Chrysler Town and Country EX/LX/LXi/Limited

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  • eandlcubedeandlcubed Member Posts: 78
    i know some of you said it was okay to drive with a check engine on but, to put my mind at ease, i took it to the garage this morning. the diagnosis was a faulty leak detection vent valve. he replaced it per some service code #25-001-02 (i don't know if this code applied to vans in the states). although my van is technically off manufacturer warranty, it is still under the emission control for 100k miles (found this tibbit out when i was there). i guess the fault was covered under this warranty so it turned out to be free of charge ...
  • nolid5nolid5 Member Posts: 148
    Gotta love free!
  • alan88alan88 Member Posts: 7
    Does anybody know how 03/04 T&C AWD system works? What kind of center diff does it have? Engine power distribution front and back under normal condition, would it be 50/50, 90/10 or FWD? How capable is it in snow? Thanks!
  • drperez007drperez007 Member Posts: 30
    Does anyone have installed the MOPAR Navigation Radio (RB1) installed? If so, how is it working?
  • tomtomtomtomtomtom Member Posts: 491
    How much are they charging for the unit and labor? The screen on the MOPAR is a bit small (3" I think)and you can get an aftermarket unit ie Pioneer for the same price (maybe a bit more) and you get to watch DVD too.
  • drperez007drperez007 Member Posts: 30
    The MOPAR unit retails for about $1500, but is probably available for about $100-$150 less. Unknown labor costs...labor involves the removal of the old radio, installation of the new radio/nav unit, plus antenna. Another problem surfaces as well. The Nav unit holds one disc, either the Nav DVD or a music CD. So, in reality, one needs to install a [six or ten disc] CD player I agree that the screen is small, and because there is no touch, voice, or remote controls, inputting is time-consuming. Having said all of that, the price is still considerably less than the Alpine Nav system in my other vehicle, and doesn't look too bad. It also uses the NavTech software, which I have found to be pretty good. I'd be interested to hear anyone's personal experience with the MOPAR system.

    Thanks.

    Steve
  • tomtomtomtomtomtom Member Posts: 491
    I thought about the MOPAR system before I bought the Pioneer system. By paying a few hundred more I got a better (bigger screen) system and ability to use the Navigation system and watch DVD while the car is moving. I paid $2000 for my pioneer systems plus $500 for installation about a year ago . Actually, I could have save the $500 if the van didn't have the Infinity Systems. YOu have to reroute the wires to bypass the amp of each speaker. Anyway, if you don't have the Infinity Systems the installation is very easy. I have the GPS antenna on the dash and it works fine. Pioneer has since come out a touch screen system. Here is the link:
    http://store.autotoys.com/cgi-bin/wfp53024.storefront/3fb11912011- ca94e27474200c14805f8/Product/View/13571
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    Don't know if it is really that great. The one in the Ody is flat, short and uncomfortable, much like the jumpseat in a station wagon. It must be compromised to fold flat. The current split seat in the T&C seems to be better suited to passengers.
  • rbell2rbell2 Member Posts: 180
    Try sitting in the middle of that rear T&C split seat. OUCH!! Also notice now much luggage capacity is behind the T&C versus the Ody with seating for 7 - no comparison!!

    The cloth seats in the Ody do feel somewhat un-supportive on the 3rd row but the leather for some reason is much more comfortable IMO.
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    half-dozen of another. There are tradeoffs in both configurations. The 50/50 split does leave someone sitting on the crack, but it will in all likely hood be a kid who doesn't know any better (and has no say, anyway) or leave someone sitting on a bench that is primarily designed to be stowed, so it is smaller and lower than the traditional auto seat.

