Problems with 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge grand caravan. while driving 40 mph, the alternator completely detached from the vehicle without warning. while the engine was running, the vehicle lost all function and was towed to the contact's home. the dealer and manufacturer were not notified. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was unknown.

While at a stop light, another driver told us the van's tail light was smoking. we pulled around a corner and into a parking lot and found that the passenger tail light assembly was on fire with flames lapping up the side of the van. the van was turned off and the fire was extinguished. we removed the tail light assembly and found that the inside of the assembly and the wiring harness were destroyed. there is also body damage. we have had problems with the brake light bulb in the passenger side burning out frequently, and had seen evidence of overheating and some melting in the brake light connector socket in about 2010. although the lights burn out frequently, the melting had not gotten worse since then. the driver's side tail light has never exhibited a problem like this. at this time it is unknown if there is any damage or fault in the electrical system beyond the tail light assembly. a rough estimate of obvious damages is approximately $1,000 to $1,500 with repainting.

The wiring inside of the power sliding door caught fire with out being used. it was the door on the drivers side. the vehicle had just been driven and parked for approx 10 min when the fire was noticed due to the smell.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge grand caravan. while driving various speeds, all the doors remained opened without warning. the contact's daughter diagnosed that the fuse needed to be cleaned. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 154,000. the vin was not available.

He's lights flicker while driving, which makes night driving dangerous to the the annoyance of lights flickering and dimming. the dash lights are also flickering.

Power locks stopped working signal lights can only be turned off manually blower defrost fan will not turn off back seat faulty folding into the floor

While driving at highway speed, the radio abruptly shut off with a loud pop at the same time the dashboard cluster ie: fuel, speedometer and temp gauge suddenly dropped and then came back up to there previous level. the odometer went blank as well and came on again. the car was still running but it was quite disconcerting to look at the dashboard and see all the gauges in the same position as if the car was off. y wife has told me that it had happened previously but she could not recall the date.

The battery on our van kept going dead.the battery was new.we took our van to 5 different repair shops,buying parts& 3 new batteries& we are still with the same problem.our van while we are driving goes in & out of over drive.it is like you are pushing the gas pedal & letting off,pushing&letting off.the cruise won't work(well it does & then it doesn't)there is a clicking sound in the dash that sounds like the doors are locking yet they aren't,the back door when you use your remote,the door open& closes,opens & closes till you have to close it & use your key so you are able to put your groceries in without getting crushed by the door,the handicapped lift won't come down we know there is a shortage some where,yet nobody is able to fix our van!we have one working & we have paid so many hundreds out for repairs & we are still where we started.i don't know what to do we need our van our son has cp & is in a powered wheelchair it isn't like we can just run out & trade we have to have a handicapped van!you are talking about spending big money & we only have one working in our family cause i have to stay home & take care of him.he is 36 & he can't walk or talk! we need help fixing this problem before it hurts my family!!!!!!!!

Power locks malfunctioning, lights go on and off on their own, driving at night dangerous. something wrong with electronic systems. work one time than they dont. now my lights want to stay on or come on randomly n i end up with dead battery. locks dangerous when you can't unlock rear door to get child out. turn signal doesn't turn off on its own. stalls after filling fuel tank. power drivers seat has stooped working properly slso, i'm short and would rather not have to sit on top of sir bag but not all of the adjustment functions are working properly. so can't tilt seat instead i have to sit on top of air bag, at a weight of 129 n under 5 feet tall i sure hope that sir bag never deploys on me

My electrical system has a demand. it started with power sliding door not opening then the locks would not unlock if i did not slam the side door shut the flashers would come on and i could not shut them off the rear window wiper started moving i could not shut if off all the dash lights started flashing and indicated i had no gas. this is a handicapped modified van and i use a wheelchair to ambulate. i have taken off work for full days and partial days to get this problem diagnosed and fixed. after a $2,488 dollar bill to excise the demand the door still will not open and the wheelchair ramp will not deploy. i have to work and i am almost out of leave. dodge should come to the rescue and assume responsibility for the computer problem that they are aware of and recall these vehicles to have the computer program patch to all owners. my problems started at 38,000 miles.

The 2005 dodge grand caravan and 2005 chrysler town and country have a known software bug for the body control module that controls the power locks on the vehicle. once this occurs on your vehicle, the owner is unable to lock the vehicle remotely or from the power lock switch or when the vehicle exceeds 10 mph auto lock feature. known service bulletins are: 08-028-05 and 08-040-04 to permanently fix this issue with the locks the owner can temporarily fix the problem by pulling the power to the vehicle and letting teh body control module reset. this is only a temporary fix as the problem has re-occurred 3 times since the original issue came up. the permanent fix for this known software issue results in the consumer/owner of the vehicle to take into a dealership for diagnostics and repair a minimum of $130+tax. i believe this a safety issue for this vehicle (the auto lock at speed doesn't work), and it is also a theft issue in that the owner can not properly lock the vehicle.

