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Caravan/Town & Country Electrical Problems

652 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 8:12 PM

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Messages Page 40 of 66

#391 of 652 '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radio by robreece

Jan 05, 2010 (8:28 am)

 
We have a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country Limited.
 
When the van is started and the engine is running, we loose power to power windows, the HVAC blower, wipers, and radio. For a short while, this was an intermittent condition while driving with no reason -- these components would go on/off for no rhyme or reason driving around town. This weekend, this condition seems to be permanent when the engine is running, i.e., these components do NOT work at all with the engine running.
 
Here's the kicker -- when we turn the key to the ON position, and the engine is not running, all functions return!
 
I've checked all fuses & relays and all visually appear to be okay. In a darkened garage, when the headlights are on, I can see them flicker somewhat when at a low rpm. From the research I've done thus far, I've seen this might be a bad BCM, ignition switch, alternator, or even something else.
 
What might the problem be and how should I fix it?
 
Thanks!
 
Rob

#392 of 652 Re: '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radio [robreece] by xwesx

Jan 05, 2010 (10:52 am)

Replying to: robreece (Jan 05, 2010 8:28 am)
I vote for the BCM - all sorts of gremlins seem to originate from that unit. I have a similar condition with my van, but the symptoms change all the time so it is impossible to pinpoint the fault. I gave up on it for the winter, but plan to resume my search when the snow finally melts in another four months so I can sell it feeling confident that someone will get reliable use out of it.

#393 of 652 Re: '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radio [xwesx] by robreece

Jan 05, 2010 (11:16 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 05, 2010 10:52 am)
I'm thinking about pulling out the BCM and inspecting it for visual cracks or frays on the circuit board.
 
I'm hoping the BCM version number is visible so I can order it and replace it if necessary.

#394 of 652 Re: '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radio [robreece] by pal6

Jan 05, 2010 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: robreece (Jan 05, 2010 11:16 am)
I seriously doubt it's your BCM. I experienced this with my 02 van. I would clean the battery terminals good and the problem would go away for awhile. After talking on another forum and visitng the dealer, I finally figured it out. The A/C Clutch turns on and there is back voltage (which shouldn't exist) telling the ShutDown Relay to turn off all accessories. IE: it thinks the car is starting and powers off everything. There is a known issue wth 3 generation T&C. Battery acid has leaked under the battery tray and destroyed the wire(s) under it. I pulled my tray and found a blue wire/yellow strip exposed due to battery acid or wore away from rubbing against the tray. When I looked up the blue wire w/ yellow stripe, it was the A/C Clutch power wire. I cut and connected the wire using a wire connect. It hasn't occurred since.
 
Here is some info....
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...#ixzz0Oi0HeCUX
 
The following comes from the above link (when the web page is retrieved, click on Read More to view the entire troubleshooting process):
 
K99140943
Vehicle Issue: Radio, power windows, wipers inoperative with engine running. If ignition key in run position but engine off everything works.
Year: 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
Model: RS - Caravan, Voyager, Town and Country
Category: Customer Concern (No DTCs)
System or Component: Radio | Cigar Lighter / Power Outlet | Power Windows | Wiper / Washer System
Symptom: Inoperative
Condition Verification: Yes - Continuously
Case Verification: While the ignition switch is in the START position the accessory relay will drop-out and resume operation when the ignition switch goes back to run.
The accessory relay controls the operation of the radio, power windows, washer motors, wiper motors and power outlet (almost anything inside of the passenger compartment).
The ignition switch supplies power in the START position only on the T751 circuit (20 gauge, Yellow) to cavity 2 of the IPM C7 connector and then to cavity 19 of the FCM. This shuts down the Accessory relay until power is removed.
That very same 751 circuit also provides power to the Starter relay at terminal 86. It also exits the IPM through cavity 3 of the C3 connector and goes straight to the PCM at cavity 30 C1 connector.
Recommendation: While your condition is occuring, check for voltage on the T751 circuit. If there is voltage the Accessory relay won't function. With the engine still running, remove the starter relay and see if the accessory relay starts working. The bottom line is you have to find the source of the voltage on that circuit and eliminate it.
Modification Date: 05/10/05 12:49 PM
 
Good Luck....let us know how you make out.

#395 of 652 Re: '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radio [pal6] by robreece

Jan 06, 2010 (2:17 am)

Replying to: pal6 (Jan 05, 2010 1:34 pm)
There is a known issue wth 3 generation T&C. Battery acid has leaked under the battery tray and destroyed the wire(s) under it. I pulled my tray and found a blue wire/yellow strip exposed due to battery acid or wore away from rubbing against the tray. When I looked up the blue wire w/ yellow stripe, it was the A/C Clutch power wire. I cut and connected the wire using a wire connect. It hasn't occurred since.
 
Right on the money.
 
After removing the battery and the tray, that's what I discovered too! Corrosion galore. I was afraid that the nuts securing the tray would dissolve into powder, but I got them off intact.
 
Where is this blue and yellow striped wire roughly here? Do I need to unwrap some of the bundles to access it?
 

#396 of 652 Re: '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radio [robreece] by pal6

Jan 06, 2010 (11:18 am)

Replying to: robreece (Jan 06, 2010 2:17 am)
Robreece - Edmunds site has Advertisements posted on the right side cutting off half of your posting. On the other forum, I posted a picture highlighting where my wires were affected.
When you unwrap the black taping around the harness, clean up the acid with baking soda mixed in a little water. The damaged wire was not easy to see immediately until I cleaned everything up.

#397 of 652 oversized image by xwesx

Jan 06, 2010 (11:29 am)

Yep - add the following to your image tag after the source location, but inside the tags:
border="0" height="410" width="547"
 
It will resize the image to one that will fit on the page without losing any text.

#398 of 652 Fan not working by joebobby

Jan 07, 2010 (8:03 am)

Replaced cooling fan relay but still have engine light on and p0480 code. What next????

#399 of 652 Re: '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radi by danielpenteado

Jan 23, 2010 (11:15 pm)

I have the same problem with my 01 Voyager while the engine is running. Nevertheless, if I hit the gas pedal and increase the RPM fast, the front wiper runs once and the radio clock blinks once too. In addition, if I turn on the rear wiper, while the rear wiper is going from left to right, everything works. As soon as the rear wiper reaches the start position (left side of the car), everything stop again.
 
I didn't check under my battery to verify corrosion yet, but do you think that could be the same problem? Even with these two new details (RPM and rear wiper) ?
 
Thanks

#400 of 652 Re: '02 T&C: ONLY when engine running - NO pwr windows, HVAC, wipers & radi by danielpenteado

Jan 23, 2010 (11:51 pm)

I removed the starter relay while the engine was running and everything worked perfectly!!!
 
What should I check first to solve this issue?
 
Thanks

Messages Page 40 of 66

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