Auto Parts: electrical problem-dodge caravan, dodge caravan, smartbox

Question
I have a 1998 Dodge caravan. After replacing the battery, when I turn off the key, all power is gone to the door locks, dome light, radio and headlights. Someone said to reset the smartbox- what's that? Or is it something else? How do I fix this problem? Help please.

Answer
Hi Joann,

I never seem to get questions dealing with parts for some reason. Oh well.

I don't have good news. Apparently the battery either died completely for a significant amount of time or someone shorted the terminal removing the battery post or something similar. The BCM (Body Control Module) in your vehicle has reset and needs to be reprogrammed by your dealer. I run into this issue quite allot when selling these items. Replacing it probably won't fix your problem as the new one you'd have installed would also need to be reprogrammed.

Sorry, I wish I had better news for you, and I could be wrong but I would NEVER send anyone back to the dealership if I didn't absolutely have to but they are the only ones with the equipment to interface with that BCM.

Thanks for the question, I hope this information is helpful to you.
Kb