While slowing down motor will try and shut off. if you come to a stop it will shut off. seat belts do not lock in place. rear windshield wiper will not move. passenger side cargo door will not unlock. some settings for heat and ac will not work. left turn signal won't shut off after turning. *tr

The automatic lock system on my 05 dodge grand caravan doesn't work, with the key fob or when pushing the automated lock buttons inside the vehicle. the car beeps like it is locking when you push the key fob. however, it really isn't locking. after doing some research, i have found that this is a common issue with the 2005 dodge caravan models. that being said, i contacted the dealership & was told that there has not been a recall, because this is "not considered a safety issue." how is this not a safety issue? dodge, themselves, actually calls part of the automated lock system a "safety feature." the system is supposed to automatically lock, once you reach a speed of 15 mph. well, this no longer works either. how is it called a "safety feature" when it works, but then it isn't a "safety issue" when it doesn't work? i physically cannot lock the passenger doors myself, when driving. i either have to remember to do it before i leave, make sure the person that gets out does it before they leave, pull over to lock them, or drive with them unlocked. that's not safe! i attend night school & am not comfortable leaving my car unlocked, but it is not as easy to get into my vehicle quickly now. i have to manually open the driver side door (only door that has a manual lock), reach in, unlock the side door, then open the side door, put my things in, lock the side door, close the door, and then get in the front. that is a lot of extra time in a dark parking lot! normally, i would just click the unlock & the open door button on the way to the van, put the stuff in, close the door & go. in addition, if you are a passenger, you have to stand there & wait to be let in. as mentioned, there is no key entry on that side of the vehicle at all. many times, i am left standing there (with my purse), as my husband walks around to the driver side & lets himself & the kid's in the vehicle. *tr

Power door locks were inoperable either by the key fob or the interior door lock switches. returned vehicle to dealer on 10/07/2014 for repair. in that i had extended coverage i had to pay the $100.00 co-pay. *tr

I have been experiencing random electrical issues intermittently for a few weeks, but today, it was noticed that my power locks are not able to be engaged or disengaged via either my key fob or manual by the button on the side of the driver's or passenger's door. they also do not engage once the vehicle reaches the appropriate speed. the only way to lock or unlock the vehicle at this time, is via the key in the door, and manually pushing down/pulling up the locks themselves. as a mom of three children under the age of 10, having them riding in the back of the vehicle and not knowing for sure that their doors are locked, causes distress in regard to their safety. i need to know that i can lock my vehicle quickly behind my children, if necessary, and know that if they happen to pull on the handle on the sliding doors, that i can rest assured that the doors will not open in response to this as i'm driving down the highway. *tr

Door lock system has failed due to computer glitch. from what i have found on-line this problem has been happening for years and should be covered by a recall.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that the air bag light illuminated and the horn failed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 226,000.

I activated the passenger side automatic sliding door. there was a pop and a flash indicative of an electrical short and the door no longer opened or closed automatically. i inspected the wires and found that two wires were broken and possibly made contact with each other, causing an electrical short. the vehicle was inside my garage at the time and no one was inside. however, this is a dangerous situation should the vehicle catch fire because of the flimsy wiring on the doors. the driver side door stopped working two days later, but with no pop or flash. i noticed several other vehicles had the same problem, and there are several documented cases of the same problem throughout the web. *tr

The headlights started going off while driving. first the fog lights started flashing on and off on their own and when i would pull on the headlight switch out to engage the fog lights, the headlights would turn off. i saw on line that many other people are having this problem with their grand caravans. *tr

I was going through a drive-thru when my knee accidentally bumped the key in the ignition and the vehicle cut off. i turned it back on and bumped it again to test it, and it happened again. i tried it while the vehicle was in park as well as in drive and reverse and it happened each time. i recently read about the gm / dodge /chrysler ignition and airbag issues, but my vehicle year is not being investigated or recalled. i demand that the investigation and recalls are expanded to include models going back to at least 2005, including any vehicles with this engineering or part defect. *tr

Power lock function stopped working on my 2005 dodge grand caravan. power door locks could not be activated using the power door lock switches on the driver's door, the passenger door, the key fob, and the 15 mph auto lock feature. attempting to activate power door locks from the key fob gives a false indication that the doors have locked since the horn beeps without the doors locking. not having the auto-lock feature and not having control of the power door locks from the driver or passenger doors is a safety hazard for passengers exiting the vehicle in case of emergency. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge grand caravan. when the vehicle was purchased, the air bag light was illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensors needed to be replaced. the contact was informed that the repairs should be covered under a recall. it was determined that the vehicle was not included in a recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 85,000.

