1998 PLYMOUTH GRAND VOYAGER User Comment / Complaint

Headlights, interior and other lights, come on and go off automatically. this can happen when vehicle is running (lights flashing) and this happens even when engine and ignition is off. eventually battery is completely drained. mechanics are unable to properly diagnose problem. some mechanics say it could be because of a faulty bcm, but not sure. reading through edmunds.com and other blogs, this seems to be a common problem with many plymouth/dodge/chrysler mini van owners, with no real solution. flashing lights when driving can distract other drivers on the road. a dead battery at any time and especially in the wrong place can cause all kinds of difficulties. headlights going off during night driving can lead to accidents. took the vehicle to a local mechanic who ran a diagnostic test and was unable to find root cause, but suggested could be faulty bcm (diagnostics cost $150). took the vehicle to chrysler dealer who ran diagnostics and said could be because of an after market alarm. recommended removing the alarm (cost $400 for diagnostics and removing alarm). problem was not solved and now says caused by faulty bcm (which they say could have been caused by alarm), suggested replacing bcm. cost of new bcm quoted is $700+ labor. vehicle is currently inoperable (dead battery). is this is a common problem with plymouth/ dodge/chrysler minivan's?