1. Power Issues:
* Battery Cable Connection: Loose or corroded battery cables can cause intermittent or complete electrical failures. Inspect the terminals for corrosion and tightness.
* Alternator: A failing alternator might not provide sufficient power, leading to electrical component malfunctions. Test the alternator output voltage.
* Body Ground: A poor ground connection somewhere in the vehicle's body can interrupt electrical flow to various components. This is a common culprit for seemingly unrelated electrical problems. Check ground points near the dashboard and power window switches.
* Ignition Switch: A malfunctioning ignition switch might not be supplying power correctly to the accessories.
2. Wiring Problems:
* Wiring Harness Damage: Look for damaged, frayed, or corroded wires, particularly in the area of the dashboard and door jambs (for the power windows). Rodents are notorious for chewing wires.
* Broken Connections: Wires can become disconnected at connectors. Check all connectors related to the dashboard gauges and power window system.
* Short Circuit: A short circuit somewhere in the wiring can cause power loss to multiple circuits. This is more difficult to diagnose and might require professional help.
3. Component Failures:
* Instrument Cluster (Gauge Cluster): The gauge cluster itself might have failed internally. This is a common failure point in older vehicles. Repair or replacement might be necessary.
* Power Window Switch Module: The switch module itself could be faulty, preventing the windows from functioning.
* Body Control Module (BCM): The BCM is a central computer that controls many of the vehicle's electrical functions. A malfunctioning BCM could be the root cause, requiring diagnosis and potentially replacement (expensive). This is less likely but possible.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Thorough Fuse Check: Double and triple check *all* fuses related to the dashboard and power windows. Use a multimeter to confirm if a fuse is blown (don't rely solely on visual inspection).
2. Battery and Cables: Inspect and clean battery terminals. Check cable connections for tightness.
3. Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the wiring harnesses in the dashboard and door jambs for any visible damage.
4. Ground Connections: Inspect and clean ground connections.
5. Multimeter Testing: Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the power window switches and the gauge cluster connectors.
When to Seek Professional Help:
If you're uncomfortable working with car electrical systems, or after checking the simpler items above, you still haven't found the problem, it's best to take your Chrysler Town & Country to a qualified mechanic. Diagnosing complex electrical issues requires specialized tools and knowledge. A BCM failure in particular can be difficult and expensive to repair.
