Electrical Problems with 1996 Dodge Intrepid

[Dale O]

My parents have a 1996 Dodge Intrepid that's having unusual electrical problems. They've taken the car to an independent mechanic and two dealers and none of them can diagnose the problem. My parent's are in their upper 70's and have lost confidence in the car. I need help! Here's the problem: When starting the engine the gauges and indicator lights don't come on. The engine always starts. They shift into drive and the car moves, but the transmission stays in 2nd gear. After driving 1/4 - 4 miles the engine hesitates and all guages come on and the tranmission shifts into drive. The service engine light come on and comes on even after many stops and starts of the engine. Does anybody have an idea of what's wrong?
Thanks
Dale O

[Dodgevanman]

If the service engine light is coming on then the computer is setting a trouble code. The shops should be able to get the code using a scanner. I would imagine they would have done this???

Usually when the transmssion stays in 2nd gear it's in "limp home" mode (no kidding) and there could be a problem with the transmission control module or engine control module.

[cmn65401]

the tranny guy i normall talk to suggested the output sensor for tranny. this would cause the problem. he had a portable diagnostic that gives more info than anyone would want to know and it can tell if it is working properly. i would try that..it cost me a 20 dollar bill for this. was very helpful on diagnosing my probs.

[janengel]

I have the same problem... did you resolve? I receive intermitant O2 sensor codes. if the instrument panel does not activate when turning key to On position, turning off and back on (sometimes as many as 20 times) will activate the panel and avoid the "limp" mode of the trans. The problem has now progressed to intermitant instrument panel outage and rough running. I suspect the ECM, but would love to confirm... Thoughts?

[cmn65401]

i would not think ecm. if the entire instument cluster does not function then a short would be my guess. is the instrument cluster the only thing effected(not cigarette lighter, or interior lamps, etc) one place to start is the fuse panel, check fuses (i have had a fuse test good but when wiggled would short the fuse was actually blown but still made ocasional or more contact) i do not have a schematic of the instrument cluster with me but i would guess there to be one main power or relay wire to turn it on and off with how much this seems to be happening.

[teky089]

I have a 95 concorde, and had the same problem. It turned out to be the ignition switch, more specificaly 1/2 of it, was bad. Because of this most electrical tests will not find that it is bad.

I had to convince the dealership to replace it (as they had decided nothing ws wrong with it). Once it was replaced I have not had a problem since.

Note: I beleive the ignition switch is little more than a double throw relay. This is why one side can die, while the other work just fine.

[XeoNoX]

Did you ever get it fixed? Im having similar problem.

[janengel]

never fixed and still toying with it. I replaced the ignition switch in hopes, but no dice.