    I looked at both, and I was not in the market for any van until they started selling them with a split rear seat (I have 5 people to carry around, and wanted to have room for gear, too). The GM vans had modular seating but I did not want one of those. I just bought an 02 T&C Limited, and it is very plush -- plush enough that the 50/50 crack is still pretty comfortable. The Hondas were just too much money and too stripped for said money. The depreciation on the DCX products is sooo huge (making them cheap in the secondary market) that it is worth the gamble, to me, that it might not be as reliable as a Japanese unit.
  • masterpaul1masterpaul1 Member Posts: 421
    I haven't sat in an ody so I can't really give an opinion about there third row seat. But I can say that the 50/50 split third seat on the Grand Caravan EX is comfortable. I did seat in the middle of the seat and really didn't feel the crack. Although I think it has a lot to do with the size and weight of the person. I have heard that when there are three adults on the third row in the ody, they can feel the braces on the outer right and left side of the seat (not sure of the correct name) that attaches the bench to the sides of the van that allows it to be stored is uncomfortable. Any feed back on this ody owners.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I for one use my 3rd row every day and a solid folding bench--like the Odyssey has--is worthless to me. I hope the folding bench Chrysler switches to in 2004 is not a solid bench.
  • bill233bill233 Member Posts: 4
    Am looking into buying a new 2004 Chrysler
    Town & country Limited FWD. I am concerned about their transmission problems and overall reliability, also on what kind of gas milage others are getting. Any input would help.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    The problems you are afraid of stopped a few years back. Chrysler went to a new transmission in the 2001 re-design. As far as I know, problems have been few. I bought a new Voyager in 2001 and traded for a 2003 Voyager LX last spring and neither has given me any reason to worry . Yes, I know the Voyager is a SWB van, but it uses the same 4 speed automatic as the T&C. Plus, the powertrain is warranted to 70,000 miles.
  • bill233bill233 Member Posts: 4
    THANKS FOR THE TRANSMISSION INPUT.
    HOW DOES THE GAS MILAGE SEEM TO BE?
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Well, your van is larger and heavier than mine and has the 3.8 vs 3.3 V6 engines, so comparisons will not be very valid, IMO. But, as far as my mileage goes, I don't get great mileage. I get about what the sticker says I should get--or even a little less.
  • msdtmsdt Member Posts: 1
    I just read #1280. I have the exact problem with a 98 T&C. The dealer cannot find the problem! My van would completely lose light controls while driving, then it would come on again. When I turn the key forward, all diagnostics pass, then it would not crank. Light, power options, dashboard are all on (pwr options work) but no starting. Not even a sound from the starter. At other times no dash lights would appear. I leave it for a for days then try again... THEN IT STARTS! It's driving me crazy!

    Mitch
  • encsharrisencsharris Member Posts: 4
    I am looking at a used 2003 T&C Lxi (see below) and am willing to pay 23,000 not a penny more. Am I out of line in my pricing?? This is a fleet vehicle owned by the dealership selling it. They haven’t come below 23,809. I know we are talking only 8 bills but I don’t want to budge off my number and I don’t think the UC manager wants to budge either. I also have a 1996 Dodge Caravan ES (no leather) and they are talking $2,500 to $3,000 for the trade in value. The van is in pretty good shape. I could use some advice.

    What should I expect the dealer to come down to on the Lxi and what should I expect for my trade in?

    Mileage: 13,122 miles
    Body Style: Mini Van (LWB)
    Exterior: Butane Blue
    Interior: Taupe Leather
    Transmission: Automatic
    Engine: 3.8 L 6 CYL.
    Factory Rear Video/DVD System
    Taupe Leather interior
    Heated Seats
    Power Sliding Doors and Lift gate

    They were originally asking $24,568, I offered 22,500.
    The dealer is now asking: $23,809 plus tax doc fee
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Edmunds says this 2003 LXi with DVD system should sell private party for about $23,500 and dealer retail for about $26,000. Sounds like they are splitting the difference between what they asked and what you wanted. If you like the van, it sounds like it's priced right. Good luck!
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    an 02 T&C Limited. Fully loaded, 15K miles, not a mark on it, for $22k. The only 03s I saw in my area (Long Island, NY) were more basic LX verions and Dodge Sports (fleet cars). I wanted something with a power seat (I am tall) and the split rear seat, so that put me in the LXi/LTD area. The LXs I was seeing were in the $18-$19k range, so I think the LTD was a decent deal.
  • encsharrisencsharris Member Posts: 4
    on my trade in value and what I should do if they offer me less than $3,000?
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    I wanted to trade in a 00 Taurus wagon. Galves/Edmunds/etc put value at around 6k. Dealer offered 4. I sold it privately for $7.5k.
    That is probably the way to go as the used car market is not favorable right now to sellers.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    One thing you can do is go to the Used Cars section of edmunds. There, you can enter all the info about your van and they will tell you a ball park figure to expect. Also remember that trade-in values to the dealer are a little different than published reports. If your dealer has 3 Grand Caravans on the lot similar to yours right now, he may not really want yours and his offer will reflect that. If vans like yours sell in 3 days on their used lot, then they may offer more because they know they can sell it quickly. Also, what your van can be bought for at auction makes a big difference as well. If they can buy vans like yours all day long for $2700 at auction, they are not going to offer you $4000 for yours. They will offer the going rate. Anyway, look here and check kbb.com and that will give you an IDEA of what you can expect. Good luck!
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    and use that number only if you want to get laughed at.
  • encsharrisencsharris Member Posts: 4
    comments, I will take it for them to look at and if they try to stiff me I will try to sell it on my own. Has anyone had any experience with selling used on e-bay? Thanks much!
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    That was my point. The dealers don't give "book" values--they give values based on what they could buy another one like your for at auction. They also base it on what their needs are. If they don't want/need your trade on their lot, their offer will show that. If your trade is valuable in the used car field, their offer will show that as well. I think the books just try to show about what the going rate is--but that going rate changes every day.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I don´t have the links handy but if you do a Search here for eBay and What is the Kelley Blue Book Price, you´ll find a couple of articles of interest.

