1997 Dodge Caravan Electrical system Problems

“The cruise control stopped working. Then the air bag light came on. I later realized that the horn doesn't work. I reported this to the dealer service dept. At a nys inspection visit. The vehicle passed inspection. I have had several incidents where I needed to use the horn, and was unable to. This is a serious safety defect.”

“My wife park the van inside the garage, turn off the radio, engine and lights. She open the drivers door and see flames and smoke coming by the parking brake handler. And all the lights on the van were on. She remove the kids from the van and my son call 911.police and fire department came and extinguish the fire, remove the van from the garage and check it and found possible electrical malfunction .check the van today 8-24 2013 and found that the fire start at the head light switch. Dim switch ok and mirror switch ok. …”

“While driving, the air bag light illuminated. The dealer has been notified, and the mechanic stated that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The consumer also stated that the cruise control works part time, and the check engine light stays on.”

“1997 Dodge Caravan. Starting at about 30,000 miles, the windshield wipers would mysteriously come on, make 4 to 5 wipes and turn off. We made jokes about the ghost riding with us. It was an intermittent problem, happening about every month or six weeks. It could not be reproduced on demand. Finally, at 72,000, the windshield wipers refused to turn on from the stalk--except when the windshield was given a squirt of fluid by lifting up on the turn signal/wiper control stalk, then they gave the regular three wipes and turned off. The dealer replaced the entire switch unit. It did not help. …”

“1997 Dodge Caravan 3.3 liter v6 with 93000 miles. Started vehicle and the starter mechanism locked onto the flywheel or failed to disengage, making a screeching noise. Turned ignition off and engine shut down but starter kept cycling engine. Removed keys from ignition and van was still attempting start by turning the engine over and over. Strong smell of burning electrical components as the starter continued to cycle engine, unabated, with keys out of ignition. Hood was popped and battery cables were disconnected shutting the starter off. …”