[wschmidt280]

Hello Fellow Intrepid Fans. I thought I had already joined this forum but it appears I haven't. Glad to be here and I could use some help from you fine folks.
I have a 1995 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.3L with 118K miles and well cared for. Due to other pressing vehicle repairs needed on my fleet of 20+ yr old iron, I've not been able to get back to working on this car for a while since my last issue.
My Intrepid Issue Background: Earlier during the summer, I went to start my car one day and when the key was turned to on position the blower fan was at top speed, and the controller was non-functioning, other than the temp digital display. No buttons worked nor did the fan control knob change anything other than the temp display value when temp knob was turned.
I started the car, which seemed normal, but none of the gauges or the warning lights worked. Engine and trans function normally, fans come on when required, trans shifts and acts normally. Additionally, I had minor and sporadic electrical burning smell when accessory/key position was on, and also while car was running. Sometimes there would be door electrical issues, sometimes windows, mirror and locks not working as they should.
I researched the issue and found info regarding the ignition switch possibly being at fault as it electrically power connects many of the interior circuits I was having issues with. I replaced the Ignition switch with quality (Standard Ignition Products) switch, and symptoms were the same, no change. So, at this point I am assuming the BCM is at fault.
I have a Haynes repair manual for my model Intrepid, but haven't been able to find details about the BCM, testing it, or R&R instructions.
I looked on this forum and I think I found some information regarding the BCM, but the post was missing pics, that would shed some light on the written replacement procedure that was posted.
Any insight, recommendations or instructions would be appreciated regarding this issue. If anyone has or knows of detailed R&R instructions for the BCM, and additionally, know the best source to purchase a replacement BCM, that also would be appreciated.
Thanks for any help my Intrepid friends.

 

[EagleESI]

BCM is Passenger side. Black box with the one white connector (there is two but one is out site, and has blank space cause my car does not have auto ATC) going to it. You kinda can get it out without pulling whole lower dash but you have to remove alot to get it to clear enough to sneak it out so just easier to remove lower dash.

If you PM me a email, I can see about giving you a 95 LH Factory Service Manual if you wish. It's in PDF form in several parts.

 

[wschmidt280]

Thank you for the reply and suggestions for removal. The dash pic helps, yeah that box is tucked up in there.
That would be great having a more comprehensive service manual. Part store repair manuals are ok for basic repair needs. I love service manuals, so detailed, illustrated and cover every aspect for that particular car.
My email is [email protected] Thank you for taking the time to send me the manual.
From my issue description, and your experience, do you believe the BCM would most likely be the suspect component?
Thanks again for your help.

 

[EagleESI]

Email Sent.

Not sure.

You can always look for chaffed wiring around the fuse block on driver side (see photo above)

 

[wschmidt280]

Email Sent.

Not sure.

You can always look for chaffed wiring around the fuse block on driver side (see photo above)

OK, I'll take a peek under there for possible issues with wires/block.
The slight electrical smell I was experiencing had that electronic/circuit burnout smell. I've previously experienced the same smell in this vehicle when my heater controller unit went south. But, never assuming is a good motto, especially electrical problems.
Thanks.

 

[wschmidt280]

Update:
I was able to remove the BCM. Thank you EagleESI for the removal suggestions, they helped a lot. Also for the service manuals you sent me, they will be tremendous help in the future.
Removing the Passenger dash side cover, kick cover, sill plate, glove box and dash facia. Then loosening up the foot heater vent and lower dash, this provided enough access to remove the BCM wire harness plugs, and squeeze the box up and out through the gap created in dash. This is a better removal method than trying to get it out from the bottom, and no need to cut through kick panel seal. Getting to the wire harness plug release clips, and pulling the plugs are way easier from the top.

This BCM is a three plug unit, which from my brief search is almost unattainable through aftermarket BCM refurbishers I found online, or even a used one on ebay. I will continue the search. I could use some help/suggestions on possible sources to obtain a refurbished replacement, which I would prefer. Plan B would be to find a good repair shop, and hope my BCM can be repaired, but at what cost?
Ref.:
3 Plug BCM, Part No.4759570 (Sticker on BCM) Service Manual BCM Ref. No.: 591-03232
Vehicle Ref.: 1995 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.3L (Gas Only) w/ Keyless Entry & Climate Control.
From searching around I believe the third BCM plug is for the climate control system.
Most BCMs I did find only had two plugs. The one three plug BCM I did find (used for $250) was for a 96 intrepid with a 3.5L V6, wouldn't ya know it, that's my luck!

The one thing about this BCM that made me suspect there was some heat around the circuit board harness plug interface was, the plastic cover is warped at that end. Not sure how normal this is or a good sign that the board has or had soldier/circuit and or component failure issues.
Inspecting the harness and connections, plugs and plug pins, everything looked good, nothing suspicious there or the other side of the dash harnesses, all looked good there too.
Here's a couple of pics.

Thanks for any help from the membership, appreciate it.

 

[wschmidt280]

Update:
Finally located two sources that would resolve my highly suspected defective BCM issue.
One source that would perform a repair on existing BCM for $650.
The other source I found, which I went with, had a refurbished unit available for $525 +Tax + Shipping. They do refund core charge of $100 after received. So overall cost was $480. Unit comes with 1 year warranty. The really cool service this company provides is a misdiagnosis restocking fee of $75. Nice to have this in case it is Not the BCM that's causing the issue.
I will install the new BCM this weekend and I will update my results.
Note: As these dodge vehicles age, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find sources for replacement components, especially electronics.
Reference:
Source for replacement and repair: (Particularly Older Vehicle Control Modules)
Engine Control Modules | ECM | PCM | ECU (They did not have my BCM in stock) (Quoted repair for $650)
AutoECMs - Buy Refurbished Auto ECMs - BCM, MAF, ABS, TCM, GEM & More They had my 3 plug 4759570 (591-03232) BCM in stock, shipped same day, received next day. (1 Yr. Warr) ($100 Core Charge)

 

[EagleESI]

Jesus that is pricey.

I use to get them for $40 bucks in yard. I sold my last prem BCM while back to help someone. Now I am out.