    That´s the Search link at the bottom or top of the page, not the Search This Discussion link.

    Steve, Host
  • volfan4volfan4 Member Posts: 5
    we have a 2003 chrysler t and c van the transmission has a jerk when down shifting from overdrive to drive at exactly 30mph.van has only 20000 miles on it this prob also occurred at 16000 and dealer reprogrammed trans?for what its worth.could these problems mean something worse to come?also sometimes the transmission will not engage when put into reverse or drive until a few secs later any advice welcome please help!!!
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    You did not say if the dealer is helping you with you problem or not. If the dealer can't find the problem or is saying that's all they can do, go to another dealer. You should be contacting Chrysler Corp. and telling them your problem.

    Some dealers are better than others>
  • volfan4volfan4 Member Posts: 5
    yes the van is under warranty and the dealer will attempt to repair but the dealers close are like dc.corp they could care less!!this 2003 is a replacement for a 2001 dodge grand caravan that was taken back beccause of severe power steering problems and the arbitration process was used so i know how much chrysler cares about customer satisfaction!!!!!!love the styling of chrysler vans and features but will probably never own another
  • elf6elf6 Member Posts: 10
    I had a similar problem on my van and posted message #325 on the Chrysler minivans transmission problems. My comment was as follows: "After 6 months and 5K miles my 02 T&C LXI with 3.8L engine developed a transmission problem. Several times the transmission shifted into reverse very slowly when started cold but other times shifted normally. Then it developed a hard downshift at 30 mph. No check engine light was seen and the transmission oil level was good and smelled good. Dealer checked it out and said there was a TSB on the 02's only to replace the front oil plump which is bolted on the front of the transmission. Two hours later the transmission was fixed and at 7.5K miles continues to shift smoothly." I currently have 12,300 miles on the van and the transmission continues to shift smoothly. Since your problem and mine sound identical I would contact your dealer and ask him to look at the TSB's for 02's and 03's concerning the front oil pump problems. Hope you get it corrected promptly.
  • deepandeepan Member Posts: 342
    http://wwwsg.daimlerchrysler.com/SD7DEV/GMS/TEMPLATES/GMS_PRESS_K- IT/0,2970,0-6-49712-1-1-all-1-49711,00.html

    Looks very good!!!
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    Wow, looks like DC is introducing up a slew of new interior features. They are not going to let Toyota, Honda, Nissan and grab more market share without a heck of a fight.

    I only hope those fold away seats are still comfortable. The last row seems to be tilted back quite steeply, but it may just be distorted by the photographs. Time will tell, but it looks like DC put a lot of thought into these innovations.

    The competition is certainly becoming stiffer in this segment. Glad to see DC respond with what could be a home run in the hideaway seat wars.
  • nolid5nolid5 Member Posts: 148
    What a clever idea to put the overhead compartments on rails. I'm also glad to see that the rear seats are not a 50/50 split.
  • blk97aurorablk97aurora Member Posts: 573
    My wife and are are looking to replace our 1990 Plymouth GV with a 2001-2002 T&C or Dodge GC. The options we want put us into the higher-level trim packages. I definitely want the 3.8l engine, and my wife definitely does not want quad seating. There is the rub -- appears that all or most vans with 3.8 also have quad seating. My question is, will a 2nd-row bench from another Chrysler/Dodge minivan fit in place of the two 2nd row captain chairs? Even if they will interchange physically, I realize it may be very difficult if not impossible to match cover material.
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    I am not 100% sure, but I believe the floor seat locking pins are there to put in a bench seat in place of the captain's chairs. You can probably buy a bench seat from an auto salvage yard for a reasonable price.

    I would seriously consider trying to talk your wife into keeping the second row quad seats. If you have small children, the more space between them the better, and the two separate seats also give you some more cargo flexibility, you can keep one in to seat three on occasion and have more cargo capacity. The right side seat tilts forward for easy access to the third row seat, so you can still get back there without too much twisting.

    Additionally, don't discount considering buying a used one with the 3.3 litre V-6, it is more than adequate for most people.
  • btill1btill1 Member Posts: 69
    I like all of the improvements I saw on the new vans, does anyone know when the 2005 vans will be available?

