8.8
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,810
- Average Mileage:
- 101,400 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 28 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (12 reports)
- TIPM repair (12 reports)
- replaced TIPM (2 reports)
- chaffed bus bar wires behind dash (1 reports)
- check inside remote key fob for loose connector or moisture (1 reports)
Check engine light on. Headlight switch dead. Headlights come in Drive, but flash rapidly on and off. Power window switches worked initially for front door windows only, but since replacing TIPM with used, only drivers door window switch works. Pass door lock switch dead. Gas door warning stays on. Hood open warning stays on. Transmission won't shift up from 2nd gear, manual shift dead.
TIPM( body control module ) was replaced twice with used part, only made symptoms worse each time.
- Don M., Edmonton, AB, Canada
So for almost as long as I have had this van (10years) the electrical system has been faulty. The radio and back up camera wont turn on sometimes. The cigarette lighter I don't think ever worked! So I was always unable to charge my phones. The side doors won't stay open. The overhead control panel for the side and back flicker, and I keep blowing thru light bulbs. It gets so hot that it melted into the whole light casing!!! It was a mess to clean out to replace the bulb. Melted plastic everywhere!!
- Chrissy Z., Norristown, PA, US
This issue just starts randomly ... without warning and stops randomly too. Sometimes, even when I turn the vehicle off and then restart this issue will continue. All warning lights come on with a bell ringing continuously, the gas gauge goes down to empty, the speedometer stops working, turning signals won't work and the windshield wipers will come on automatically ... rain or shine. I've been told it might be the TIPM but not sure if this is the problem or not. Also someone told me it could be the alternator too.
- tinkerbell1951, Dacula, GA, US
I assume it is the TIPM. Turn on ignition and start car, the wipers came on, no radio, no a/c, all the idiot warning lights stay on including a small red dot at the bottom of dash that stays on after the car is turned off (security light I have been told.) Wipers will not shut off. Afraid to leave driveway.
Update from Oct 29, 2018: After searching multiple sites and trying to solve on my own, with no luck, I had to take to a Dodge dealer. The diagnosis costing $125 per hour took all day, which included blaming after market Sony Radio, then tearing the dash out only to discover the BUS 5 main wiring was chaffed at A/C duct and behind cluster. Who caused it? Don't know until i pick it up tomorrow afternoon, after i pay $945 before taxes. My guess is they will blame would be the radio installer, even though there was no problems for last 9 months since radio was installed by a professional. I would be questioning the work by the same dealer 2 years ago when they replaced the A/C evaporator, after removing the entire dash, but who knows. All I know is that i will be close to $1000 poorer tomorrow!!!!!!
- Robert S., Springfield, OH, US
Electrical system warning light has been coming on at "random" times since September 2017. Dealership (St. Clair Chrysler) checked the battery, told me it was good. They never checked the codes. Light continued coming on. Two different independent mechanics checked codes which showed overcharging (among other things) and suggested alternator regulator was bad. I had alternator replaced at independent shop. Light continued coming on. Same mechanic thought the new alternator was defective, and put another one in. Light continues coming on. Other (probably related) problems: Two times van has stalled while driving; multiple times I have found the two front windows down a few inches (not rolled down when I left car); often the remote takes multiple button presses to unlock, even with fresh battery; a couple times I have found head/taillights flashing while van was not running. Rear defroster not working (not sure if this is related). Some folks with similar problems suggesting Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) defect.
Update from Apr 10, 2019: UPDATE: Regarding the issues of the (a) electrical system warning light, (b) windows rolling down on their own, (c) lights flashing: The problem was caused by a tiny metal connector disc inside the remote key fob that was loose. While it was sliding around inside the fob, it was making random contacts with other connectors, causing the problems. SIMPLE FIX: Open up the remote key fob, use a drop of instant glue (gel) on a toothpick and secure the metal disc back into place.
The rear defroster was unrelated, and the engine stalling still happens, probably also unrelated.
