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Can you replace these things on your own? I would imagine but I'd invest in a steel cup if I were you. Make sure you take all the load off the suspension first, and oh yeah, better have a good way of realigning after you do it. Good luck.
Got the van back today (after 3 days in their shop), they replaced both the head gasket and valve cover gasket, honored the $200 co-pay.
Well, only 15 miles later, the "Check Engine Soon" light came on.
I tried the on/off, on/off, on trick, also ran it thru the gears and back to park, and get no code at all.
With the OBDII system aboard this 1998 vehicle, can only a scanner retrieve the error code (unlike my 2001 4.7 Dakota, where using the same procedure, I get codes)
FWIW, I checked all the connections I could get to, on the powertrain, and reset the computer, which cleared the light...if the problem goes away, fine, it the light comes back on, back to the shop, unless someone is aware of how I can retrieve the codes on my own?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks Chrysler!
My wife brings it down and they scanned the code while she waited, they forget to write the code # down but it equates to: upstream O2 sensor staying center.
Being how they just worked on a external oil leak, is there any way they could have caused this, possibly just a loose connection, or they got something dirty?
Where is this sensor located and is it something I can get to and look at to check connections, reseat, clean, etc?
This is just too much of a coincidence to believe it happened own it's own, no unless these things are prone to go at 52K miles and with 5 years of service?
Other than potential emission problems, how long could one drive around like this?
They want $110 for the part plus 1 hour labor at $78.80...do local garages or even tire stores fix this type of problem?
Should I call the Customer Care 800 #, give them my reference # for the head gasket problem, and explain to them what happened and see if I can get any assistance?
If I wasn't unemployeed, I may not tend to be so cost conscience, but at this point, we're on a strict budget.
Thanks in advance
Is it normal to reset the computer after replacing a head gasket (and valve cover gasket?)
I ask because after this work was done, we got a Service Engine Soon light, pointing to bad O2 sensor...I suspect they somehow caused this problem, and reset the computer, post inspection of their work, so the MIL wouldn't show up when we picked up the van (give me a break, drive it home, and the light comes on, too much of a coincidence for me to believe in!)
Thoughts on a tactful way to ask the service dept about this, to catch them in the act?
Thanks in advance...
But I don't turn wrenches. Try asking over in the "Check Engine" light discussion. Lots of pros hang out on the M&R board.
Anyone else?
Steve, Host
(Coolant counts as "etc." right?)
Steve, Host
I'll be calling DC Customer Care with a few questions.
Thanks again.
In the wet conditions she says she's sailed thru intersections as if hydroplaning, tho the water isn't deep at all, it's just on the surface.
In the meantime we've discussed this with other DC owners and they've had no problems like this. Right now we're in the market for something a bit smaller than a mini-van but yet with the driving height advantage that the minis afford. It'll probably be in the realm of the mini-suv. They're a lot of them out there right now. In the meantime she's piloting a friend's 1977 Lincoln Continental Coupe!!!! Talk about a different perspective on the road, holy schmoly!!
Thanks again Roy.
However I do take issue w/folks - not saying you - that forever write off an entire BRAND of vehicle because of a problem. It's certainly your right, and emotionally it feels good but logically I don't think it makes much sense. Why?
For one, in my humble opinion, you'd have to have lived in a cave to NOT have known that Chrysler products had "some" problems with transmissions. And if your car market is anything like ours (I'm talking about used cars, I'm not a big fan of paying a 25% premium to enjoy the aroma of fine Corinthian leather), the transmission problems are already factored in to the Chrysler price. Theoretically, if you saw equivalent DC, Ford and GM minivans sitting side-by-side but the DC was $2000-$3000 less expensive, wouldn't you scratch your head? Again, not saying you encountered this, but that's what my market is like. BUT, as it relates to '94-'99 (?) DC minivans, I take the risk of winding up with a spotty transmission. That's the risk I took and so far snake eyes hasn't caught us. It's caveat emptor unfortunately. If you didn't know about the trans. problems when you bought the van then you didn't do your homework (leaving out the logic of whether or not DC should have made a BETTER transmission, I think we all know what the answer is to that one, but again I'm dealing with reality and trying not to p*ss into the wind - I find it's pointless). If you knew about the problems, saved some $ and still bought... then I have a used Pinto I'd like to sell you for a screaming bargain, fire extinguisher included. If you knew about the problem and DIDN'T save $...yikes.
