I have a 1998 Dodge Caravan. About a year ago, I went to start it and the
battery was dead. Replaced the battery, and ever since then, all of the
lights on the climate control buttons flash. Can still push the buttons and
they will perform their intended functions. After driving for 10 minutes,
the lights will stop flashing and be back to normal until the next time I
start it.

I have been told that the computer needs to be reset. I have a series of
questions here.

1.) is it possible to do this myself, or am I better off having it taken
into a shop?

2.) Is this computer (that needs resetting) located in the engine
compartment, or on the climate control itself? The reason I am asking this
is because on the fan speed switch, the number 4 speed position never has
worked. So I'd like to just replace that control panel, as I don't think you
can buy just the switch. So if I were to replace this control panel, would
the lights continue to flash because something else needs reset, or would
things be back to normal?

Any advice appreciated,

Pat

i doubt its the computer.. interesting flash, does it do this all the time?
or is it random? i would seriously test your alternator... also, just
because a bettery is dead, doesnt mean you have to replace it. by dead i
hope you mean it was junk. kind of foolish to buy a new battery when you
only need to charge the old one.

DJ TecThreat

"Pat" <girff2002 (AT) myeastern (DOT) com> wrote

Yep.I replaced the original 4 year old battery, that is usually what I get
out of a battery is 3-4 years in any vehicle. (I guess cause I buy cheap
wal-mart ones.) The lights do flash all the time. Whenever you start the van
they flash I'd say 1/2 second on, 1/2 second off. once the van is driven
for 10 minutes (I have timed it, it is 10 minutes each time) the lights
operate normally. The windsheild wiper button lights also used to flash when
it was started, but over time, they stopped and only the climate control
buttons flash. The buttons however, all still perform their intended
functions.
"DJ TecThreat" <beaniATcharter.net> wrote

ok, yea the battery probly needed to be replaced. hmm.. it probly is the
computer... i'm not sure where it is on these.. have you tried disconnecting
your battery from the car for a little while? try unhooking the battery and
letting it sit for 10-20 minutes..

DJ TecThreat

"Pat" <girff2002 (AT) myeastern (DOT) com> wrote

Silly question, but the dashboard lights will change brightness if the
headlights are on or off... Does the flashing change at all if you turn on
the headlights?

If you have automatic headlights, you can keep them from coming on in most
vehicles by putting on the parking brake before starting the vehicle.

Have you checked your headlights/signal lights when the dashboard is
flashing?


"Pat" <girff2002 (AT) myeastern (DOT) com> wrote