Trouble With Dodge Grand Caravan

mfahey1 · March 2001

If anyone with a high mileage Caravan is experiencing a pronounced snapping noise out of the back end when turning a corner, I may have the answer for you. Our 88 (now replaced with a 01 ES) began making this noise. I thought it was the shock absorber mounting bolts but no dice. My favorite mechanic couldn't figure it out either. Finally, I decided that all it could be was the rear spring bushings and when I went to replace them, the old ones were basically completely gone. With the new bushings, everything became as quiet (almost) as new. Although the leaf springs have bushings in both the front and rear of the springs. it was only the rear ones that needed to be replaced.

pskinner1 · March 2001

We also have the wipers going off by themselves. Dealer offered new wand for $150, with no promise of a fix. My advice, just ignore it. It happens infrequently. In general, am ready to trash heap a 97 Grand SE due to overall failures. Side plate on Transmission rusting out, frozen serp belt, on and on. Becoming higher cost than payments on a new van (maybe Toyota or Honda, not another Dodge).

jcross1 · March 2001

My transmission on a 96 Grand Caravan died (55k miles). The new one cost me $2200. I suggest you go to the dealer and get a new transmission installed - don't have it rebuilt - be a pain the a-- if you have to.

waitt · March 2001

I have a 97 grand caravan with 46,000 mi. so far just the wiper problem and rear brakes that tend to not self adjust causing the front ones to overwork and burn the rotors ( thats what the dealer ship said anyway) I had the rears adjusted and replaced fronts myself to avoid paying $800.00 to dodge. but they will still make an odd noise once and a while.
after reading every ones problems I am nervous but at least I have an extended warantee.

Two points I would like to get across to everyone is;
The wiper malfunction was the switch. There is a service bulitin and mine was fixed for free. Go to a five star dealership!!! you should have better results.
The other thing is, Stay away from the 96's, It was the first year and had bugs to work out. 97's probably have some too but not as many. My father-in-law has a 99 and it has been flawless.

after reading this post, I think Im going to replace the transmission fluid in mine, for preventative maintainance.

truckgirl2 · March 2001

I recently purchased a used 99 gr caravan. I was completely unsatisfied with my buying experience at the local Dodge dealer. First, the radiator fluid was registering low and the van could not get warm; they found the radiator cap was faulty and replaced it. Then the power steering fluid was leaking as well as the transmission fluid in two places. (Our local mechanic diagnosed those). They fixed those after I complained loudly to the manager about the dismal service we received since day one (the van was smelly and dirty when we picked it up, they have since fired the detailer and hired a good one).
My question is, are these problems indicative of a larger problem? How can all those parts just start leaking?

Also, the brakes grab/pulse when stopping - not every time, but often. The dealer service dept said it was just the ABS working. I suspect that it is more like the ABS not working as I am not slamming on the brakes or anything. Are they overly sensitive in the van due to it's light weight?
Any input on these things would be most helpful to me. Thanks in advance.

jtsande · March 2001

Based on my own experience with GC front brakes, I would be more inclined to look at the pads/rotors vice the ABS.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2001

Yeah, it does sound like warped rotors, doesn't it? This can be easily checked with a run-out gauge....there's no need for confusion here about the problem. The rotors are either warped or they aren't.

truckgirl2 · March 2001

Thanks for the info, I will bring it to my regular mechanic and have him check the pads and rotors.

DReynolds · March 2001

I have a 96 Grand Caravan se with 89k miles on it. Purchased used. I love the van, but it does have some problems. We had a stalling problem with the car. Turned out it was the idle control module. Leaky valve cover was replaced, and we replaced the timing belt as a maintenance item.
Now it seems that the engine is losing oil. No leaks this time. Only blue smoke at start up. My mechanic said the engine was burning about 1 qt per 3k miles or so, but now it appears that it's burning about 4 qts per 2k miles. That's a qt about 500 miles or every 3 weeks. Does anyone know what the tolerance is on burning oil? A qt every 500 miles seems excessive. I could live with a qt every 3k, but not this much. Any possible causes before I start shelling out cash to fix?

mfahey1 · March 2001

Which engine do you have" The 3.0Ls were notorious for defective exhaust valve seals, at least in the early years.