    Thanks,

    Brian
  • masterpaul1masterpaul1 Member Posts: 421
    According to Dodge web site, they should be available in the spring next year.
  • strokeoluckstrokeoluck Member Posts: 99
    Hi All, we recently purchased a slightly used (1200 miles) 2003 T&C. After having it for a few days we took it on a 10 hour trip. I noticed that when I accelerated hard - usually dropping down a gear to get the extra h.p. - there's a funny "clicking" sound right above the steering wheel. I can't see anything wrong and it's definitely not the transmission. Now that I heard that at high speeds/torque I can also just faintly hear it at lower speeds and lesser accleration rates.

    I'm wondering if something could be wrong w/the speedometer cable? I'll take it in to have it covered under warranty but thought I'd check here for ideas.

    Thanks,
    Rob
  • ourseaoursea Member Posts: 4
    My sister just bought a new 2004 Town and Country and has the wireless entertainment system installed. They also have three kids. Any idea on where you can get additional headphones for them and what the specs may be? If you know an average cost that will be helpful as well. Thanks...
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I'm sure the dealership's parts counter could hook you right up in about 30 seconds. They will be OEM so you know they will work and be just like the other 2 pair. You know how kids are--there will always be a fight over who has to use the "wrong" pair of head phones. I would just get them from the dealer.
  • nolid5nolid5 Member Posts: 148
    Unfortunately I believe that they cost close to $100, I purchased an extra set from the dealer when I bought my 2003 T & C. Now 1 set broke & I need to get another. IIRC the headset shipped in a white box that said Jensen maybe they could be purchased direct.
  • blk97aurorablk97aurora Member Posts: 573
    There are several internet suppliers that sell OEM Chrysler parts at 10% to 20% discount. Depending on your state, you may save on sales tax also. Use google to search for something like 'chrysler wireless headset' to find internet dealers or you might get lucky with eBay.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    AAA........

    Not to disparage them, I'm a true believer.

    But.

    Last week my 93 Ford ranger locked up in two gears, blocking traffic and AAA said would hurry. After about half an hour I called wife to bring tools so I could drop the driveshaft. Before an hour was up my wife arrived, I dropped the driveshaft and a patrolman pushed me into a vacant parking lot. Called AAA and cancelled at ~90 minutes.

    New Year's eve My daughter/kids/husband started out to Mission Ridge, from Seattle eastside, for skiing. Their MY2000 Chrysler AWD T&C Minivan quit on I90 near the top of the pass. They called AAA. Two hours later the tow truck showed up.

    235/60/16 tires I had put on the Chrysler would not allow for snowchains so they changed out to 225/60/16 only on the front. Seemingly not too much variation F/R for VC type AWD but....

    Car smelled like methane, strongly, afterward, anyone experienced VC failure that resulted in methane odor?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Not a good week, car wise. Bummer.

    I never was much of a AAA fan. They just contract with local garages; seems easier and maybe faster just to get on a cell phone and find a garage nearby. Good maps I guess.

    Subara is particular about not having any tire significantly different in circumference on their AWD cars. Significant in that case is ~1/4" iirc. So even if the sizes are the same, putting a new tire in with three worn ones is frowned upon.

    So you're saying the T&C quit because the VC died? Seems a stretch to pin it just on the tires.

    Steve, Host
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Don't really know yet but the new tires were installed on the front and about 65 miles later the T&C was making a horrible noise (underneath, ~forward) at about each turn of the road wheels.
  • bobr15bobr15 Member Posts: 1
    We have a 2000 Town and Country. Whenever it rains, water seeps or leaks in and soaks the carpet around the passenger and driver side door when the van is parked. The door trim appears tight and intact. We cannot see where the water is coming from. By the time the carpet is dried, the van has a terrible musty smell and then it rains again!

    Has anyone had similar experience or can offer any suggestions.
  • masterpaul1masterpaul1 Member Posts: 421
    Try to run the garden hose over the front windshield and both Driver and Passenger door while someone is inside the vechicle. You might be able to see where the water is coming in. Do not use any attachments on the end of the hose. You can try driving through a car wash too.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Report in from Chrysler is that the PTO ring and pinion are stripped. Seemed so improbable that I went over and looked for myself. Don't yet know if the VC is fried or not.
  • jglackinjglackin Member Posts: 164
    I used to work at at Chrysler store, and remember a couple customers w/ a similar problem. We had an OUTSIDE water leak guy come in once a week for customers like you. I would reccommend calling aroung to all of your local Chrysler dealers and asking is they outsource their water leaks. Factory does not train for this.
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