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Why is 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Cruise control not working?

I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan and recently the cruise control, horn and airbag all stopped working at the same time. The fuses are all good. What could be wrong with it?

  • Answer:

    Most later model vehicles have a fuse buss yes, but they also will have what is called relay buss as well. Usually the relays are of a higher amperage, and which basically look like fuses, but can be much larger in most cases. The relays are usually located with-in a box found there in the engine compartment, where the fuses are usually in a box there in the passenger area, usually down under the dash by the drivers legs, or many have them behind a small panel in glove compartment area. If one was to find their owners manual and peruse through the section for fuses and relays, they will not only find the areas of both, but it will tell you what each is for. Many of the relays and fuses are a grouped buss, meaning many things together are controlled by each individual slot. In fact, just a few days ago, I had to replace a fuse myself, where it turned out to be a relay instead, after finding all the fuses were good. Mine had blown, which controlled the power to the radio, the digital readouts on my climate control, the fan blower switch, and the speedometer sensor. It sure was odd to find all those unrelated things grouped to one relay, but it is determined by the amperage need, and not so much the items needed to be grouped together. I do hope this helps ya, and if not, the dealer would be the best bet to trace down the problem as there can be many other situations for your concern. Meaning it could also just be a seperated connector that contains those particular wires in the harness, or a massive group short due to maybe some oil dripped into a connection coupler, or sometimes we can even hit something underneath our vehicle that could possibly sever some wires, or break a coupler that may run on the low underside of the vehicle, if struck just right, or hard enough. Good luck, be well, and peace!

shellnd at Answerbag.com Visit the source

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The relay solution does nothing to explain the failure of the cruise control and the airbag system. The commonality of all of these is that they are mounted in the steering wheel. The wires that connect these items to the under-dash wiring harness make contact through a plate with spring loaded buttons, allowing continuous contact even when the wheel is turned. It is most likely that this plate, or the contact buttons, or the wiring attached to it have failed. In order to fix this, the steering wheel will have to be pulled, test the contact buttons and wiring for current, and replace defective parts as needed.

opelken

Thanks to both of you. After researching it a bit, I found that the clockspring, located in the steering column, went bad and needed replaced. This was actually a recall for dodge caravans up to year 2001... too bad mine wasn't covered. Thanks again!

shellnd

Cruise control, horn, and airbag don't use the same fuse. What you are looking at is a clockspring failure. The clockspring is a wiring device in the steering column that connects all the steering wheel mounted devices (airbag, horn, cruise control, steering wheeel mouted radio controls, etc) to the wiring harness. There have been a number of safety recalls from Chrysler on this. Contact your local dealer, and have them hold a clockspring for your model when you go in. This is a Safety Recall, and it is not limited by duration or ownership. They are required to repair it free of charge if it fails. They are actually required to reimburse your cost if you had someone else repair it.

Mikeyz

It is obvious that the steering connection strapping broke. Mine did exactly the same. The strapping is what keeps all your connection working and being able to turn the steering wheel. BE CAREFUL WHEN WORKING AROUND AIRBAG. Disconnect battery post first. Mario

Mario_L

IT'S THE CLOCKSPRING! MINE'S WENT TOO AND THE RECALL ONLY COVERS 1998-200 DODGE CARAVANS-CRAP!!!!

DINK519

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