A bizarre problem occasionally occurs when starting the car, the engine will turn over, then all the gauge dials go all the way to the right, then all the way to the left and the car dies. Also if going short distances in the cold/rain, the car WILL NOT start again. The engine won't turn over, eventually starting after a dozen or so tries and many pleas.
Last week had to have the water pump replaced.
Also asked dealer to look at power door lacks as they haven't worked for over six months. First visit, I was told the computer needed to be reset. They said the technician tried the locks several times after that and they worked. I was leery as I had used the old, "pull the fuse and put it back in trick" several time with success for a week, sometimes a day and sometime one use of the locks. When I picked up the car, the locks worked, only to be inoperable again the next morning. Called the dealer and then was told I needed a new BCM. Just had that replaced for about $440 and now when I open the slider doors (not power) the emergency flasher go on!!! The dealer says it's a new "safety feature" and can't be disabled. I am aware of when I am opening a door and don't need flashing lights. My last three cars have been Plymouth/Chrysler minivans, but this is the last. Brakes also need to be replaced frequently and multiple other expenses make these cars not a value.
Like the looks of the car, but do not like the new model, so saying goodbye to Chrysler won't be too hard.
Before trying any more electrical fixes, I would recommend putting in a new battery. I had kind of a similar problem with a Volvo - just lots of weird unrelated electrical problems. Since it was under warranty, the dealership replaced just about everything electrical, computer, ignition, tons of stuff. Each time I brought the car in, I asked if they had checked the battery. They always said they had. But they obviously had not, since when they finally did replace the battery after a month of bringing it in every week, they did change the battery, and everything has worked fine ever since. Then they admitted they just checked the battery voltage with nothing turned on in the car, they had not done a load test.
The other thing that can cause just lots of weird unrelated electrical problems is a bad or corroded connection of the ground cable from battery to chassis.
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