'03 Dodge Caravan Electrical problem?

[trini65]

2003 Dodge Caravan. On wet, rainy days my van looses electrical power on the inside of the van. When you turn over the ignition to the first click, I have power. However, when I continue to turnover the ignition and turn the van on I loose the power. Everything is off, from the Clock Radio, windshield wipers, power windows and locks, and the fan on the heater. The van runs fine, but there is no power. This seems to only happen when its rainy and wet outside. On dry days it is fine. The check engine light is on and the dealer said it is giving them several codes. However, each code is not related to each other and everything they checked worked ok. At first the dealer thought it was the ignition switch and replaced it. But, it didn't fix it. Has anyone heard of this problem or has any ideas before I spend alot of money on needless repairs.

1/30/07 Problem solved. Told by dealer it ended being a wire that was nearly spliced by a bolt. In addition, several others were crimped due to same bolt. Wires were fixed and haven't had the problem since. Total Cost: just over $400, instead of the $1400 for just the part that the main dealership told them to replace. Hopes this helps someone else.

[RIP]

Nearly all the electronics of the van are controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM). It's power source is from a fuse labeled IOD or Memory in the Power Distribution Center (fuse panel next to the battery). The BCM itself is under the dash but, your symptoms sound like water is getting into a connector in the BCM circuit under the hood. Suggest you trace the wiring off that fuse and check for any corrosion at any connection you find.

Wouldn't hurt to clean the battery terminals and cable connectors with a wire brush. Apply grease and reconnect securely. Cover the post and connectors with grease to keep moisture out.

[hundahunta]

I would also check underneath the battery tray, when your battery leaks acid it will also eat the wiring harness. I have seen vehicle's come in with electrical problems and the outside of the harness looks ok, but when you open the wire loom is has acid inside.