Happy Tuesday to all,
Rob
Has 30,000 miles on it.
We're planning on getting the 8/80 extended warranty which covers engine and drive train. Wondering if we should spring an extra 1300 for the "bumper to bumper" coverage.
Thoughts and suggestions?
Thanks.
Re: the headllights, it sounds like maybe a stone chipped it? I had this happen on a few of my road-weary cars, ones I used to drive 40k+ miles/year. When a stone chips it good then water gets in and fogs it up. I don't believe there's a way to correct it, at least not that I know of. Have you tried contacting junkyards or go online and search for the part? I don't know what it takes to replace the headlight assembly but I "think" the '96 is still a bit easier than today's assemblies.
To the guy who's van is leaking. Have you tried a good silicone caulk? Our '96 PGV was leaking around the windshield near the passenger seat. The Chrysler shop pointed out the problem and just told me to use some silicone caulk (not the cheap washable painter's type; the good sticky gooey stuff). I did, that was two years ago and we haven't had a leak since then.
Good luck,
Rob
replaced by Chrysler) it is now dead with a kaput transmission.
Well, even thought the mileage is low (and I gave it all the Mopar tranny flushes one could ask for) it is a seven-year old car (and in Dodge-years that is 21 years old).
Buying a Dodge-Chrysler car is like marrying an alcoholic--don't do it no matter how much you're tempted. There's just no way it will turn out well.
And so ends my brief attempt to give the American Auto Manufacturers another chance!
I realize some have had good experiences with Dogde-Chrysler vans (thats why I bought my 1996 4 cyl.), but I am embittered (and on foot) as a result of my experience.
So now I have to buy another car--I have a 2001 Sienna and I need something that would fit 2 adults and 5 kids when necessary. Something dependable and something affordable--What should I buy?
Are you sure you don't want to consider another Dodge? What are the odds of lightning striking twice? And with their longer warranty you could still buy a slightly used one and be protected for 5-6 years at the rate you put miles on.
If not a Dodge then what about Kia? You can get a FULLY LOADED van - and I'm talking leather, sunroof, etc. - for $20,000. They have a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty and so far I hear pretty good things about these vehicles. And of course virtually every other minivan, and many SUV's, should be able to accomodate your passengers. If you're considering a car I know the Taurus/Sable wagon can handle seven but it's not real safe or comfortable. But you can find them cheap!
Good luck,
Rob
Our first car is the Sienna, which we bought 2 years ago. It is a very good car and I think I will be able to keep it and rely on it for another 8 years, based on the model's reliability. I bought a second minivan because , with 3 kids you need one good minivan--and the Voyager was already unreliable. In other words, I don't really want a second minivan.
So I'm looking for a car that will seat two adults and three kids comfortably. I'd like a sedan or sedan-sized SUV. Reliability and safety are primary concerns.
As I will be making two car payments at one, costs will be a big factor. Normally I agree that the off-the-lot costs is more important than low monthly payments. Unfortunately, I'm in a position where the low monthly payments are a bigger deal.
I've been thinking about an Accord--maybe a used dealer-certified car. On the other hand, I might be able to swing lower payments on a new car (longer payment periods and low financing costs). I've thought about Hyundai's because of the 10-year, 100,000 mile warrenty. I've not given Kia much thought. Should I? Are they reliable?
(I am sure I don't want to give Dodge another chance. I am so sick of this car and dealing with the company. I'm also not very impressed with Fords.)
Must be a guilty conscience causing me to mistype!
I will give the Civic a look--also the Corolla.
It would be a very rare occasion where I would have all five of the family in this car. Mostly I will be tooling around the city and parking in underground garages. Probably a little car would make more sense.
I dumped my 96 Gr Voy SE with 96K kms on it
this past April as the extended warranty was expiring this summer.
