Chrysler Repair: 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Wiring Problems, jeep grand cherokee, digital communication system

Question
Hi Kevin,
My wife owns a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and normally it works great however randomly, once every 2 or 3 months, the dashboard and gauges go haywire.  It doesn't seem to affect driving, however a few times we have parked and turned the car off and when we go back the keyless entry doesn't work and the car is dead.  The battery and wires are new, but she has found that if she pumps the brake it will fire right up.  I don't understand how that could be but it does work.  Also, the directional light rarely works, again there is no rhyme or reason as to when it works and doesn't.  Lastly, when we turn the wheel there is a "clunking" noise that comes from under our feet, I assume that is altogether unrelated.  Any help on any of these issues would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time,

Matt

Answer
Hi Matt,
I just saw your question in the "pool" where it was referred for all the Chrysler experts to consider. I personally don't have experience with Jeep vehicles and own no manuals for them. But on the assumption that they are similar to the rest of the Chrysler line it appears to me that all these symptoms are saying that the digital communication system that ties together all the body electrical functions is malfunctioning. That it seems to be so desparate also suggests that either the body computer is malfunctioning or that there is water dripping down on the plugs that are associated with that unit. If this seems to be occuring following rain or a car wash then that would support the latter possibility. It is located under the dash in the Chrysler vehicles, so a windshield leak on the left side will be such a source of electrical short circuiting.  But basically everything from the turn signal, keyless, dash gauges, brake light, have to pass thru the body computer to be implemented. The clunking has to be something different, purely mechanical but I would suggest that listening from under the vehicle while a helper turns the wheel would divulge the source of that noise.
Roland