DReynolds · March 2001

I'm not sure on the engine. I'll have to check and get back to you. It's a 6 banger, but I'm not sure if it's the 3.0l or not. (Isn't there a 3.2 or 3.3 as well?) If it is a defective exhaust valve seal, do you know what it costs to have repaired? Thanks.

mfahey1 · March 2001

There may have also been a 3.8L that year. Open the hood and there are all sorts of things that will tell you what the engine is. On the 3.3l,it's embossed on the intake plenum.
If that happens to be what it is, it is a major job, basically the same as a valve job. I did it myself the year both kids were in college because I couldn't afford the $900 the dealer wanted in 1996. Told my wife to shoot me if I did it again although I've put another 70,000 miles on it with no trouble at all from the seals.

alcan · March 2001

Valve stem seal replacement on Chrysler minivan 3.3L and 3.8L engines prices out at 3.8 hours labour in aftermarket labour guides (warranty pays the dealer and tech 2.8 hours). It's a straightforward job requiring 2 specialty tools, one to pressurize the cylinder and one to compress the valve spring, but DOES NOT require removal of the cylinder heads.

DReynolds · March 2001

Thanks for the information. I checked and have the 3.3L engine. I'm having it looked at by my mechanic next week. Meantime, I'm just watching the oil level like a hawk. Still only blue smoke at startup. I'll post a follow up in a week or so on what actually happens.

boochie1 · March 2001

Ladies and Gentlemen. I Have a 1997 Grand Car Es.3.8 V6. I am having the same problems that everyone else is having. This is outragous. It is obvious that Dodge is making Substandard products. The Leak overhearing Transmission, the faulty wipers the scrappy brakes, the overhearing engine, the 40mph shimmy! We all have the same problems! What is to say that some of these things are not in RECALL territory? This is NOT God ENOUGH!! They have the classiest coo lest commercials that suck you in to wanting to trust the "American car". Yet we can all agree that it's a crock. Lets do something PLEASE.. K.. SO WE HAVE ALL TAKEN A LOSS, But we can at least warn the folks who are thinking of buying this van of the mistake they are about to make. There a power in numbers so I suggest this.... PLease send a brilliant hard hittng email to me at theunknown10@hotmail.com concerning the "Rolling tin can" that most of us have purchased and include a warning to people that are thinking of buying a dodge. We can start a chain email and send it to as amay people as we possibly can. Make it hard hitting! Others can please send their email address to the one I have mentioned so that they can be included in the chain mail. I have read thru most of these member entries and it appears that Dodge Caravan has more dependability problems that Kia! Let's Let dodge know that we realize that all that glitters aint gold!

ranwin · March 2001

Have a 1991 Dodge Caravan. Cannot shift from drive to park after stopping. Won't go into reverse either, won't shut off. Eventually after much effort will go into park and shut off. Any ideas what is cause of problem? Thanks.

dkhaan5 · March 2001

I have a 2000 Grand Caravan SE. We bought it brand new..at about 6k miles we began to notice a hydraulic grinding noise when we braked, the van would drag to a stop. We have had the van in 4 different times to the dealer, of course the van will never make the noise when they have it. It happens about every third day or so, will happen for about 4-5 times of braking and then it stops. Has anyone else had this problem? We are trying to do a Chrysler buy-back but we have been told that the dealer service department has to duplicate the problem first, try to fix it and then if it isn't fixed, then we can try a buy-back. We are frustrated because there is a definite problem but no one seems to know what it is..any suggestions?

jfine · March 2001

Anybody have wind-like howling noise in their GC sport 2001. Very annoying. Any comments?

vanman84 · March 2001

Had a similar problem with an '88. The Air Pump, which blows added air into the exhaust stream to aid emissions qualifications, blew a gasket and was blowing hot air at the shift column in the engine compartment, making it stick.

