Question
Your repair experts sure save us little guys a lot of money and headaches!
I have a REALLY frustrating mystery: I have a '96 Dodge Csravan. 3.8 L. Type SW.
1/I'm told by a local dealer I need a "ATC Control Head" that will cost me a whipping $850.00 that I cannot afford!
Symptoms: Now and again I turned ignition and no engine start up. (I moved (tightened) the battery clamps and then engine started right up. I also had battery checked and it's fine. Voltage is good.)
One time, a week ago, when I started engine the AC, Recirc and a few other AC/Heat panel buttons (in center console) kept blinking on and off. Also, at that one time only, the rear wiper kept turning.
Now a days, ongoing, whenever I drive car, just the AC, Recirc, and sometimes rear wiper buttons blink on and off (in center console). After I'm driving for an hour or so they'll stop blinking.
My question:
1/Is the "ATC control head" the problem?
2/I'm told I can still drive the vehicle safely, which is a relief. (I can’t afford this repair!) But they said my ac may not work after a while?
3/If the "ATC control head" is the problem, can you direct me to a CHEAP “used" salvage yards or some such place so I can buy the part myself?!
4/If I ever get the part can this be something another non-dealer can install?
Thank you Kindly Kevin for all your help. You guys are great! Chris
Answerfirst try a recal if u disconnect your battery the lights will blink like that. During the test it will blink with any codes after it is done if not u should be good to go.I live in the Atlanta area I would be glad to look at it for u. Do both of them.
TO INITIATE TESTS:
Set Blower motor ON HIGH
Set Mode position to Panel
Set Temperature to Cold (Both slide pots if equipped)
Depress WASH and REAR WIPER button simultaneously for 5 Seconds (Until all LED's light)
RESULTS:
All LED's will turn on for 5 Seconds
Calibration Test is running when REAR WIPER and INTERMITTENT are alternately flashing. Cooldown test is running if A/C and RECIRC are alternately flashing.
Acceptable results is REAR WIPER LED is the only LED flashing. Push Rear Wiper to exit.
After all tests have passed, Calibration Diagnostics and Cooldown can be run separately.
COOLDOWN TEST ENTRY
TO INITIATE TESTS:
Set Blower motor ON HIGH
Set Mode position to Panel
Set Temperature to Cold (Both slide pots if equipped)
Depress WASH and A/C simultaneously for 5 Seconds
NOTE: If the evaporator is already cold, operate system with A/C OFF and the blower motor ON high for three minutes prior to starting test.
RESULTS:
All LED's will turn on for 5 Seconds (Until all LED's light)
Cooldown Test is running when A/C and RECIRC. are alternately flashing. If A/C and RECIRC. are flashing simultaneously, Cooldown has failed. Make sure that the Blower motor is ON high, and temperature is ON full Cold, abort test and repeat Calibration Diagnostic and Cooldown test again.
Calibration Test is running when REAR WIPER and INTERMITTENT LED's are alternately flashing.
After all tests have passed, Cooldown test can be run separately.
Acceptable results is REAR WIPER LED is the only LED flashing. Push Rear Wiper to exit.
