Strange Electrical Malfunction

[CL8]

I drove my '99 Dodge Caravan to the store for the first time in three days, because of snow and ice,
when I left the store and turned on the engine, the "airbag" light stayed on, the radio, heater and turn signals didn't work.
I stopped at Napa Autoparts and had them check the fuses, they all appeared to be fine. I drove home and everything was working fine.
Could this be a problem from the cold weather (more than two weeks now) or a battery or other problem?
Thanks,CL8

[peterjon1]

More likely, the ignition switch didn't fully return to the run position the first time. I had similar happen to me once or twice.

[CL8]

Originally Posted by peterjon1

More likely, the ignition switch didn't fully return to the run position the first time. I had similar happen to me once or twice.

Thanks peterjon, was it extremely cold when it happened to you?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by CL8

Thanks peterjon, was it extremely cold when it happened to you?

It's happened to me in the extreme cold. I suspect condensation accumulated on cold metal parts, like the ignition switch as I drove. When I parked the car, the interior cooled down and the condensation froze before it could dry up, this making the ignition sticky the next time I started the car.

[CL8]

Thats good to know .
So when the weather warms up I would guess I shouldn't have that problem.

This brings up another electrical problem I have with my Caravan, every winter, until later in spring my inside light won't come on when I open the driver side door, but when the weather warms it does come on.

Anyone know an easy way to fix this?

thanks, CL8

[peterjon1]

The ignition switch can hang up at any time. I think it was fairly warm when it happened to me. When it happens again, turn the switch off and restart immediately. If the problem goes away, it is very likely it is the switch. If this happens often, it may be time to have the switch replaced. Mine has only done it a couple of times in 170,000 miles, it hasn't been a big issue.

As for the interior lights, that is the switch right near the door latch hanging up. Open the driver's door and look on the door jamb near the latch. You will see a black plastic plunger switch. Try a shot of WD-40 on on to free it up.

[Robertmchenry]

Originally Posted by CL8

Thats good to know .
So when the weather warms up I would guess I shouldn't have that problem.

This brings up another electrical problem I have with my Caravan, every winter, until later in spring my inside light won't come on when I open the driver side door, but when the weather warms it does come on.

Anyone know an easy way to fix this?

thanks, CL8

Check the button that the door rests against when the door is closed. Sometimes these switches get gummed up & won't fully pop out (completing the circuit by grounding).

Mine needed a good cleaning/lubrication.

[Bear]

Be aware that the ignition switch is the electrical part that rests on lower left side of the steering column, the part you are describing is the key lock cylinder. I had similar issues with my '96 Caravan and replaced the key lock cylinder and that did not solve my problem, replacing the ignition switch did solve the problem.

[jpb53]

A little more info on this subject http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=932057

[CL8]

Thanks for the info.
So far I haven't had the problem except that one time.

But I still need to get lube or something for the button of my inside light.