1998 Dodge Caravan instrument cluster

1998 DODGE CARAVAN
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CRAFTPHREEK
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1998 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl All Wheel Drive 81,000 miles

Intermittantly, the ABS light comes on and at the same time the instrument panel stops working-fuel guage, speedometer,etc. as well as not seeing park, reverse,etc. Sometimes the check engine light comes on, but not always.
Jun 11, 2009 at 9:42 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Hi
The intermittent nature of this fault will make diagnosis difficult. I think there maybe a fault with the Body control Module but to be sure need to have codes read next time MIL is on. So when it does again go to an Auto Zone and have codes read then post and will advise.
Thanks for donate
Jun 12, 2009 at 2:30 PM
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CRAFTPHREEK
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van has Front wheel drive-my mistake.

Trouble code P1698
To shed more light:
Has been going on at least 6 months. Since It was very occassional and brief I put off dealing with it.
odometer and transmiision range panel light up when key is on but not when engine is turned on. I recently had the van to a mechanic due to air coming out of defrost vents only and occasionally coming out front vents. I had vent control actuator and temp controller replaced. the mechanic mentioned the instrument panel problem and said it would come back on if the key is in the on position and turned back slightly. This hasn't worked for me and it has been off since picked up from the mechanic which has been several days now and the longest it has gone this way. I guess it's done for good and needs to be taken care of.
Jun 14, 2009 at 11:04 AM
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DOCFIXIT
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Yes the code means between PCM and Trans Control Module and BCM there is no communication on the Bus. The testing is lengthly and requires special equipment.
Jun 15, 2009 at 2:25 PM