Fix is to replace pump and plumbing. (Tends to make loud noise....).

kittymax · April 2001

We too have a strange braking noise on our GrC. We have 12,000 miles and it just started. I sounds like a roar or grinding noice. Checked the brakes and everything looks ok.. Could it be the Trans. or something else. We have not had it to the dealer yet, but, I know they probably won't be able to hear it. Sounds like the same problem as mess.#118. Please let me know it anyone has the answer to this problem.

map8 · April 2001

I have a 97 AC with 50K miles and now need to replace the transmission. I had no warning at all. I was picking my kids up from school and was stopped at a light. When I went to accelerate the car would not move then it banged and began to accelerate. The car was just on a long trip the day before and ran fine. I brought it to the dealer and the car needs a new transmission. I had the routine maintenance done on the car. I must say after reading all the problems posted I'm not sure whether to get rid of it or have it fixed. I know I will not be buying another Chrysler product.

brian125 · April 2001

JUST PICKED UP MY SPORT 2 DAYS AGO I HERE NO WIND NOISE AT 40 50 OR 60 WELL NOT YET, BUT I WILL BE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON MY TRANS. MY 95 VOYAGER THAT I JUST TRADED IN TO DODGE WAS LEAKING TRAN FLUID BAD. ONLY HAD 50 THOUSAND.I DID PURCHASE A 5YR 60,000 POLICY JUST IN CASE GOT THE MAX CAR WITH 50 DECDUCTABLE FOR 790.00.THIS WILL WORK GOOD AFTER 4 YRS I'LL BE SELLING THIS METAL TRANEY LEAKER TO SOME BODY HEY THEY'LL BE COVERED. SO AT LEAST I WONT FEEL BAD ABOUT STICKING SOME ONE WITH A PROBLEM. THEY'LL HAVE A YR.OF PEACE OF MIND.IS THERE A WEB SITE TO GET THE ACCESSARIES CHEAPER LIKE WOOD GRAIN KIT RUNNING BOARDS ETC. ANY SITES OR IDEAS ON THIS. JFINE I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED ON MY GRAND SPORT.

Mr_Shiftright · April 2001

Unlock your CAPS key, will you buddy? People don't usually read or respond to POSTS MADE ENTIRELY IN CAPS BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE THEY ARE SHOUTING!!!

thanks,

Host

brian125 · April 2001

Mr_Shiftright · April 2001

THAT'S....I mean.....that's okay.

brian125 · April 2001

shiftman i have issue's read my posts.

bdaet · April 2001

I had problems with my 96 engine would sputter and stall while travelling on the hwy. Engine would not rev at all. After standing for approx. an hour, the car would run again but I sometimes had the problems over again. Finally the check engine light came on. The garage spent many hours on the diagnostic computer and the best he could find was a POSSIBLY faulty fuel relay. This seems to have fixed the problem but I still worry and think the engine is behaving somewhat erratic. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Bob D.

DReynolds · April 2001

I just wanted to post a follow up to my post regarding my oil consumption in my 96 Grand Caravan. My mechanic said it was almost 4 quarts short, and filled it up. No leaks, and he doesn't do tear-downs, so he told me to go somewhere else to diagnose the oil consumption. I decided to just keep watching the level for the time being. My first check after getting the thing back from my mechanic showed that it was at least 2 quarts overfilled!!! I immediately took it for an oil change and put in oil formulated for engines over 75k miles as this is suppose to help with oil consumption (I didn't take it back to my regular mechanic). I changed the oil just to get a fresh baseline to make sure the proper level was in to begin with. I've been checking the oil every week now with no appreciable consumption. My only theory on this 'excessive consumption' is that some of the oil-ways may have gotten temporarily clogged or something, causing the oil level to appear that low. I don't appear to have a problem any longer, and am now considering another mechanic. I also don't think the specially formulated oil would turn around a 1 quart every 500 mile burner to a no burner, so I don't think there was a consumption problem (other than the usual 1 quart every 3k or so) with the van.
Incidentally, I have a 3.0L, not a 3.3. I typed when I last posted.

rbrillantes · May 2001

I've been reading in several forums about transmission problems that owners have experienced, and how they will never buy another Caravan/Voyager again. The following sites contain some useful information [useful to me anyway] specifically concerning Caravan/Voyager transmission maintenance issues.

http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans-testimonials.html

I'm wonder if many of the owners that have experienced transmission problems are actually affected by someone using the wrong fluid type from the get-go. I'd be interested in finding out what the percentages are that this is the case, and in many of these failures, the initial cause of degradation of the unit itself.

Without competent and knowledgable service people in our auto stores, independant shops, quick change oil shops, and even certified dealerships... how do we really know that they used the correct transmission fluid when replacement or topping off is needed? How do we know they are recommending the correct transmission fluid at all? Many people don't stop to question the recommendation, thinking those individuals should know what they're taking about, heck, they work in an auto parts store...

