1995 Dodge Caravan Check Gages Light

Check the fuses under the hood in the box behind the battery. There might be a corroded 15 amp (blue) fuse. In particular, look at the fuse in the yellow holder in the corner, and the fuse next to it. There should be a plastic cover on this fuse box.

If a fuse is blown, check the wire going up the hood hinge for the under-hood light to see if it is rubbed through. If it is mispositioned, it will short out against the inner fender.

caradiodoc

Okay I tried this. I took all the fuses out and tested them. All of them checked okay. I cleaned the battery connections and reconnected them. What I don't get is why some things are working and some are not.

My radio, heat, headlights and turn signals all work fine. My door locks will unlock but not lock. We checked all the fuses under the dash too. My don't have any interior lights except for the two map lights which still work.

It's the strangest thing. If it was just the gauges I would think that it was a connection to the dash cluster, but since other electronics aren't working I'm baffled. I wondered if it could be one of the relays under the hood. But I don't have any way to check them.

If you have any suggestions let me know please, if in the mean time I figure it out, I'll post the answer.

Try disconnecting the battery for ten minutes, then reconnect it. In 1992 models, there was a problem where the Body computer would lock up. Everything that ran off it went dead. That included power locks and windows, all gauges, chime, and all interior lights. The engine still started and ran fine.

By disconnecting the battery, the computer would reset and work again, typically for the next 5,000 miles or so. The repair involved replacing any relays in the dash board that had a part number ending in "1001" because they could cause a voltage spike, and replacing the computer with one that was less susceptible to voltage spikes.

That problem did not show up in '93 and newer vans, but your symptoms sound similar.

caradiodoc

I really appreciate the help. I'll try it when I get home and let you know how I make out. That way if anyone else comes alone with a similar van you can be sure and let them know. Besides if I fix it before my husband gets a chance what a feather in my cap that will be.

Well I did find a broken wire for the hood light and fixed it. I disconnected the battery for about 30 minutes and then reconnected it keeping my fingers crosses. But nothing happened.

Tonight my husband and his buddy tore the dash cluster out and checked all the wires and found them to be fine.

His friend thinks if we replace the dash cluster it will fix the problem, I would agree if it were just the gauges that weren't working. I'm thinking it has to be the body computer. Where would one find the body computer and is it expensive to repair.

I know they think they're right but I don't.

Thank you again for all your help.

Remove the "knee blocker". That's the plastic panel under the steering column. You can let it drop without the need to disconnect the parking brake release handle. At the far right of the opening, you'll see two screws holding in the body computer. Tug on the wires and the module will slide out.

I'd head to a salvage yard for a used one to try. Much less expensive than a remanufactured one from the dealership. There's no programming or software installation required like on new cars, (that's why I drive a 1988 Grand Caravan). Just plug it in and you're done.

caradiodoc

That's what I'll do. I can even call the junk yard and for a nominal fee they'll pull it for me. That will save me from trudging out into the yard. I'll call there tomorrow and see about getting it switched out.

My husband is still arguing with me over it being the cluster panel.

I never knew there was anything behind that panel and I almost always kick it when I'm driving. I listen to music and tap the beat on that panel. I won't do it again.

Again I"ll let you know how I make out.

This is an awesome forum and you all do a fantastic job explaining things and putting it in Lehman terms so that everyone can understand.

Kudos

What city are you in, and what's the name of the junkyard? Most of them up here in WI won't let us pull our own parts. I went to GA, AL, IL, and IN in Feb. looking for yards. Would like to head southwest next.

caradiodoc

I'm in Pennsylvania. The one up the road from me call Spook Hallow Auto wreckers will pull the part for you.

There is another large one an hour from here, called Harry's U Pull it, they have a website. But they do have weekly specials, like some weeks on a certain day of the week you can pull an engine for $35 or a transmission. But there you do have to pull them yourself.

Spook is a little smaller and I guess it would depend on what you wanted as to how much he would charge to pull it for you.

They also have a website where you can input what type of vehicle you have and it will search and tell you if they have the part you're looking for.

Just wanted you to know I called the junk yard today they pulled the body control module. My husband went and got it came home, pulled the center kick panel replaced the module and I am back working again.

It was a $50 fix. I'm thrilled.

I would have never convinced him had it not been with for you. So I thank you so very much. I have my keyless entry, intermittent wipers, lights, and gauges.

Thanks again, this is a great forum.

Melanie