Lets have a look at the non functioning turning signals on this 2004 Dodge Caravan. We learn the lesson that it pays to test instead of parts swapping!
Interested in stuff seen in the videos or the tools and toys Eric O. likes and uses? Check out the **ALL NEW** SMA A-Store and help support the channel! : http://astore.amazon.com/httpswwwy0837-20
If an SMA Video has helped you out please consider giving using the "support" link on our YouTube home page. The videos take real time to create and pull us away from real work that pays our bills.
THANKS!
--Eric O.
WANT AN "SMA" STICKER OF YOUR OWN!?!
Simply send and E-mail to SMAstickers @outlook.com including: your shipping address and e-mail address in the text, I in turn will send you a paypal invoice for $5 each USA or $6 each international. Let me know how many you want and as soon as the paypal invoice is paid I will ship them out ASAP! Thanks for your support of our channel!!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

50 thoughts on “Dodge caravan – turning signal troubles”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Judy Shrum says:

    Good video. My 1996 Dodge Caravan Base 2.2l, the signals don’t work. My mechanic changed the signal switch just like your video. I drove it two times, no problem. Then the 3rd time, signals don’t work.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Scooter Guy says:

    Almost six years after you posted this, I found this video while trying to diagnose and repair a turn-signal issue on a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Mine is the back left turn signal. Here is what I've found, so far:
    1.) The bulb is good. I swapped left and right bulbs and they all work correctly in the right-side fixture.
    2.) My ground is solid. The fixture shares a common ground between the tail light, the turn signal, and the backup light. The other two both work correctly. Continuity testing shows all three have a solid connection to each other.
    3.) A "hot" lead inside the fixture looks like it may have gotten excessively hot at some point. I believe that this lead is for the turn signal rather than the tail light. Part of the metal appears to have been eaten away, and plastic nearby looks melted. (The right-side tail light fixture does not share this issue.) I'm not sure what would cause this heat issue. (I've checked all relevant fuses to ensure that nothing had ever been replaced with the wrong fuse.)
    4.) While I might be able to rig a repair with a bit of solder, I may end up replacing the assembly ($40-50 online, or twice that locally).

    * ANYONE WHO HAS THIS VEHICLE IS ADVISED that if your HEADLIGHT goes out, check the actual bulb before you purchase a replacement. Turns out that there was an undocumented change in headlight bulb types during the 2007 model year, and while the manual indicates a 9007 bulb, the actual factory installed fixture was for an H13/9008 bulb. Would have saved me a bit of hassle if I had checked what was actually installed instead of relying on both the owners manual and my Chilton guide.

    Anyway, thanks for letting me vent, and thanks for the great videos. Like a Timex™ watch, they just keep on ticking. 🙂

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Johnson says:

    Long time viewer but have never commented. I want to thank you for all of your videos that truly make a difference. This one in particular saved me HOURS of time !!! You are the man so keep um coming !!!!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J B says:

    Just a huge thank you for this video. Following your tips I fixed the signal problem.
    Thanks Eric

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PistonShack says:

    Great video Eric! Bzw, I have exactly the same white board and I like it as well.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Berto O says:

    Deseo en español

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rmp608 says:

    Thank you!!!!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars northern tranquility says:

    Hi Eric watching your videos is like being in my auto class only I learn more here then I ever did in school, now I know what to look for thanks Dale

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eric Houtman says:

    They way you keep calm while working is amazing. I've worked with people who would have lost it on that connection. Sometimes myself. You're an amazing Tech. Also that tint saftey glass trick was genius

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ruminator says:

    Doc, I have a 2007 Grand Caravan SE with a parasitic drain on the Emergency Flasher fuse. If I remove the fuse, I don't get any indicator lights, so they seem to be on the circuit.

    Have you got the diagram? Or any ideas? Thanks!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NDSG says:

    Saved my life! Had the same issue on my 07 Town and Country

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ignacio Carmenates says:

    Great video very detailed, I happened to have the exact same issue, I just followed your tips and it took me very little time to get my signal working again. Thanks

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wayne Guy says:

    great video bud.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mrherman696 says:

    Had similar problem. Turn signal on left flashing fast. Changed bulbs front and back, did not solve problem. Watched your video. Found I had bad ground. No hoist so just cut wire and crimped on terminal then fastened to body with screw. Turn signals working correctly now. Thanks.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars n8lbv gladden says:

    Half-way through the video decided to "make a new ground point".
    Family vehicle.
    LOL.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr Anderson says:

    I come across many car repair channels when I help my friends out on their cars and I gotta say that in clarity and the way you present the info is up there in the top 5! This video helped me out in so many ways and I just wanted to say thank you man and keep up the good work!!!