..it had to have been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned...fortunately I took out an extended warranty...and I made in excess of $6K Canadian in claims on that warranty...that was in addition to over 50 times in for service while under original manufacturer's 36 month warranty.
Repairs included:
new tranny, AC compressor twice, front wiper motor, rear wiper motor, fuel pump, water pump, ABS brake module, serpentine belt tensioner twice, emergency brake mechanism, heater blower motor, AC evaporator, AC condensor, front brake rotors rotted out in first 18 months, fuel guage sender, rear hatch power lock actuator, water pump..just to name some of the repairs.
I now drive a 2004 Toyota Sienna LE minivan and
I will never in this lifetime again ever purchase anything that has a Chrysler logo on it!
I just wanted to give you a heads up on the Sienna. If thats a 3.0L V6 they have had much trouble in the past with the oil turning to sludge. I'm not sure if the problem still applies. For a while Toyota was doing the avoidance dance..blaming it all on the customer, of course.
Last I heard They were working on a fix. Hope it doesn't affect you. There was alot of talk about it a year ago. It helps to do the oil changes often..3 to 4 thousand intervals. Good luck with the new van.
Based on reading in the Town Hall, it appears that DC has made great improvements in minivan reliability in the past few years (AFTER 1996). Will report any problems either son's DC minivan may develop.
When the dealer fixed it and I picked it up, it appeared that they had put some 25,000 miles on it while it was in the shop for five days. As it turned out, they had forgotton to flip a switch on the computer that changes the readout from kilometers to miles. After another four days, the dealer managed to get it fixed.
I really don't know which has been worse--the dealer or the car.
That said, my Sienna has not had one problem and has not been in the shop (escept for standard servie) for 1 moment in the 2 years I've owned it.
In contrast, when I'd had my 1996 Voyager for tthree years it had been in the shop for two head gaskets (1 week one time, 10 days the next), a failed computer (4 days), two "induction services (1 and 2 days), a new starter (1 day), a new valve cover (3 days), a new alternator (1 day), a new sterio system (1 day), a complete brake overhaul (2 days) and four seperate recalls (1 day each).
That is more than a month of time that the car was out of serve and 26 trips to the dealer (not counting service).
Now that the van is 7 years old and has hit 53,000 miles, the tranny drops out. If I am a "Dodge-hater", then I have a right to be based on my personal experience.
I can get the kaput tranny (53K) miles rebuilt for about $1500. That means I'll be stuck driving this time bomb untill the next major repair. Based on recent history, that could be from two-weeks to three months!
Will I never be free from this accursed monstrosity?
Not too many people need to keep two minivans in the same family, right?
In contrast we have a '96 Caravan with the 3.3 V-6, and have had no problems except AC went out and was repaired last year. Now at about 66K miles. Yes we took it back for about 3-4 minor recalls over the years, but no other problems. Have yet to even touch the transmission, not even changed the fluid or filter.
Still even have the original brakes, but I am sure they will need replacement soon.
True, we don't need two minivans, but we had to have one. That's why we bought the Sienna in 2001. We had to have one reliable minivan and we could not rely on the Voyager. Still, we needed a second car and, when irt runs, the voyager has always been (and still is) a nice drive.
The ironic thing is that when I bought the car in 1996 I specifically picked the 4-cyc because the V-6's had such trouble (according to Consumer Reports). Beginning in 1996, that changed with the V-6's doing well and the 4-cyc's having tons of trouble. (I know that many people are happy with their DC vans, but I got a lemon and lemons leave a sour taste in your mouth.)
I really don't mind having a second van (a.k.a) truck) when it runs. I'm just frustrated that it has costs so much to keep it on the road.
I am taking it to a second shop for another opinion. By phone, the mechanic said the $1500 was "worst-case" and included putting an auxilliary cooler on the tranny if the tranny cooler coil in the radiator is clogged (whatever that means). He said it may not be, but he has seen this problem frequently with failed Caravan/Voyagers). He also said the tranny may not need full replacement. We'll just have to see.
(The first mechanic wanted $2000 plus to replace the tranny with a rebuilt unit.)