Chrysler Repair: 1999 Chrysler Town and Country starting problems, chrysler town and country, printed circuit board

Question
Hi,

I have been having problems with my 1999 Town and Country Limited (3.8 liter V6) over the past few months, and it has been much worse within the last few weeks.

The first problem (which may be unrelated) started about 3 months ago. While I am driving, my ABS light comes on and all of my gauges drop, and no mileage or gear lights. Sometimes the come right back up or sometimes they stay off for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Sometimes the Alarm Set light also comes on. One time this happened, the check engine light came on so I took it to my local Aamco and they said the trouble code was for the computer and to take it to a dealer. I ordered a refurbished computer and my dad installed it, which seemed to fix the problem, as I had no problems for about 1 week (before it was happening almost daily) Then the problem started again.

The second problem I am having (and the most important) is the fact that sometimes (more frequently lately) the van will not crank. It is different every time but sometimes it just clicks when I turn the key and nothing happens sometimes it starts to turn over a little but doesn't. Some times it turns over completely, runs for a few seconds and then dies. If I do it enough, usually after about 10+ tries it will eventually crank and run fine.

Any suggestions on things my dad could check/ and or do would be appreciated. He has alot of car repair knowledge but none specific to the Chrysler and after checking and changing multiple parts, nothing seems to be fixing the problem.

Thank you!

Answer
U have a printed circuit board issue in the cluster and a new will will be required and programed. A dealer has the tools to reprogram a new one to your van. Sounds odd  I know   this would be the 100th or so I have heard about from people asking me  and I have replaced 50 or more at the dealer. What happens is the cluster will stop working and not allow the other computers to commutate  to each other like the body computer and tranny computer.If the body computer can not talk to the engine computer thats why u get a no start the alarm system is inside the body computer so the alarm can not tell the engine computer   ok to start.
The codes u got from aamco would be as fallowing,loss of commutations with TCM,BCM,MIC,and PCM  I bet  maybe not all  but at least 2 of them.
Next time it does not start up  hit the top of the dash  and  u should bridge the broken solder point for a short time so u can start it up.