2005 Dodge Caravan SXT - Electrical Problem

[Chrispy]

More of a electrical problem that I can't seem to figure out. Symptoms are that the speakers suddenly make a loud popping sound for about half a second, and then drives all the cluster gauges to go crazy, and all the lights pulse/dim.

Can't figure out whats causing this. Any ideas?

[steven kiser]

if it's constant and happens in a very short time i'de disconnect the alternator and run the vehicle. it sounds like a spike or internal short to ground. i've seen cases cracked.

[brianp87]

Yest test alt

[Chrispy]

Thanks, I'll go ahead and test this.

[Chrispy]

okay, so I tested the Alt and it showed that it was OK. Went ahead and replaced it with another anyway just to see what it does, and still does the very same thing with a new Alternator. Also looked a bit for any bare wire, but no luck so far.

Stumped at this point.

[JBUTITTA]

These systems are complex to say the least. Im fighting an 06 leep grand cheokee with intermitant dash lite dimming. I have learned alot about chryslers with this pian. First there is a TIPN, an FCM thats bolted to the TIPN, then BCM( on newer models this could also be the instrament cluster), an ORC module. Any one of these can cause ODD behavore. Good luck, wish I could be help, and possibly after I figure where the gremlins are in this jeep Ill repost. Jerry

[steven kiser]

okay, so I tested the Alt and it showed that it was OK. Went ahead and replaced it with another anyway just to see what it does, and still does the very same thing with a new Alternator. Also looked a bit for any bare wire, but no luck so far.

Stumped at this point.

did you happen to run it with the alternator disconnected? i've seen issues with the secondary cable at the positive battery post. it's been corroded internally. check the leads where they attach to the power distribution box for looseness or corrosion. just for a bit of help here, what happened or what did the customer do if anything preceding this problem? i've solved issues like this by "grilling" the customer about anything that had to do with the car before the issue arose. i had a ford that was fine until three weeks after a stereo was installed. i took it out and found not only a spider web of wire but some "brighto" had used a drywall screw to support the housing and it ran right through the bulkhead that held the harness.