the IOD fuse.

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by RIP

That's why I would love to see an internal schematic of one of these. Dont spose you've seen one anywhere have you vipergg? Good point on the IOD fuse.

Nope haven't seen a schematic for the bcm and I have the factory manuals. I have seen the IOD fix many things though , inoperative dash guages and lights, a few radio problems and even the rear wiper and washer pump that had stopped working so this thing does a lot of stuff .

[RIP]

Yup. I've seen a lot of threads about BCMs. Chrysler is making big bucks off our misery because of them. I sure wish more people would submitt complaints to the nhtsa so they would be forced to recall them or at least issue a TSB. They are a definite safety hazard. Cheers!