QuestionI have a '98 Grand Voyager Espresso that has had intermittent problems with the gauge cluster for several years, but has continued to progress. For several years the gauge cluster would occasionally die (all gauges, odometer, check engine light come on, abs light come on), but would come back on their own after a short time. The time it took to come back started getting longer and longer, but I could never get a mechanic to check it when it was dead. For the last two weeks, the problem has been that it stays out most of the time, but come on sporadically for short periods.
After three days of "checking" the van, the mechanic came back stating the body control module needed to be replaced. This is a commuter car for me, and I would prefer not to spend the $600 plus labor to have the BCM replaced, especially since they cannot say for sure that it is the problem and the part cannot be returned after it is installed.
A. Does this sound like a likely solution to the problems?
B. Can I replace this part with a salvage part from a similar car?
The mechanic wants to pull the part and send it off for repair. He will not give me an estimate on this "repair". I have found several salvage yards that have this part, but the mechanic says it will not work because the vin number will not match.
In addition to the gauge cluster not working, the auto locks will not work, the mileage computer in the overhead will not work, and the intermittent wipers semi work, and their is a intermittent problem where the car will not crank (starter does nothing).
AnswerHi Kevin,
The symptoms that you described are brought to my attention frequently here and they are consistent with a problem in the data bus system that is a digital communication pathway that interconnects the body control module, transmission control module, powertrain control module, air bag control module, instrument cluster, and compass/minitrip computer. It can be analyzed with a diagnostic readout box (Chrysler DRB III or equivalent) in the hands of a tech who has the Chrysler data bus repair manual and knowhow for the '98 van. Such an individual should be able to pinpoint exactly what is wrong and be able to give you high assurance that a part replacement/repair will solve the problem using a step-by-step procedure described in the manual. I would be inclined to look for a Chysler-trained tech to do this analysis so as to have the best chance for choosing the right repair without guessing. I would not give up on the idea of substituting a part from a same year/model/and equipment vehicle because the memory unit might be reprogrammed to match together the VIN with your vehicle, using the same DRB III.
While there is no guarantee that a Chrysler dealer has such an individual, the chances are reasonably good. Check independent shops as well using the questions about whether
they have the test tool, trained tech,and data bus manual so as to have the best chance of getting the answer as to what should be done. Only that way can you avoid throwing money at parts in a fruitless attempt.
Please let me know what happens as you resolve it.
Roland
