Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Minivan Problems & Solutions

caravandal

I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan. It has problems with the driver side power window. If I leave it alone for 1 to 5 hours, it will work again. I guess I will be replacing the power regulator this weekend. This is one of the most aggravating autos I have experienced! I bought it new March 2002. It now has 51k miles on it. Three months after I bought it, the battery went dead. It's on the third battery now. After 15k miles, the front rotors had to be replaced. The A/C compressor locked up (replaced) at 25k miles shortly after a recall for computer update related to rear A/C. It ran rough, the dealer placed it on diagnostic machine and said there was nothing wrong! The shift from 1st to 2nd slams. I thought it was transmission, but I discovered that the plug wires were bad. I replaced and it runs fine. Two months ago, the resistor pack for the front blower went out. The dealer wanted $125 to fix, so I bought the part $13 and easily replaced defective unit behind the glovebox. I only keep this pig because there are so many on the road now that there will be no shortage of spare parts later!! LOL!! The electrical systems on this vehicle is equal to or worse than the old Lucas wiring that was in Triumph sports cars! The next new minivan will be Japanese or Korean. At least they can build a quality product!

racerx1300

I had the same thing happen to my 2002 after I put some fuel injector cleaner in the gas tank. It took about 2 months for the gas gauge to work properly again

racerx1300

I have the same trouble with no instruments when I starte the van, I also found a weird side affect that the headlights come on automaticly now ant the headlight switch has no affect on them being on or off. If anyone has a answer please email me. doneskra@comcast.net

stever

Spammers love to collect email addresses from public (and search engine indexed) forums like Edmunds. Better to mark your email public in your Profile.

Better yet, wait for answers in the discussion and everyone can benefit.

Steve, Host

lturner

Have front end noise and sounds like it is from the driver side lower control arm bushing. Dodge says it is out of warranty at 43000 miles cost 850.00 per side. Not a replacable bushing! Any suggestions ?

97xpresso

Take it somewhere else. With only 43,000 miles I doubt you have any serious front end wear. Probably only sway bar links and bushings. Like I said take it somewhere else, don't mention the diagnosis you got and see what they say.

fishing1000

I turned the draincock counter clockwise 1/4 turn and opened the radiator cap but nothing came out. Can anyone tell me how to repalce the coolant?
Thanks

royan

I've got a 1998 Plymouth Voyager and its engine light just loves coming on. The current reading for the light says 'Cylinder misfire #6' but no mechanic seems to know what to do. The just rest it and it comes back on again. Any ideas? Thanks!

lturner

Thanks for the suggestion, I will try another dealer.

royallen

Ton, draining from the lower radiator hose is the way to go. I used the plastic petcock a couple of times on my wife's Caravan and it now leaks. Rather than trying to flush the engine, I just drain and fill the radiator once a year. Roy

royallen

Royan, I had this code on a '96 Intrepid and my local independent mechanic could not solve the source so I went to a dealer who said an intake manifold leak was at fault - no problems since this fix. Roy

artur

I own a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country. I usually leave my key in the ignition and use the remote to lock/unlock. Today I forgot my remote and took the ignition key out and locked it manually with the lock button. When I came back I opened up with the key and set the alarm off. I put the key in the ignition thinking it will turn it off but now it is stuck. How do I turn off the alarm and get the key out of ignition?

marine2

Did you try and push the button behind the flashing light that shows the alarm is set? At least that is how my 2005 is set up.

hayneldan

If the alarm goes off you must remove the key from the ignition and put it in the drivers door and lock and unlock it using the key. This will reset the alarm function

fishing1000

Roy,

How did you open the draincock? Did you turn it 1/4 turn counter clockwise and then use your hand or a tool to pull it out? I prefer the draincock because the hose is so stiff. I tried but could not get it out. May I ask, how you pulled the hose out. Did you use some tool?

TP

ljb1

I had the same problem. I have 63,000 miles on the 2001 Dodge Gr Caravan and the sway bar links needed to be replaced twice. The first time it wasn't so expensive. The second time it costs nearly $800. This all took place within 15 months apart from each other.

voyager1

I replaced the battery in my 1998 Caravan and now the lights for the climate control are all flashing on and off in unison. Someone told me there is a reset button somewhere. Does anyone know the location of this button?

