BCM 91 Grand Caravan SE

[ljshein]

Guys,

I recently was given a 91 Grand Caravan SE andit needs a new BCM. I'm trying to fix the van to give to someone that is really down on their luck.

The part number is 4686002. I got one off of e-bay but turns out there are some significant differences between models so it didn't work correctly. Does anyone have one they might be willing to part with for a reasonable amount of money or know of a parts yard I can call?

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate the help.
Jeff

[RIP]

Try these guys: http://acdelcocomputers.com/computers/bcm_chry.htm Don't see your number listed but, give them a call anyway.
$260 after you get the core charge back. Too much? Check with a local salvage yard. Why do you say the BCM is bad?

[ljshein]

Rip,
Thanks for the information. I know the BCM is bad, because it seems to be a intermitent problem. I did switch it out and some of the dash functions worked even though it was the wrong BCM. I suppose it could be a ground problem, but I wouldn't know where to start looking. I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks again!
Jeff

[Stevo2]

Originally Posted by ljshein

Rip,
Thanks for the information. I know the BCM is bad, because it seems to be a intermitent problem. I did switch it out and some of the dash functions worked even though it was the wrong BCM. I suppose it could be a ground problem, but I wouldn't know where to start looking. I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks again!
Jeff

The original part# for that BCM is 4557611 and it was subbed to 4686002...so look for either part number. Rebuilt will cost $175+ from what I see.
Try putting a request in at www.junkyarddog.com or www.car-part.com and see if anyone there can set you up with a used one.
Try looking behind the left side kick panel for a ground?

[ljshein]

Stevo,

That is excellent information!! That explains why RockAuto had an different part number listed. That also makes it easier when I go through the junk yard this weekend, I'll have two possible part numbers to look for! :-)

When you say left side kick panel, I'm not sure I understand... can you be more specific? I guess I'm not sure what you mean by kick panel?

Something I don't understand about these bcms... from a manufacturing perspecive, whouldn't it have been less expensive to have one BCM for all the models and then have the functions vary based on the inputs? It just seems like there is a lot of cost by having many different part numbers and different circuit boards... just my 2cents.

Jeff

[Stevo2]

Originally Posted by ljshein

Stevo,

That is excellent information!! That explains why RockAuto had an different part number listed. That also makes it easier when I go through the junk yard this weekend, I'll have two possible part numbers to look for! :-)

When you say left side kick panel, I'm not sure I understand... can you be more specific? I guess I'm not sure what you mean by kick panel?

Something I don't understand about these bcms... from a manufacturing perspecive, whouldn't it have been less expensive to have one BCM for all the models and then have the functions vary based on the inputs? It just seems like there is a lot of cost by having many different part numbers and different circuit boards... just my 2cents.

Jeff

L/H Kick Panel...when sitting in the drivers seat take your left foot and kick the panel on the wall(not door)...thats the kick panel.

As far as the multiple part numbers, the original number is what was first specified by engineering to be installed when the vehicle was first rolled off the line. As unforseen problems arise, engineering changes are added to the original BCM and according to operating procedures the part number MUST change to eliminate confusion and allow parts usage and tracking. These numbers may change 10x depending on the engineering fixes. As I understand it, the companies that rebuild the ECMs,BCMs,etc apply all the latest changes on the boards when they are rebuilt unless there is a SPECIAL application, then that part will keep its own seperate part number.
Your BCM can come rebuilt from NAPA or other stores that carry the A1 Cardone brand rebuilds.

Also, your comment about 1 unique part number is a good one but what happens is that the Sales Department of ANY company dictates what is to be built. So if the Sales Dept wants blinker fluid, the engineers say yes sir! The blinker fluid is designed and then the engineer that handles the BCM must now redesign his part, and all the other engineers must also consider the redesign and sign off on it. It's quite complex and quite simple and it is very interesting to watch this in action. I worked for IBM for 18 years and watched this take place. It is basically the same process for all products.

[ljshein]

Stevo,

Thanks Again for the help!

your perspective is interesting, mine assumes that designs are static once they are in the field and of course, we know that is not the case.

I called a bunch of junk yards last week and interestingly enough, none of them listed a BCM on their computer systems. One of the yards did have a 91 grand voyager SE and he suggested I come down and take a look for myself. I found a BCM with the same part number and another sticker indicating it had been remanufactured. He charged me $20, took it home and it works perfectly.

Thanks again for your help and interesting conversation!

I'm sure I'll post on here again as more questions arise.

Jeff

[RIP]

Wow. You lucked out all the way around. First you found the right BCM then you only payed $20. Great to hear it fixed your problem. Thanks for letting us know.

[Stevo2]

Originally Posted by ljshein

Stevo,

Thanks Again for the help!

your perspective is interesting, mine assumes that designs are static once they are in the field and of course, we know that is not the case.

I called a bunch of junk yards last week and interestingly enough, none of them listed a BCM on their computer systems. One of the yards did have a 91 grand voyager SE and he suggested I come down and take a look for myself. I found a BCM with the same part number and another sticker indicating it had been remanufactured. He charged me $20, took it home and it works perfectly.

Thanks again for your help and interesting conversation!

I'm sure I'll post on here again as more questions arise.

Jeff

Glad to hear you got it fixed!