Intermittent headlights

2002 DODGE CARAVAN
125,000 MILES • 3.3L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SAJOHNSON
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  • 7 POSTS
One headlight works at a time. DRL driver side, Light switch on low beam passenger side works. High beams and driver side works. Both on if you hold switch. Replaced light switch, dimmer switch, front body module. Filed posts. Checked wiring in IPM. Didn't find any loose or frayed wires.
Changed bulbs.
Dec 4, 2019 at 4:18 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

When you checked the IPM, did you unplug the connector related to lighting? Often times the pins will corrode and break. Take a look at pic 1 below. Let me know. Also, you will need to check those pins to see if there is power to the light not working.

Let me know.

Joe
Image (Click to enlarge)
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Dec 7, 2019 at 9:24 PM
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SAJOHNSON
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Tried it all. As lights are on alternately power must be okay. Cleaned pins, used electrical goo (?), traced all ground wires. Took dash apart, checked all and all okay. Mystery. Taking to a diagnostic center tomorrow. All worked on one morning when it was raining. Not worked since. All wiring looks fine.
Dec 9, 2019 at 5:58 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If you get the chance, let me know what is found. I'm interesting in knowing if it is related to the integrated power module.

Take care,
Joe
Dec 10, 2019 at 4:38 PM
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SAJOHNSON
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I will. Has been at diagnostic center for 2 days. Must be complicated.
Dec 11, 2019 at 11:44 AM
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SAJOHNSON
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Appears to be IPM. Will cost more than car is worth. May try to wire direct to low beams. Have already replaced main computer, brakes, starter, ignition, water pump, fuel pump over 7 years. Hard to know what to do with so many parts new. Very limited income. Thanks for your help.
Dec 11, 2019 at 5:20 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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What I would suggest is to find an IPM online. There are companies (not individuals) that sale both remanufactured one and new ones. Once you get it, replacement is a little difficult, but not too bad. I can provide the directions if you need. If you do it yourself, it will be much cheaper.

Please feel free to let me know if you have questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe
Dec 11, 2019 at 6:35 PM
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SAJOHNSON
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Does this need to be reprogrammed? Dodge dealer wants $200.00 to reprogram. If it is mainly fuses, what would require reprogramming? My amateur mechanic has already removed, cleaned and put back in so he can handle installation.
Dec 11, 2019 at 7:49 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It shouldn't need reprogrammed. If I recall, this is a plug and play set up.
Dec 11, 2019 at 9:26 PM
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SAJOHNSON
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Thanks. That is what we were thinking. A few years ago we had to replace major computer and that eas reprogrammed. Mainly reason we hate to get rid of it because we have so many new parts in it.
Dec 12, 2019 at 9:09 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I understand and have been there.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe
Dec 12, 2019 at 5:36 PM
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SAJOHNSON
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It was IPM. Got from bone yard for $175.00. Installed. Everything works!! Thank you for all your help. Hope this helps with next guy who has the same problem.
Dec 16, 2019 at 7:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You are very welcome. I'm glad to hear you got it fixed, and yes, I'm confident your post will help others.

Please feel free to come back any time you have questions in the future.

Have a great holiday,
Joe
Dec 17, 2019 at 6:01 PM