Air bag light illuminated, no horn or cruise control. indicative of a failed clockspring as in earlier models. this condition existed at purchase so exact date mileage of initial failure unknown. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the engine stalled without warning. the contact also stated that the shifting had to be tampered in order to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts. in addition, the automatic door on the driver side would not close properly,which caused her to drive the vehicle with the door completely open. the problem recurred multiple times. also, the driver side air bag warning light illuminated continuously. the vehicle was not taken to a mechanic for a diagnosis and the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Headlights went out while driving at night. had to fiddle with the on off switch repeatedly to get them to come back on. could not get issue to replicate. *tr

Power door locks fail to operate either with switches or key fob on some of the doors. can't get into the vehicle on doors that don't have key holes. doors don't lock when leaving vehicle parked causing potential theft opportunity. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge grand caravan. after exiting the vehicle, the contact attempted to lock the doors and the locks failed to engage. the contact had to remove the i.o.d fuse from the fuse box and reset the computer in order for the locks to engage. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 20,000. the vin was unavailable.

While attempting to operate the electric sliding side door, a large spark and small debris fire was seen in the bottom door rail. upon inspection, a break in the wire harness had aloud wires to be severed that controls the door and locking system. the automatic door locks on both side doors no longer worked and the passenger side door would no longer open electrically. i removed the wiring harness and wires and discarded them to avoid any more problems (sparking and/or fires). this could cause a major fire hazard in the right environment. *tr

Doors lock themselves and door lock switch fails to function intermittently. *tr

My van has had flickering headlights and dashboard lights. i replaced the alternator and the battery had been replaced recently as well and it is still doing it. driving home from work today it was flickering a lot and the dash board lights were flickering a lot as well. makes it hard to see driving at night. *tr

My vans locks don't work anymore on the remote on by pushing the button but if i charge the battery even if its not dead it'll work for a couple days i feel this should be fixed for safety. *tr

The electric door locks do not work unless you reset the computer by removing the battery cable for one min. and connecting it back. computer needs to be flashed for a permanent fix. the removing the cable is just a temporary fix.i bought it broken.

Started up the car and all the lights on the dash stayed on, fuel light, eng light, abs light ....all the lighted squares around the gear (dl321) stayed lit and would not shut off until i turned the engine off and then they didn't shut off until the automatic cut off ..shut them down. checked all the fuses and the fmc and the pdc to clean connections and didn't change. disconnected the battery cables and then reconnected them. still nothing called the dealer and he said that they could connect the diagnostic but sounded like the module needed to be replaced at a start of $500. my headlights have been having on and off problems every once in a while along with the drivers window not going down then it works fine for a long time and then stops again. *tr

I have been having intermittent issues with my headlamps not turning on. if i jiggle the fuse box or pull the relay out they will come on. the issue has gotten progressively worse to the point that i have to manipulate the fuse box to get my headlights on at all. all other lights work. i feel very unsafe in my van since i have to pop the hood every time i need headlights and sometimes it can take several minutes before they work. as a woman it is not safe to be in a public place with my van hood up. i would like to see dodge correct this defect! *tr

Electric operation of locks quit and has not resumed. neither keys remote feature works to lock or unlock the van, although they both cause the lights to flash as usual. lock switches on driver and front passenger doors also do not work. manual locking via the old fashioned buttons works ok, as do key locks on rear hatch and driver's door. *tr

The same as so many other complaints. the electric locking system and power side doors stopped working. car does not lock when reaching speed either. this is a safety hazard. i have a child in the back and cannot be assured doors are locked. i do not have the ability to lock or unlock in case of emergency. rear door locking is hit or miss. if it's true that the system needs an upgrade why do i have to pay for that? shouldn't the company that built the defective part have to fix it? not the first electrical problem i have had. headlights stopped working while driving multiple times. i replaced the switch, works for now. i also had a defective window motor and switch which had to be replaced. *tr

Power door locks stop working. does not lock at 20mph. *tr

As i was driving my 2005 dodge grand caravan, the dashboard flickered and then the car shut down. power steering was disabled but i was luckily able to drift it to the side of the road. after researching online, it seems this electrical shut down is ongoing and problematic for this year and make. i had little children in the car and without warning the car dies. this needs to be a recall as it poses serious safety concerns for the driver of the vehicle and cars around it. had i been on the highway, i would not be able to tell you about this incident. when i brought the vehicle in to the dealer, i was told it needed an electrical system software update otherwise it will get progressively worse. the dealer also explained that the other electrical issues that i have been having - tail lights burning out, sliding doors opening/closing, window not going down, power locks locking and unlocking) were also a part of this software update. yet, it is not a recall because it is not considered a safety issue. i am appalled that we have to pay for this software update, that dodge and the nhtsa have been aware of this issue and that is not considered a safety concern. recall this make and model for this issue immediately. the car dying in the road is a major concern. the doors closing without notice could have killed my four year old, instead i threw my body in the middle to protect her. please, please, please recall this to save lives. there are so many of this make and model car on the road with little children inside. *tr

