Four problems related to windshield wiper/washer switch have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Have owned a 1997 Dodge Caravan (bought as new) for 108,000 miles. Recently we've had a problem with our windshield wipers. For several years, we've had the problem of the "ghost wipers" where they would come on on their own. But it would only happen very rarely. Now, we have a problem where the switch does not regulate the speed of the wipers. The intermittent part does not work at all. We recently had it taken to a goodyear dealer and they diagnosed the problem as a body control module going bad. This is an expensive fix. Have noticed a previous complaint (#10154526) and also several complaints posted on carspace automotive forums. Some say the bcm is the problem and others say it isn't.
Purchased Dodge Caravan new. At 40,000 miles, windshield wipers began random wiping action unrelated to time or weather conditions. They would turn on, wipe four or five times and turn off. At 104,000 miles, without warning, wipers refused to respond to switch except for "wash and wipe" cycle. Vehicle could not be inspected as wipers could not be turned on for inclement weather. Three trips to the dealer resulted in a "body control module" being replaced for a cost of $741. 00 in order to make them work. If they had stopped during a blizzard, it could have been very bad. (please note, dates are from memory and could be slightly off).
Windshield wiper switch failed. Mjs.
Windshield wiper switch malfucntioned, causing windshield wiperd not to operate, making it difficult to see in inclement weather.