Dodge Durango Forum banner

11 crew electrical gremlin

1.9K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  David Leach  
#1 ·
Have a 2011 crew awd with everything on it. Lately when driving I have the wipers pop on for a second, dash lights and information center go black. Sometimes when it comes back on, I will have a battery light, most times I won’t. This happens during all driving conditions, dry weather, wet weather. Happens on smooth roads... has me perplexed. I was thinking a short, but it doesn’t really happen on bumpy roads....
 
#5 · (Edited)
Sure, it could be a short, or a corroded contact in a harness connector somewhere. And given the number of systems effected, it's likely a large one. Like one of the mains coming from the fuse block, the ECM harness plug, or a chafed spot in a harness. The corrosion issue in the ECM socket is a common issue on many cars with a firewall-mounted ECM, like the Durango. A known potential 'chafed spot' in your Durango, is courtesy of the A-frame near the steering knuckle.
I hate that type of intermittent 'gremlin'. They can drive a man to Crown Royal --- What can I say? I'm 'particular'.
Speaking of steering knuckles; Try steering back and forth to see if that narrows it down some. It could even be in the steering column harness itself.

ALSO: Check for any recalls still open on your serial number on the FCA site. There was one on "2011~2014 FCA's equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering systems, 5.7L or 3.6L engines, and 160, 180, or 220 amp alternators. In those vehicles, NHTSA says that the alternator may fail without warning". (which could also put a name to your particular gremlin).
 
#7 ·
Just an update, took the truck to the dodge dealer that did the original ecm replacement after the first alternator failed. Since the alternator went before the recall was issued and I was not reimbursed for it, they put a new alternator in. (Replacement oem alternator was just done 2 years ago, and about 30k miles) they also replaced the brake booster under recall. So far so good. Service said there were over 100 fault codes, all electrical issues. ( voltage to low from one thing, voltage to high at another, all over the place) I told them to drive it around for a day or 2, I was pretty sure the ecm was bad again. Over 300 miles on it, and no issues! I spoke to the service manager today and he said, they don’t really know what is going on with these trucks, but they eat alternators, and the electronics are so sensitive any fluctuations in voltage, they go haywire. He told me I would probably be back in 2 years for another alternator.....