Expert: Roland Finston - 1/11/2012

Question
QUESTION: 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L 165K

I am getting a wierd problem. It happend second time today. I was trying to change plugs and valve cover gaskets (I had to abandon since I figured out I will not be able to take out the intake air plenum; will take it to a real mechanic). When I put everything back, connected the battery, I got an Alarm Set problem. Connecting and disconnecting battery a few times, it clicked and the van is now starting/running ok. The last time it happened, there was no alarm set but weird electrical things were happening. Again disconnecting and connecting the negative battery cable will do the trick and everything will seem ok. I am afraid now that if I take out the negative cable, I will get the problem again. Right now there is no dashboard light on and no other indication of malfunction.

Any ideas on how to start?

Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Shafique,
If by 'alarm set problem' you mean that the alarm was found to have set by itself, then that is not uncommon. You can either try cancelling it with the fob if you have one, or by lock-unlock either front door. The security system is powered 24/7 by the battery even when you don't set it. If by chance the system was armed when you disconnected the battery it will remain armed nonetheless without the battery, so that too could explain what is happening.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: By alarm set problem, I mean that ALARM SET light starts blinking on the dashbaord with beeps and nothing happens when I turned the key. Disconnecting and connecting the battery several times will make it go away and the van will start normally. When the Alarm is set, odometer and gear selection indicator too go off after few seconds.

I am sure it is electrical problem but have no idea what to check, I am concerned about something electrical is about to fail.

Answer
Because this issue began with the disconnection of the battery, I would suggest that it won't be an on-going problem. As to the odometer and gear selection indicator going "off". that may not be abnormal, but I don't own a van so I can't be sure. I would be inclined to leave well enough alone at this point.