Posted on 11/08/2014 9:40:27 AM PST by savedbygrace
I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan that has more than 130,000 miles on it. Today, it started acting really weird.
The key will not turn in the ignition hardly at all. Twice I was able to get it to turn. The steering wheel gets completely locked and it is nearly impossible to get it to move at all.
Also, the (parking) Brake light, the ABS light and the Air Bag light on the dash stay on the whole time. And the power window buttons on the door do absolutely nothing.
None of this happened earlier this morning, but the third time today that I tried to start the can, it happened.
I am thinking there might be a fuse that has blown, but that does not explain all of these things failing at once.
I am going to go buy a replacement vehicle this afternoon if the solution isn't fairly simple.
Do any of my FReeper friends have any ideas?
Union-built.
A ‘Starsky and Hutch’ Gremlin!
There is a locally produced nationally syndicated radio show called Under the Hood that takes questions just like this...check out their website
I traded it for a 2004 Lexus RX300, fully loaded.
So, for the first time in many years I will have a monthly car payment. But I got a great deal and I expect reliability.
See #66
Yep sounds like the steering column. 130,000 miles on a Dodge is unbelievable. My last Dodge was such a POS I switched to Honda. Never had another problem.
Leather seats? THAT’S important!! I’m serious.
Hard to go wrong with a Lexus.
Buy a can of Break Free CLP, and use it.
It will free-up anything.
>> “I recommend you do not drive the car as the steering may lock or seize while in motion.” <<
.
The steering cannot lock with the shifter in any position but “Park.”
Assuming there are no broken off unrestrained parts to wedge in a ratchet slot, and the other guy's safety is dependent on that assumption.
Sounds like the column/key system is messed up. That could be causing the whole deal. Sometimes a weak battery will cause weird problems, but the key bit sounds mechanical. Might be able to get it straightened away for fairly cheap - especially if a local junkyard has the column parts.
Congratulations!
5.56mm
I sure hope so. It is beautiful. It even has headlight washers.
Here’s a funny: The tailgate auto open function never worked on the Caravan the whole time I owned it. So, the one feature on the Lexus that is giving me the greatest joy is the auto open and auto close rear tailgate door.
Full leather.
Yup. I bought a replacement vehicle yesterday, a 2004 Lexus RX330. Traded in the van. Buh bye Dodge.
When you push on your brake pedal it activates a switch that turns on your rear brake lights as a warning to the cars behind you. This switch has a button that goes in and out depending on your brake pedals position____________ It is called the stop light switch
This switch also has to be working right for you to turn your ignition key. You are being “locked out” of being able to turn your steering wheel by it too as a safety measure.
Today’s cars won’t start unless you step on the brake pedal first. Due to your faulty switch your automobile does not sense you stepping on the brakes
BOTTOM LINE______
This should be simple to solve. It is either the first switch mentioned got worn out and is not working. It might not be screwed in far enough....yes this effects matters
NOT AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR AT ALL (if I am correct)
Print this out and show it to a shade tree mechanic.
These is a way of bypassing all this so you can drive to the repair shop. In your center shift console (on yr right) there should be a tab you pry up ...stick a screw driver in... Then your car will start plus the other things will work
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Brake+light+Switch+
Good for you! Watch the oil consumption and check it regularly. This is the most vital indicator of an engine’s longevity. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.