Instrument Cluster Problem

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JOE ZUKE
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a 1999 Dodge Caravan sport with a 3.8L engine. It has been very cold the last few days, -30 with a nasty wind. I went to start the van after work the other day and it started fine but died after 5 - 10 seconds. This happened 4 times and on the 5th try it started. The tachometer, temperature gauge, speedometer and the fuel gauge did not work. The gauges light up fine but they do not read. (It is not a digital dash) The ABS light, security alarm light, and the service engine soon light stay on but the lights that tell me what gear I am in remain off. When I turn the key on there is a very short, split second, spike in the tachometer: like it wants to work but cuts out by the time the key is turned all the way. The gauges worked properly on the 4 previous starts but quit with the 5th and still do not work. The van starts runs and drives fine otherwise.
Feb 3, 2007 at 12:41 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds as though there might be a BCM or other power relay that is sticking. Sorry it took so long for a response, has it worked intermittently since then?
Feb 5, 2007 at 11:58 PM
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JOE ZUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It warmed up a bit. It works fine now. Thanks
Feb 6, 2007 at 11:00 AM
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