Thanks Ray -- rcaluori@erols.com

shadetree_bill

Hi All,

I have a '01 Grand Caravan which has an intermittent problem with all the instrument gages (speedometer, tachometer, etc.) shutting off and then recovering. The warning/idiot lights are all on during the failure. All gages fail together and restore within about 1 second. As far as I can tell, no other systems are affected and the van continues to run well.

The failure happens most often when the headlights are on, though there is at least one instance of it happening with the headlight switch off. The area around the headlight switch gets warm (about 90 F) when the lights are on, though I never felt the switch before the problem began.

Here is what I have done so far:

1. Checked wiring diagram in Haynes manual. It looks like the "Instrument Panel Ground" could cause this failure if it were loose.

2. Disassembled the dash and removed the instrument cluster and headlight switch. I had expected to find some burning/melting, but everything looks good.

3. Internet research. This problem is described multiple times in Caravans from about '92-'02. So far no one has posted a definitive "here is how I fixed it" report, but suggestions point to: the Body Control Computer, Hazard Fuse, Weak Battery, and Grounding.

Here is what I plan to do based on what I have learned so far:

1. Reinstall the headlight switch and instrument cluster, and install a new battery. The battery has been terribly abused by the family (completely drained and jump started at least 5 times), and, though it continues to crank the starter, I don't trust the battery.

To reset the Body Control Computer, the recommendation has been to disconnect the battery for 30 minutes. This step will take care of 2 possibilities.

2. I will check the Hazard Flasher fuse. I already looked in the fuse box and did not see any burned fuses, but I will look again.

3. If the problem persists I will try to find the Instrument Panel Ground and check its continuity.

I am writing now to see if anyone has additional insights into this problem. Also, if anyone knows the body attachment point of the Instrument Control Ground I would sure appreciate that information. I will post a resolution when I find it.

Thanks,
shadetree_bill

stever

If there's a possible grounding issue, be sure to check the cables at the battery posts and at the other end of the cables, wherever they go.

Any help for Ray?

Steve, Host

fishing1000

Check with dodge to find out if your car is affected by a recall. As far as I can recall, the recall has to do with some connector that if defective can cause some malfunctions of the instrument gauges.

ray1945

Hi Steve, I going to check out the battery terminals when my daughter comes over. I appreciate all the input out there that I've received so far thanks Ray........

badgerfan

Our 1996 Caravan SE Sport with the Infinity AM/FM Cassette system is becoming non-functional on FM. It works fine on AM, but FM producing all kinds of strange noises on all stations.

I am planning on pulling the unit at least partially out to make sure connections in the back are OK, and also want to check the connection to the antenna on the fender. A quick lookover this week and I could not see a way to get access to the antenna connection under the antenna in the fender. Any tricks anyone knows?

I know the above checks are likely to be a long shot, and I will have to probably go with an aftermarket stereo at this point, as repairing the old unit is probably not worth the cost.

Any comments from some who have been down this path before?

soccerhorse

Read my March 14 Post and subsequent reply. My power window problem was the black [non-permissible content removed] that pooled on top of the brushes and contacts at the bottom of the motor. I cleaned it up with QRC contact cleaner and saved $360 for the repair or $191 for the part. My post was in the Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager section. I am new to this and don't know if I got it in the right section. Any help Steve for putting it in the right place?
Thanks,

stever

Here's the link:

soccerhorse, "Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager" #2065, 14 Mar 2005 10:22 pm

Hopefully owners of other makes with dead window motors will find the post by using our search tools.

Steve, Host

masterpaul1

Thanks soccerhorse for your info. which is very helpful. We had both front power window motors and regulators replaced on our 2001 DGC back in September 2003 for the same reason you described. It only cost us $100 since it was covered under warranty. I will keep this for later reference. Thanks for the link Steve.

ausue

I've been looking too. My driver's side stopped working while under warranty, now the passenger side doesn't work (it goes down fine, it just won't go back up--very annoying). The dealer sells the part for $135, but I found some rebuilt ones on Ebay Motors for around $55 to $60 plus shipping. If they don't have the side you need, keep checking back. It will surely come back up soon. The ones I've seen offer a 3-6 month warranty.

