QuestionI have a 1996 Ply. Grand Voyager 3.3lt.
I have a constant chime sound when the vehicle is running. There is no MIL showing on the dash and no DTC are listed when I run a scan. The chime will sound constantly then go off for a few minutes then resume, non stop on a past 5 hour drive to inlaws home. I also recently tried to change the stereo system. (chimes sound was problem prior to radio) something arked and no radio will work...I have power to radio hotwire but radio will not make sound (works perfectly in other vehicle I installed it into). Factory radio slowly stopped working after making scratching noises for several months.
Immediately After the arc during radio install, All vehicle power died. no interior lights, no interior/exterior power to anything until I put the igntion key into the "on" position at which time all power is rstored. All fuses under dash and under hood were visibly inspected and do not show to be blown. What do I check and how do I get the chime turned OFF? Thanks for your expert advise
AnswerHi Ike,
On the chime alarm, the circuit that activates the alarm is usually associated with the seatbelt not being use, the headlamps being left on when the engine is off, and the key being in the ignition with the driver's door open. Of the three, I suspect the problem is that the driver's door sensor mounted in the door post (push button) is not being pushed in all the way by the door when it is closed. You can check this by leaving the key in the ignition switch and opening your door. The chime will start, then try pushing any of the buttons that are in the door frame opening to find the one that turns off the chime. Then you can either try adjusting the latch to close the door more tightly or shim the situation by epoxying a penny to the inside skin of the door where it comes in contact with the push button which will push the button in further and thus end the false chime.
On the radio and other electrical problems, I am not certain why the things you expect to work when the car is shut down aren't working but do work with the ignition on. That is quite strange. I don't have the full wiring diagram for the power distribution center under the hood but that is where I suspect there is a problem.
On the radio, there are actually three different voltage supplies to it: one is for power to the radio's audio circuit, one it to the dimmable dial lamps, and one is to the station preset memory. These are coming from fuses 10 and 11, where 11 sends its power to the audio circuit on a red/white wire which should have voltage when the key is in the running or accessory position. So check to see if you have 12V with a voltmeter or neon glow light placed with one lead on that wire and one to a metal surface nearby. If not, then that @11 fuse or the red/white wire may be burned thru in the arc experienceand needs to be replace. It is also worth checking that there is a grounding wire attached to the chassis of the unit because that is the only way that the circuit for all these power sources is completed to return to the - post of the battery.
Thanks for the detailed description of the problem. I hope this is of help to you.
Roland