- Paula B., Cottrellville, US
Back in August, the abs lights came on, flashing and beeping. Had just had new alternator put on. Thought it was that or battery. Both checked out ok. Took to station 2 times and they finally said I needed to take it to dealer. Of course, it would never act up there. Two weeks later, all dash lights came on, the clock went to 12:00 and it was like it died but I didn't have to turn key back on. It kept running. Took back to dealer, they kept it for a day and half. The guy drove it home and they suggested I replace the tipm to the tune of $1200! Which I did. And a week later, the ABS lights are coming back on.... but dealer can't get it to do it for them. Anyone have any ideas what to do besides not buy from this dealer????
- Kay C., Owensboro, US
My 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan began having issues about 6 months ago. The abs light would light up and beep on and off and was taken to the dealership and they stated they could not determine the problem without it occuring at that time. As months went on the problem became worse. All the dashboard lights began turning on and off headlights would dimmer, clock and radio would shut off. Took to a few mechanics and none could determine the problem. The problem got worse battery light began staying lit. We then replaced the battery and the battery cables. The problems persisted, we took to another mechanic who stated the alternator needed to be replaced. We replaced the alternator and the vehicle was fine for three weeks, then the problem started again all the lights lit up, the air went in and out, the radio shut off and out of nowhere the car shut off while about to turn at an intersection with my children in the van. We have taken the vehicle to many different mechanics even the dealership and none of them can determine what is causing this issue. Through the internet I see that we are not alone with this problem. I don't know what to do besides attempt to get rid of the vehicle. This is the vehicle I bought to transport my children; I've been paying for rental cars because I'm scared to drive it. With as many complaints as I've seen for this issue you would think there should be a recall. Someone is going to be seriously hurt or dead if they don't do something about this.
- Madeline B., Tempe, US
well its back, kind of scary, had a van load a long ways from home.
- Dana T., Otter Rock, OR, US
not sure what I am going to do now!!!! wipers operate intermittently on their own. Dash warning lights light up and alarm sounds. the radio shuts off and the speedometer and tachometer quit working.
- Dana T., Otter Rock, OR, US
the instrument panel warning lights all light up, speedometer and tachometer and radio shut off, the wipers operate intermediately on their own and a warning buzzer sounds. I am not sure if that is all that happens because it is so confusing and so much to deal with.
- Dana T., Otter Rock, OR, US
1) The headlight of vehicle is flickering, and this light can be on or of 50/50. This is a dangerous drive a car without headlight ! Why this TIPM is related even for headlight?
2) As soon I got this car ,car start a smoked and smog come from cluster panel. The one wire was disconnected from top cigarette lighter and made short on bottom one and wires get a fires and melt insulation.
3) I had replaced radiator, radiator fan, but was sill steam comes from hood.This was manufacture defect, from radiator hose pipe, which Chrysler made from plastic, for some reasons, instead of aluminum tubing.
- Stalo S., San Francisco, CA, US
We have had frequent and multiple electrical issues with this vehicle. All the lights on the dash will flash, the car will hesitate a little, the speedometer needle drops down to zero for a split second. Then it will occasionally die while driving. I have to wait 15 seconds to start after it dies. The radio clock clears to 12:00 when the dash lights do their flash thing.
There is a clicking noise coming from the gear shifter on the dash occasionally after startup.
The current issue is the battery drains over night even though nothing is left on. The mechanic says all this is caused by the tipm. $$$$
- Curtis W., Yuba City, CA, US
Car has just quite running while driving. Car will not crank over. Have replaced the starter but still have the same problem. It is not the battery since that has been replaced as well.
- Gary R., Little Rock, AR, US
While driving electrical does crazy things. Door lock/unlock switch quit working. Front power windows not working.
