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harrisjs
New User
Feb 24, 2010, 5:00 PM
Post #1 of 6
(1828 views)
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Caravan Headlights out
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Hi folks,
I have a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan (3.3 engine, autotransm). Headlights won't come on, but I have running lights and tail lights. And the windshieldwasher won't work. I've replaced both the headlights/washer relay and the fuse with no change. Anything else I can try?
- John
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 25, 2010, 4:37 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1822 views)
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Re: Caravan Headlights out
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Is power getting to headlights? If yes and bulbs known good then look for a ground problem which may be the cause of both problems,
T
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harrisjs
New User
Feb 25, 2010, 1:21 PM
Post #3 of 6
(1814 views)
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Re: Caravan Headlights out
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Hi Tom,
Thanks for the quick reply. Guess what! This morning, everything is jink. Headlights are on and washers operational. And the van was just sitting in the driveway overnight. Go figure. I had a relay issue with the horn a few months ago: it was gone. I don't mean blown, I mean removed, and not by me. The fuse issue with the headlights yesterday was the same: it had been removed. I fugured just replacing it would do the trick. It did - eventually - but it's still bizarre they wouldn't work right after being installed but came on just fine after resting overnight.
John
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 25, 2010, 2:29 PM
Post #4 of 6
(1812 views)
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Re: Caravan Headlights out
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!! Is this to suggest there's a relay thief at large out there!
If a common connection power or ground that operates both lights and the washer motor it could be sensitive to moisture or temps and be intermittent. If someone is messing with your wiring items, I don't know what to say!
T
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harrisjs
New User
Feb 25, 2010, 5:00 PM
Post #5 of 6
(1809 views)
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Re: Caravan Headlights out
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Well, we'll monitor the weather and moisture as you suggest; good advice. Lord knows it's been wonky enough this winter to be an issue. If they crap out again and the fuse and relay are still both installed, I'll see what juice is flowing from the fuse panel. Might have been nothing more than condensation or moisture dribbling down into the empty fuse socket, that had to dry out. As you may know, all the fuses and relays in a Caravan are mounted in a plastic box mounted beside the battery, with a snap-on cover on top. Very accessible and easy to check. That's what baffles me about a fuse and a relay going missing: how'd anybody get inside a latched hood? And who'd want to for a measly $34 worth of common electrical parts?? - John
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 25, 2010, 10:01 PM
Post #6 of 6
(1804 views)
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Re: Caravan Headlights out
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Missing stuff is missing stuff - who knows why. Mopar isn't alone but putting electrical stuff near a batter isn't such a great idea as battery acids can trash stuff.
The "ground" thing: Those items that may be mounted on plastic still have to have a spot to connect to ground. About all cars/vehicles have visable straps and ones you won't find so easy. They can look ok and not be. Battery neg should go to engine block and either directly or another to connect block or neg battery to contiguous body metal for a common ground. Sometimes if the case it's easier and practical to add one (jumper wire) as a test or permanantly making sure it's out of harm's way.
If you catch the fuse and relay thief put out an APB or amber alert if the wiring works for those!
T
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