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2009 Chrysler T&C strange electrical issue
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bradyb
New User
Nov 30, 2011, 8:02 PM
Post #1 of 2
(1442 views)
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2009 Chrysler T&C strange electrical issue
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2009 Chrysler Town & Country, 3.8L. We have owned it for two years, bought it with 7,000 and a rebuilt title (front end impact, new car replacement insurance policy)
This van is a 25th anniversary so it had all the electric toys with heated seats, multiple LCD monitors, dual DVD, satellite tv, Sirius radio, etc...
The van has a strange issue that it has done three of four times that relate to the interior lighting. The van is wired with a large number of LED lights, some are green lights that stay on at night to light the interior with a soft glow. The map lights are all LED as well. The gauge cluster has the Chrysler indigo back light with dual info screens below the speedo and tach.
What happens is that certain lights decide not to work.
#1 the gauge cluster back lighting
#2 the gauge cluster info screens
#3 the center "mood LED lights" (the door LED mood lights still work)
#4 the programmed integrated garage door opener
#5 the blinker indicators
#6 the high beam light
The annoyance comes from not being able to see the gauges at night, or be able to read the trip computer, or use the integrated garage door opener.
I haven't worked to fix the problem because it seems to be intermittent, it tends to go away after a day or two.
Lately after driving the vehicle everyday it has not gone away and so tonight I started trying to troubleshoot.
#1 Checked the fuses, went through every single fuse. I noted that one fuse labeled as ASD #1 and #2 appeared to have some high voltage burn marks on the fuse contacts. I used to a test light to check that the fuse was hot, both ignition on and off but I never got a light. I'm assuming ASD is the Auto Shut Down so I'm assuming it would be hot when the vehicle is running. Again the van drives and starts fine.
#2 I checked every ground I could find under the hood and made sure each was tight. I then checked the grounds under the dash that I could see and reach.
#3 I checked the harness plug at the ECM, looked for bent pins or corrosion. I also checked the harness plug on the interior side. I didn't see any issues.
#4 Hooked up another charged battery, possibly thinking that this was low voltage issue.
#5 I pulled the light switch assuming that it could be the dimmer. But since this a modern vehicle the switch is only a sensor relaying the selected lights to the computer. Plus the info screens are independent of the dimmer switch. The other lights that are working seem to be turning off and on and dimming as usual anyway.
I am a decent back yard mechanic as I have been able to repair all of my other vehicles, for example I recently swapped out the transmission valve body control board on my 07 Charger.
I am clueless as what to do with this electrical gremlin though.
Remember this is a key-less ignition vehicle so all functions are routed through the computer. I'm wondering if the computer is failing to route the power when it is supposed to.
Here's an example of what happens:
Today after work, I walk out and remotely unlock the doors. I see the map lights turn and open the door to find the info screens working as usual. I then drive down a block and pull over so I can reset the oil light, info screen flashes: schedule appointment for oil change with dealer. I turn off the ignition, turn it back on and push the gas pedal three times. I turn off the vehicle and while it's starting the electric gremlin makes itself known. So I drive home with dark gauges again.
The vehicle has been flagged as a salvage in Mopar's computer so all stealership repairs are top dollar. I'm guessing that the dealer will initially suggest replacing the gauge cluster, the ECM, then then the wiring harness, etc... I don't have the money to blow on the parts replacement guessing game. The initial electrical diagnostic is $100. Everything else on the van works, I could easily install a red map light to see the gauges if it continues. The only real down side is not knowing actual mileage since the info screens don't light up.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated! This is another example of why old vehicles like my 1970 Dodge Pickup rock.
(This post was edited by bradyb on Nov 30, 2011, 8:04 PM)
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bradyb
New User
Nov 30, 2011, 8:27 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1419 views)
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Re: 2009 Chrysler T&C strange electrical issue
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One other thing I just tried was disconnecting the battery overnight (about 13 hours), no change
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