After reading the posts of owners that finally scrutinized the shop or the mechanic that worked on their vehicles, I am now going to take a more active role in finding out was used to replace or add to my transmission. I know there are other things that can cause transmission failure, but this one simple factor seems to be a major player in the difference of a healthy unit or one that will cost big bucks in the longrun.

Just purchased our 1st minivan. 2001 DGC ES 3.8L. New to this forum. Wanted to share some of my finding with other owners. Regards!

mfahey1 · May 2001

I have an 88 Caravan as a runaround car and it is not getting any outside air. This means no heat as well as no regular A/C. I took apart the dash controller and there is vacuum getting to the unit but I can't seem to find the damper that regulates outside air. Would anyone know where this is located?

jrennebu · May 2001

We just recently replaced the transmission on our '98 Caravan with only 40,000 miles. The van got stuck at the end of our driveway in the snow after a snowstorm. My wife tried "rocking" the van to get it unstuck. After only a couple of minutes she called a tow truck to be pulled out. The next day, the van started making a grinding sound whenever you let off the accelerator. We took it to a garage to be looked at thinking it was something entirely different. I was amazed when the mechanic told me it was the transmission and even more amazed when he said the normally see 5-10 vans like ours needing new transmissions after a large snowstorm! He made it sound like there was a service bulletin alerting dealers of this problem. Has anyone else heard of this? We had a '95 Plymouth Voyager prior to the Caravan and had to replace the transmission in that vehicle as well. We have decided this Caravan will be the last Dodge vehicle we own.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2001

Well, the enemy of automatics is heat....if you are really ferocious about "rocking" the car out of the snow (not saying you were), and do a lot of wheel-spinning, this builds up heat and can damage just about any trans. It's really a very bad thing to do, and only should be done for very short periods as a last ditch thing. Better to get pushed or winched out. The weaker the design of the trans to withstand heat (no oil cooler?), the easier the damage, of course.

raguiar · May 2001

I bought this Caravan a little over 6 weeks ago, I have taken it back for service for the WIND Noise 3 times, (It seems like they do not have a clue as to how to repair this) I have requested a factory re to look at this and am waiting to hear from this. The advertisement for this vehicle states the quietest dodge ever, The 1995 I traded for this was 10 times quitter than this one. It is very annoying. All of my travel is highway and you have to turn the radio up quite high to hear it and when you slow down the radio then drowns you out. Forget trying to listen to your cell phone ring. I have missed several calls because I cannot hear the phone over the wind noise. So if you are thinking of purchasing a Dodge Caravan Please take it for a long test drive on a Highway before you commit any large amounts of $$$ for this

89gc455000kms · May 2001

I am on my second caravan and am going to camperize it. Does anyone know of the company that is making the "fibreglass" roofs like the one on the cabs?
As well I am also looking for a company that makes really large moonroofs.

Thank you
Ian

tom7163 · May 2001

The AC buttons that control the air flow (the vent selector buttons)suddenly stopped working. The air output from the fan is diverted upward as if defrost is selected. Ideas? Thanks

wcleaver · May 2001

I have a 93 Caravan with 152K. It has begun to hesitate from a stop and sometimes shutters around 35 mph. Temperature does not seem to be a factor. I have already done the following:
New cap, rotor, plugs, wires, PCV, vacumn hoses, remove and clean throttle body, replace fuel filter, replace throttle position sensor, (fuel pump checked out and is putting out excellent pressure). Van runs great otherwise and uses very little oil between changes (2K) This problem is hard to fix because there are no codes and it only happens once a day. I plan on replacing the EGR valve this weekend.
Anyone have similar problems? It does not die out. It just hesitates from a stop and shutters on occasion.

brian125 · May 2001

so far no wind noise or leaks comming from the winshield yet. but i know have 600 miles on the van and my engine light has been on for the last 4 days. the dealers service mngr. said the computer might need to be reset or the gas tank cap was not on properly.its running fine but i'm back to the dealer in a few days. has anybody had this problem.

brian125 · May 2001

i just seen on the news dodge is recalling 150,000 2001 minivans. there saying the sliding doors will open during a crash. isn't that nice. you would think after all these years they would get it right. OTHER THAN MY ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON WITH ONLY 600 MILES MY WHITE SPORT IS DOING FINE.