Door locks stopped working, no one fuse to change for it, different forums says to unhook battery cable and fuses to restore power to door locks, this worked for about 3 days, door locks are not working again. over it!!!! *tr

My power door locks no longer work. we can pull the fuse and put it back and they will work for a few days. one time our battery died and after charging the door locks worked for a few weeks. also the power window on the driver side intermittently does not work and now every time i open the door the horn blows. *tr

The 05 grand caravan that i have has the lock issue the buttons inside nor the key fob will unlock or lock the vehicle. so if i were in a emergency situation and i need to lock or unlock my doors i would not be able to in time therefore i think this is a huge safety issue. my father in law is having the same issue with his 05 town and country. *tr

Power door locks stop working. they cannot be controlled by key fob, door controls or automatic door lock over 20mph setting. a driver cannot automatically lock or unlock doors quickly when in an unsafe situation, and due to the size of the van, some locks cannot even be reached from driver's seat.

The power locks stopped working. neither the remote nor the actual interior lock would work to lock all the doors at once. we now need to individually lock each door.

The van has had a problem for the last 3 months. riding on the van, suddenly the gauges in the dashboard start to flicker and jump like crazy and the engine stalls and dies in the middle of the road.this is dangerous. i can cause an accident. i have changed the alternator, the battery, the pcm, and still have the problem. i have contacted the factory and they don't have a solution for this dangerous situation. there are many vehicles in the same situation. does the factory have to assume some responsibility? *tr

The left side rear sliding door stopped working in june 2013 by only opening about 3 inches and stopping, then later started not unlocking automatically. you then had to either pull the door open or pull it shut. in july of 2014 the right side rear sliding door stopped working and unlocking automatically. we actually started having problem with it shortly after we bought it in april 2005. if you had it open, it would occasionally not close at all even manually until you pulled on it for a while. we took it to the dealer more than once and they said nothing was wrong with it. now, both have to be manually unlocked and on occasion the right side will open automatically after you manually unlock it. neither of the rear sliding doors lock or unlock automatically with the button on the headliner, the automatic button on the door, or with the key. the left door does not even want to open manually from the inside. this gets scary when you have a baby seat on the other side and others have left the vehicle before you and you have no one to open the door and are unable to climb over the front seats due to health issues. when we bought the van we were shown at the dealer how the doors would stop if there was a hand, foot, or something in the doorway to avoid injury, so could the mechanicals that work this be at fault?? we never wanted to try this to see, but this is about where the door stops working on the left side. i noticed that there are many, many complaints about these doors not working. i believe this to be a safety issue and cannot understand with all the complaints why this issue has not been addressed by chrysler. to be honest we have had multiple issues with this van since we bought it and spoke to lots of people with the same complaints. we feel there needs to be a recall. *tr

The headlights will flicker, the same time they flicker the dash lights for the odometer will flicker as well. i've also noticed when this started the small light next to my hazard button on the dash flickers as well, even though no one is in that seat. this problem is distracting and makes it difficult to drive at night. this problem has seemed to have gotten worse since it started. i've tried running the van with and without the a/c but this did not solve the issue. *tr

First and foremost, i see 822 previous complaints (most refer to the exact same problems) with no sign of any intent by the nhtsa-odi or the manufacturer to respond and/or rectify this situation. electrical problems: vehicle repeatedly loses power and stalls while driving. power door locks stopped working completely from both interior switches and the key fob; will not lock or unlock any of the 5 doors from interior. manually able to lock and unlock doors individually. unable to lock back hatch with key fob or from inside vehicle therefore, vehicle remains unlocked. both power sliding doors and power hatch stopped working. other mechanical problems: vehicle shakes uncontrollably when applying brakes downhill; new brake pads installed, problem still exists. my neighbors had the exact same problems with their 2005 town and country. bottom line: this is a widespread safety issue that requires immediate action. unfortunately, as you can clearly see below, it is highly unlikely that any of us will ever see a response by the manufacturer, nhtsa-odi or anyone else for that matter. the manufacturer has no intent to admit responsibility and help consumers resolve this issue. without action by the nhtsa-odi we as consumers do not stand a chance in solving this problem. *tr

Power locks suddenly quit working for driver & passenger rear sliding doors. unable to remotely lock/unlock those doors and have to manually lock each door separately. if battery is disconnected/reconnected, still doesn't work. *tr

Passenger side power sliding door would not unlock manually or with any of the remote buttons. problem was resolved by replacing defective right side sliding door actuator. *tr

Courtesy lamp socket melted needing replacement. more recently, the right rear turn signal failed. when i replaced the lamp, i noticed that both sides the socket assembly had melted. the replacement bulb is not able to function as the contacts are not able to connect. the entire assembly needs to be replaced. *tr