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars WhiteSoxFan says:

    I know this is 5 years later but omg this saved me so much more of a headache !!!!!!!!! Thank you SO MUCH !!!! I didn't go to Deep like you did I just ran a new one till other issie occurs due to the ground

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Francisco Huerta says:

    do you need to sother the wires ?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David summers says:

    If everybody knew how to do the scope on the rope we wouldn’t have a job

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bruce Kromray says:

    thanks i got 02 3.3 el . had bunch stuff to get running correctly. last thing to fix the running. was pcm and tcm. everything fine since. the left turn signal inside flashes fast with no blink outside . pa4king light does work. ive done the hole ground which i also opened up harness wires from fuse box. its not the ground. ran new wire from light to fuse center. still no power for blinker wire .also getting fast blink fot the signal in one of the assories . please anything missing.v

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dehydrated Oddish says:

    Just changed the bulbs on the rear passenger side and the turn signal still isn't working anyone know what fuse it could be?

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Kite says:

    I have a short in a 2003 caravan , it is in the hazard circuit, runs the battery down, and the speedometer goes crazy

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew Cooper says:

    Good stuff mate ,I think I have the same problem with my one 👍

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 67Jazzmaster says:

    I know there are probably short cuts to ground this but I like your thorough analysis, diagnosis and proper fix. THanks!!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars misterfixitifwecan says:

    I'm having the same problem thank you for video I was almost positive it was a bad ground you just reconfirmed it

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave Johnson says:

    I ran a separate ground, thanks for tracking that down, I will do the grounds in the spring, thanks

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MrLuipr14 says:

    Good job

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Missy Goodwin says:

    I changed my left rear blinker and the dashboard stopped working and all rear lights are out and no blinkers work

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars undecided says:

    I just have exactly the same issue (passenger side as well) on my dodge caravan 2007, 180K km. To rectify this issue I just soldered two black ground wires together- one from the turn signal and another from the mail headlamp (10 cm from the headlamp) and it worked for me.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jon Haskell says:

    The only thing worse with wiring woes is when they're intermittent, and just showing their head.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jean-Luc Theaudiere says:

    i don t realize until i see that video i had signal troubles T"Y"

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars F T says:

    Excellent work, excellent video! I have the same exact problem in my 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. All turn signals work correctly EXCEPT that same passenger side turn signal lamp; It flashes much dimmer than the rest. I am not too savvy with regards to these auto repairs, especially electrical repairs. My question is: Without the proper knowledge, experience, lift, tools — Would it hurt anything if I just spliced a wire to that turn signal ground and just attached it somewhere to the frame/body behind the headlight housing? Just looking for an extreme shortcut solution…..By the way, where are you located?…….Anyway, thanks again for posting a great auto repair video!

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron Ritzel says:

    Was the radiator fan ground in there as well. I have the same problem going on when I was fiddling the ground all of a sudden my radiator fan turned on an wouldnt turn off

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Henry Fain says:

    Man! My tail light kept quitting on me…not blowing, just kept getting charred at the connection to the assembly…Just like you said, the passenger side signal/park light was switched…

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paktric says:

    Thank you so much, I had this exact same issue…

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Extremerecluse Fallows says:

    Have the same problem. I will just make my own ground.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Marek Szocik says:

    This You tube video helped me fix 2007 Town @ Country .Thanks a lot !!! Marek

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars creep life says:

    What the fuck!? I can't believe that's what it was. I'm having an issue similar to that. I changed a relay, the multifunction switch (I was going to anyway because it was beat to hell), but a simple ground wire? Wtf I need to learn this stuff. I appreciate you!

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Jesus says:

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!👍👍👍👍

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Francisco Perez says:

    God bless your heart man, i got my turn signal fixed, u r my hero, I'm so happy i found ur video

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars woolhat1 says:

    First pro mechanic I've watched in 15 years that diagnosed this type of problem so thoroughly and efficiently corrected the issue the right way for the long run. He did this all while actually in motion working on the car. Great summary at the end as well. Sorry, Scotty K, you've been bested!

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Philip Reiter says:

    Thanks. My 2009 Caravan has the exact problem. It's even the right side.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rob says:

    great video my exact problem thanks

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nathan Tuttle says:

    I’m trying to figure out what tool you used to get between the post and the radiator. On my town and country there is no room to get a ratchet

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sal Escobar says:

    He broke the wire lol

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Thomas McFarland says:

    I wish you were little closer to me I like to bring my equinox to you

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Star says:

    Wow. You are an excellent mechanic. The way you explain things and your patience. I am very impressed with your computer resources. I especially like your ability to improvise and to use intuition as with welding glasses. Keep up the good work. Your videos help us all. Thank you for your kindness.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars david griffiths says:

    How can there be 28 thumbs down?

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wayne says:

    This fix would have made me happy. Good Job!

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Cohen says:

    What computer program did you use in this video?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.