Susan

laurielea

Hi!

My Husband and I have a 96 Plymouth grand voyager, sometimes when he is driving everything on the instrument panel goes out. He has to pound on it to get it working again! The van still runs but he just dosn't know how fast he is going etc.. Does anyone know what is causing this and how to fix it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Laurie

annette23

I have a 2000 T%C Limited with 49K miles. At start up in the morning there is a loud knocking, tick-tick sound. As the engine warms up, it gets less and then disappears completely after about 5-10 minutes. Any ideas what it could be and would it be covered under a 50K/7 yr warranty? I appreciate any ideas.

fishing1000

I would like to change the transmission oil and I hvae heard the dodge trannys are very picky. I wonder if it is safe to use ATF plus 5 fluid that autozone sells?

My friend told me, the easiest way to change the oil is to loosen the lower hose from the transmission to the radiator, then turn the engine on and let it idle. Oil will come out. Stop the engine, after roughly 3 quarts have come out. Then reattach the hose and put in the new fluid.

Any comments and suggestions?

Thanks,

TP

impcpro

I have a 2000 Town & Country, the drivers side windows goes down and will not go up unless car re-started. Dealer says it needs a windows regulator, plus labor $400.
Is this just a mechanical problem? Regulators sell for about $140. Does anybody know if it is an easy fix?
Just had the O2 sensor replaced for $400. Dealer prices are ridiculous in San Francisco. I am afraid to take my Chrysler's to the dealer again.
Thank you,

dougd7

TP - use the ATF+4 fluid that is available at your local Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealer. Runs about $4/qt (recent price break - was $7/qt). Can also be purchased by the gallon for about $16/gallon. The gallon price may be lower - that was the price by the gallon when the quarts were priced at $7.

Do not use any other fluid from anywhere else!!!

You should also replace the filter. Since you have to drop the pan to get to the filter, I wouldn't "pump" the oil out. Granted you're only changing about 1/3 of the fluid by dropping the pan, but it's better than doing nothing.

Doug

fishing1000

Doug,
Few days ago, I removed all but 4 crews (2 at each end of the longer side) which I just loosened by turning them 4 or 5 complete turns. But the oil did not come out. I used a screw driver to pry the pan out. Also to no avail. Is there a good way to get the pan out?

Thanks,

TP

97xpresso

If it goes back up, (even if you have to re-start first) I doubt it is the regulator. As you have already learned the dealer is not the place to be. There were recent posts about fixing baulky regulators recently.

cpadgett

I need info on how to get into the heater/ac fan on a 91 dodge caravan. It's not blowing at all and I can't figure out how to access the fan to check it out. Any ide4as will help!

97xpresso

Bring it in now and get documentation of problem. They will say it's "normal", but get it fixed if it's still under warranty.

hutch8

would sombody please help me all i would like to know is what kind of model my transmission is i have looked every that i can think cant find a thing i have a 96 plymouth grand voyager 3.3L engine my tranny is leaking from every which direction inside and out wont hold fluid im assuming a internal gasket problem so also if someone can tell me where i can maybe find a good priced rebuild kit for it, it would be GREATLY appreciated thx

mdjbhouse

Sorry, no help yet. Got the exact same problem with a 91 Plymouth Voyageur so when I figure it out I'l get back to you. I think it's just hanging under the passenger side compartment but I just started looking at it today.
I'm no mechanic so maybe someone else will see this post and give you a better response.

hayneldan

Check the rubber hoses that go from the transmission to the radiator. They are located on the drivers side top of the radiator. these can loosen and leak. If you can't detirmine the source of the leak, go to a self service car wash and open the hood and blast the engine and trans clean with the engine cleaner option to detirmine the source of the leak. The new trans hoses for the 96 are under $30.00.

petras2

my 96 3.8 litre gr caravan is approaching 100k mi. and according to the manual should have the plugs/wires replaced. it still runs good and i wonder if at least some of the plugs may be "welded" to the block given the age and miles...anyone experience problems removing plugs and has anyone driven much over 100k mi w/o replacing the plugs? thanks...

petras2

re your infinity fm reception, my 96 had the same problem, it was intermittent for a while on fm, ok on am and cd, and eventually fm failed completely and all i heard was a loud hiss...local stereo shops said it was an internal receiver problem, forgot the name for the part gone bad, replacing with an original unit was too expensive so i opted for a nice sounding pioneer cd unit from crutchfield for a little over $100...it actually pulls in distant stations, both am and fm better, and crutchfield provides all the accessories you need for no additional charge...

badgerfan

Thanks for the information.