skipnet · June 2001

Here's a question or a challenge. I have a 99 Grand Voyager with a 3.3 Liter engine and 197000 miles, yes I do drive a LOT. From a repair viewpoint the vehicle has been excellent, though I too have had to have the transmission repaired. Is anyone surprised? But, currently I have an service engine light ON and gas mileage is blown to hell and back, off about 35%. Diagnostic returned an unidentified error code and had the computer reset, after diving another say thirty miles, the light came back on. Are these problems related or separate, do you think and or what would cut into fuel economy that deeply.

wcleaver · June 2001

Have you had the oxygen sensor replaced? Check the connections too. I had a problem and found that the electrical connections were tarnished. The MAPP sensor will also have an effect on gas mileage.

brian125 · June 2001

i would check into replacing the oxygen sensor.i would say from experience that 75 percent of the times it is wear and tear over the years especially on the connections.DO you notice a change in your carborator when excellerating.your connections are not that old.

sm48 · June 2001

Our Van now has 96,000 miles and I must say that our dealer in Houston (Crown) has been excellent. Yes, we've had the usual problems which were all covered under our extended warranty at a $50 Ded. Such as a leaking transmission which they replaced rather than fix at 65,000 miles, -the clock spring which they fixed because of the cruse control acting up, the wing window motors, Air Conditioned and even the rear brakes. My dealer rep has been excellent to work with and basically explained everything in detail as to what to expect if we were to keep the car a long time. I minimally go 150,000 on all of my vehicles. So far the only money I've spent is for the usual maintenance and the deductible on the extended warranty that I paid $1,200 for. The extended warranty is a must with all cars if one is to keep them a long time- Especially American. It's paid for itself well. I would only add, "be sure and get a good dealer".

alcan · June 2001

Thank you very much for a positive post that doesn't paint all dealers with the same brush. Great to hear that your concerns have been well taken care of.

yperez · June 2001

I just received this very useful information on any vehicle recall(s). http://www.autobytel.com/servicejump.cfm?t=4 Hope it helps...

gunga64 · June 2001

Does anyone know of a plymouth dodge or chrysler that is over 2 years old that didnt have a busted ac. Everyone I know that owns these brands has had a busted ac at least 2 times some 3 and 4 times.

Also dodge seems to still have problems with their tranny, Do any of you guys like your van enough to buy it again?

alcan · June 2001

I service my next door neighbor's '97 Caravan. With 80,000 miles it's repairs have been a reprogram of the body computer for a loss of gauges and odometer display, upstream O2 sensor, and a parking brake ratchet assembly. The A/C will freeze you out of the van and the transaxle works fine.

dianeb5 · June 2001

Have a 2000 DGC SE with ABS with 27,000 miles. Has slight vibration at low speeds with steering wheel noticeably vibrating at 65 mph and above making any trips uncomfortable. Replaced tires/balanced (2 times)/alignment with no improvement at local tire shop... brakes also checked out okay. Took to dealer and said wheels needed balancing... did not help. After complaining to service manager who took for drive, they said all is normal. My 1989 DC with 165,000 miles drives more smoothly. Is front end vibration problem with 2000 DGC typical... and what suggestions can you offer to remedy the vibration problem? Thanks.

alcan · June 2001

If the steering wheel is moving slightly side to side at low speed the likely cause is either a shifted tire belt or a bent rim. Has it ever hit a curb?

tigger29 · June 2001

Hello, I am about to purchase a pre-owned 1991 D. Caravan w/85K miles. It appears to be in excellent condition. One owner, well-maintained. Does anyone have any advice about specific items to check regarding this year model. I have read several posts regarding trans. problems, anything I can look for before buying. I have three children who will be riding in this vehicle, and want to be an informed consumer. Anyone with any info or advice would be greatly apprecciated.
Thanks

eneth · July 2001

If it has a 3-speed automatic and no antilock brakes, it might be a good buy. If it has either of the two (4-speed automatic or antilock brakes), pass on it. You'll be feeding it money to repair both, even if the repairs have been done once or more. The design of the 4-speed from that era is very poor, and the antilock brakes are well known for needing very expensive (up to $3000) in repairs.

Trouble With Dodge Grand Caravan

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