Five problems related to underhood wiring have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Wiring harness at battery and under hood fuse block caused fire, claim 20-5416-549.
Vheicle was just parked when consumer returned to find smoke coming from underneath the hood. Vehicle was totaled consumer was treated for smoke inhalation. Consumer didn't have any warning while driving just before parking. Dealer was not notified. Consumer states that vehicle was experiencing fuel filter and fuel pumps problems and had been replaced several times before the incident.
Technical service bulletin (#24-06-97) indicates connector 'corrosion' problems which causes front hvac blower(fan) to not operate on some or all speeds except 'high'. While replacing resistor and connector (per the bulletin) I found they were not only rusted together, but the connector was melted at one of the contacts (from the resistance caused by the rust) indicating a high possibility of a fire occurring from this common problem. I had to work very hard to pry the connector from the resistor so I imagine most times this problem is serviced the connector is just cut from the wiring harness and discarded with the resistor still connected since both are to be replaced anyways. This could cause the possible melting of the connector not to be noticed or reported in many cases. 'underhood' may be misleading in this case also, as the resistor is mounted through the firewall into the vehicle and it's ventilation system !.
Owner states that while filling the vehicle with gas the vehicle caught fire, owner notes that it may have been electrical fire.
While traveling noticed smoking coming from engine, vehicle was on fire consumer put fire out with water hose. Dealer has been notified this was 2nd time vehicle was on fire. Please provide further information.