2001 Dodge Caravan

125,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ARWOLKOWSKI
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  • 6 POSTS
When I turn the ignition to Accessory, all the interior accessories are functional, i.e., heater, wiper, radio, etc. When the van is started the accessories shut down within a split second. This occurs intermittently. Sometimes the accessories come on by themselves after the engine runs for a while. Other times I have to shut the vehicle off and restart for the accessories to start working. Today I tried to start the engine and then cycle the ignition switch from accessory to start several times while the engine was running. By doing this, on some occasions the accessories will start up again and on other occassions it will shut down the accessories. I don't know if this is a direct result of cycle'ing the ignition or if this was merely a coincidence.
I've pulled all the fuses and relays from the pwr distribution panel checking for corrosion and/or failed components. Everything looked normal.
I've hinged the distribution panel over to expose all the plugs below. I was shocked to see that the connectors are not sealed when they are actually exposed to the elements below the panel!!! In any case, I've pulled all of these plugs and re-inserted them multipe times to clean the contact points, then sprayed them all with die electric grease and re-connected the lot.
The accessories still come on and off intermittently.
Do you have any suggestions?
I appreciate any advise you can provide.

Randy
Dec 30, 2010 at 1:55 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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  • 18,828 POSTS
I'm putting my money on ignition switch faulty
Dec 30, 2010 at 2:00 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Test the ignition switch sounds like its breaking up/bad contacts-
Dec 30, 2010 at 2:10 PM
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ARWOLKOWSKI
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Thanks for the suggestions!
How do I remove & test the ignition switch?
Dec 30, 2010 at 2:28 PM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
If you can wiggle key or cycle on off and all works then you have tested IGN SW. so to replace see diagrams
Dec 31, 2010 at 12:54 PM
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ARWOLKOWSKI
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Is there not a procedure for checking continuity between the poles on the switch in Run and Start key positions?
I'd like to confirm this is the problem since like I said before, the accessories cut in and out intermittently so I'm not sure if they shut off by coincidence while I was cycle'ing the key from Run to Start, or if the problem is actually in the ignition switch.
Are the screws on the switch a Torx screw?
Dec 31, 2010 at 3:44 PM
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ARWOLKOWSKI
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I changed the switch since I wasn't able to test the old one. It made no difference in the operation of the cabin accessorie,... just lightened my pocket by $70 bucks. I suppose it was worth a try to at least eliminate that possibility.
Do you have any other suggestions? Could this be a problem related to the BCM or some other module?
Jan 7, 2011 at 1:43 PM
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OUTINTHEWOODSNF
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My father has the same problem with his 2003 Caravan, No accessories at all with the engine running, i tried changing the Body Control Module, but that wasnt it....it appears that none of the accessory relays have ground on them,... i can run ground to each one and they will all work.....From what ive heard, the electrical on those machines are made unnecessarily complicated,.... Even the ignition switch isnt just a normal "contact" switch, apparently it has resistors in it..Did u ever figure out your problem?
Feb 4, 2013 at 4:54 PM
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OUTINTHEWOODSNF
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I just about lost my mind trying to figure this out,....i finally cut the yellow wire going to the engine control module and everything works fine,...been ok now for a month,... guess that wire isnt very important after all
Mar 17, 2013 at 6:04 AM
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