Chrysler Repair: 06 T&C: TPMS/air bag/odometer problems, digital instrument cluster, critical safety

Question
Hello Roland,

I have three problems with my van for your consideration:

1. The TPMS warning light is on even though my tires are the correct size and have the proper pressure in them. Just for my knowledge, is there a fuse to disable this system since I check the tire pressure normally weekly?
2. The airbag light comes on intermittently as I am driving.
3. The digital instrument cluster display (odometer and transaxle gear selector) flickers intermittently as I am driving.

Thank you,
Rennie

Answer
Hi Rennie,
The tire pressure warning system is controlled by the same module that runs the sentry key system which is centered in the ignition switch area of the steering column. It doesn't appear to be possible to segregate that system for disconnection. Probably one of the wheel sensor batteries (which are supposed to last for 10years) located in the sensor proper has failed or maybe the sensor itself has failed. You might buy one sensor and try replacing each of your present sensors, one at a time, to see which one when replaced ends this problem. If that doesn't work, then there is an intervention with a Chrysler Diagnostic Readout Box which may be able to i.d. whether the issue is a sensor or the receiver itself in the steering column but that would involve shop labor costs which may be higher than buying a sensor and trying to isolate a faulty one in your current set of sensors.
The air bag light flickering is most likely caused by there being a problem in the flixible electrical connector that is positioned between the steering column and the steering wheel which is called the 'clockspring connector'. If one of the wires to the airbag fails it is detected and lights the warning light. While it is failing it may open and close thus producing the flashing. I would believe that the warranty for the airbag system is still in effect so that a dealer would repair/replace this part or any other part of this critical safety system. Check the manual for warranty duration but it should be at least 5 years.
The flickering of the instrument cluster is probably due to a loose electrical solder joint connection at the cluster circuit board. The wire that brings the data to operate the odometer and the shift indication arrives on pin #9 of the cluster plug. The socket that it attaches to has solder pins that are soldered directly to the circuit board. If you removed the cluster and reheated the solder joint of pin 9 where it attaches to the board that would probably make this problem disappear. Let me know if you want the info as to how to remove the cluster. You would need a soldering pencil from an electronics supply store to do the reheating of the 'cold' solder joint (as such a loose connection is described in the trade).
Roland