I dug into it this weekend and pulled the radio, and it appeared I had and intermittent connection between the antenna plug and the radio jack. After messing around with it a bit, bending the contacts in the jack and on the plug and sanding the surfaces of the antenna plug, I think I have it fixed it, but only time will tell.

I will definitely go aftermarket if the problem continues, but first I have to convince myself whether the problem is in the receiver or in the end of the antenna lead wire plug. I did check with the local Dodge dealer, and the price for a rebuilt OEM unit with a trade in of the old was $200, and this was for a non CD unit! I doubt if their radio business is booming!

cotsouth

Purchased 2005 Dodge Caravan SXT in May of last year and so far I have had 2 transmissions put in. Has anybody had simular problems and any advise on how to approch a lemon law. ( Dealer says fight is with Chrysler and Chrysler says fight is with dealer )

badgerfan

Sorry about your transmission problems, but as long as they replaced it under warranty, even though twice, I don't think you have any lemon law rights in any state. Maybe if it happens again under warranty you may have a case, but lemon laws usually apply to a vehicle that after three efforts, the problem is not repaired.

I would check with your state government agency for any legal information, don't rely on what your dealer or Chrysler tells you. They do not write or enforce lemon laws, the state does.

dougd7

"Doug,
Few days ago, I removed all but 4 crews (2 at each end of the longer side) which I just loosened by turning them 4 or 5 complete turns. But the oil did not come out. I used a screw driver to pry the pan out. Also to no avail. Is there a good way to get the pan out?"

Is there any type of gasket sealer holding the pan to the transmission? When I dropped the pan on my 90 Acclaim, once I began to loosen the bolts, fluid began to drip. I only had to put slightly pressure on the pan for it to completely pull away from the transmission. Are you saying you've pried on the pan with a screwdriver and it still won't come off? Have to be careful that you don't damage the area where the pan seals to the transmission - may cause leaks later. Did you perhaps miss a screw/bolt?

Doug

billie

HELP! Just had my 97 grand voyager in the shop. Had the tension pullies replaced and 2 belts. Now a day later, horrible gas fumes and my gas gauge was decreasing rapidly. When the van was parked no gas was found on the ground. One, where did the gas go? Two, what in the heck would be the problem? Three, now the van will not start at all! Thanks for any help or advise you can give.

badgerfan

Well, with the 3.3 and I believe also with the 3.8 V-6 engine there is only one serpentine belt and there is one tensioner pulley. There may be another idler pulley that does not act as a tensioner, however.

Replacing these should have no effect on the fuel system, however, unless somebody screwed a fuel line up while replacing your serpentine belt and pulleys.

Did someone inadvertantly disconnect or damage a fuel line?

csh

Did you ever getthis problem fixed? Thanks.

royallen

Fishing1000, sorry for the delay response. My recall is opening counter-clockwise about a full turn, no pull/push.
Using the lower hose instead, once the lower hose clamp is removed then get the hose to rotate slightly with a channel lock pliers, then "lever" off with prying tools. You need a wide pan since the fluid will squirt a good deal. Roy

mikesmom

I have a 2002 Caravan with approx. 22,000 miles on it. When I got in my car today, the malfunction indicator light came on on the dashboard. I called the dealer and was told to check the gascap to see if it was on tight. I did that and was told to keep an eye on it for a few days and if it did not go out to contact them again. Is this something I should worry about?

mygzmo456

just to let you know check your lemon laws in your state then if the dealer is not working for you get a lawyer keep all receipts and work orders that has been done to the van.. hope that the problem can get resolve at the lowest level good luck.