- dclock, Portage la Prairie, MB, Canada
OCTOBER 2014. THE TIPM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT MELTED THE FUSE BOX AND ALL OF THE WIRE HARNESSES. THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED AND COST $6,000 OUT OF POCKET. THE HORN, RADIO, LOSS OF LIGHTS, AND WIPER FLUID ACTIVATED CAUSING ME TO BE UNABLE TO SEE AT 50MPH. THEN I LOST ALL POWER AS SMOKE CAME INTO THE VEHICLE. I PUT THE VAN IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION KEY AND COASTED TO A SAFE AREA. I WAS UNABLE TO GET INTO MY WHEELCHAIR FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT AND WAS FORCED TO EXIT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. I HAVE A WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VAN WITH A FOLDING RAMP OUT OF PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR. MY DRIVERS SEAT IS A 6 WAY POWER SEAT THE SLIDES BACK AND TURNS. I TRANSFER FROM MY WHEELCHAIR TO THE DRIVERS SEAT. LUCKILY I HAD SOMEONE WITH ME WHO COULD GET MY WHEELCHAIR AND BRING IT TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SO I COULD GET OUT OF THE VAN. WE WERE EVEN LUCKIER THAT THE VAN DIDN'T BURST INTO FLAMES. WOODBURY DODGE OF NJ REFUSED TO WORK ON MY VAN MADE FALSE STATEMENTS, AND HAD ME TAKE IT ELSEWHERE. THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN ON 1/19/16 - SEE THAT POST
- Scott J., Turnersville, NJ, US
There is a noise that sounds as if someone is trying to lock or unlock the doors. This happens when the car is running and when it is parked. Oftentimes, the 4 way flashers will come on afterwards, but not always.
- Jeanette M., Valley, NS, Canada
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan seems to start just fine. Seconds later, wipers freak out, window washer sprays all over, headlights go on and off, horn blows repeatedly. Doors seem to lock, ignition sometimes goes off, seems to be when you shift to reverse. Check engine light comes on and throws codes related to the shift solenoid . Basically, Satan has run amuck throughout my vans electrical system. Have been on multiple forums and internet sites where it seems as though taking it to the dealership is a complete waste of time and money. I also own a 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 and its just as much a POS as this van. Needless to say I am at wits end with Chrysler and will never by another vehicle from their lineup again. At the end of the day, this really doesn't effect them at all as I'm just a middle class guy who matters none...
- joshuaa, Ridgecrest, CA, US
THE HEADLIGHTS CUT OFF WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING 55 mph AT NIGHT. THEY WOULD WORK ONLY IF I HELD THE BRIGHT LIGHT SWITCH ALL THE WAY PULLED BACK (I TRIED ALMOST EVERYTHING KNOWN TO MAN).
I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AND QUICK FIXES. ONE WAS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FOR 10 MINUTES, DID NOT WORK. THE ONE THAT WORKED WAS TO HIT, SHAKE OR JIGGLE THE BLACK BOX (TIPM) UNDER THE HOOD ON DRIVERS SIDE. BINGO, IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS, DID IT AGAIN, 3 WEEKS LATER HAD TO DO IT AGAIN.
NOW THE LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK WHILE HOLDING THE DIM/BRIGHT SWITCH. THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON THE NEXT DAY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND PAID $98 TO THEM ONLY TO TELL ME IT WAS THE TIPM MODULE AND NEEDED REPLACING FOR A FEE OF $1100 AND IT MIGHT NOT FIX IT DUE TO BEING A FAULTY TIPM PART. I PAID EXTRA FOR EXTENDED BUMPER TO BUMPER COVERAGE SUPPOSEDLY COVERING EVERYTHING ONLY TO FIND OUT, IT DOESN'T COVER THE TIPM MODULE.
I CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR RIGHT NOW SO HOPEFULLY IT WON'T GO OUT WHEN DRIVING ON BUSY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. BTW, THIS VAN IS ON THE 3RD BATTERY, PROBABLY DUE FROM THE FAULTY TIPM MODULE (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
- cjsquared22, Foley, AL, US
For my 2010 Grand Caravan SE - Driving and stopped at a traffic light, horn started short beeps and emergency lights came on in tune to the beat of the horn. stopped along side of the road to investigate and the door locks automatically locked. On another occasion . the front and passenger side windows started going up and down on their own. stopped once at shopping center and the read trunk/gate or what ever you call it opened on its own. on another occasion, all the lights on the dash lite up like a Christmas tree and did not go off until I shut off the engine and waited a few minutes to start up again. What is going on. Similar posts indicate the TIPM as the problem. This definitely got to be something Dodge needs to know about. What happens if my wife and grand children are driving along and the van catches on fire???
- Michael N., Norco, US
I understand there is a recall for this issue and am trying to figure out who I contact about it. Something is draining my brand new battery, it’s totally dead, no power at all , when I get a jump it will run for a few minutes and shut off to no power again and won’t restart and won’t jump either.
- Wanda C., Carolina Shores, US