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Thanks!
Do you have the sound at all times (even after the engine warms up)? We have 2002 ES AWD and we had a whining noise only when it was cold. It ended up being something tied with the power steering pump, and was fixed when a recall service was performed. We heard the noise when coasting and also when stopped, but only when the engine was cold. If you don't hear it while stopped, it probably isn't this.
Either way, does not sound normal.
Take care,
Paul
The body had no rust, and the exhaust was original. the front rotors/rear drums were replaced at 108K miles. Went through a water pump and three belt tensioners. It also went through three batteries, and the starter was rebuilt once. Never had any leaks. But it used about half quart of oil every 1000 miles. No blue smoke or leaks, just used that much oil. Used 89 octane gas all the time., and 91-93 when we took trips and pulled our camper.
Had the clock spring problem that after I paid for it, Chrysler came out and made a recall and got my money back.
If you live in snowy area, I highly sugget that you get snow tires to be easy on the transmission. Those Bridgestone Blizzaks are amazingly effective in ice and snow driving.
It was a wonderful van on long trips, Great room, decent gas mileage, and quite. If I had room to store it, I would have kept it.
Joe
Just a guess, but the thing that ties all of your symptoms together is the Central Timer Module. I've seen these fail on earlier Chrysler mini-vans, too.
It also sounds like you're dealers are not very enthusiastic.
Regards,
Dusty
My company has operated them, as well as Ford and GM versions and the transmission repair rate on the Chrysler's is actually better than the Windstars. With over 8000 mini-vans in our national fleet the statistics speak for themselves.
The difference is that we require the assigned driver to perform the necessary maintenance as specified by the manufacturer. If not, it shows up in their performance apprasial. We also require the correct automatic transmission fluid be used, which has been a major cause of problems and failures on Chrysler in the past.
Our automatic transmission problem rate is about 4% across the three (Caravan, Venture, Windstar). That's about 1.2% below the national average of non-fleet cars and trucks. Considerably lower than fleet.
Regards,
Dusty
Is the real number closer to 5% overall?
Steve, Host
Thanks
Brad
thanks
Brad
In my rush I may have used misleading language. The last time I saw a figure, it was 5.2% REPAIR rate on automatic transmissions. That was based on the number of vehicles registered in the United States and the number of repairs made. I believe it was compiled by the national association of AT rebuilders (forget the acronym).
That figure varies and has varied over the years. A decade or so ago that figure was actually much higher.
Best regards,
Dusty
broken part seems to be the mechanism that actually releases the latch...Where could I look up and order such a part?
thanks
Brad
You didn't say what year your van was but we just went through the same thing with our 2001. You could try to unlock ours and it would go through the warning sequence, begin to release and then quit. After having the dealer tell us the problem was our remote, I showed them that the inside button on the overhead console would do the same thing.
They wound up ordering a new latch and some shims and it works. Now, the inside buttons for the sliding doors don't work.
I've found a car I want at the same dealer, a toyota. And with help of Edmunds etc I negotiated a good deal before mentioning the van, but after some research they've told me they want nothing to do with the van. It's value is "no value" by the book (since it is not running) and they don't want to repair because they don't want to certify. They advised donating, but if it's listed as "no value" unless I pay to get it running, it's not useful to anyone, and can't even give a tax deduction. But it has a lot of good parts that someone should want . Any ideas out there about what I should do to get some money out of this mistaken purchase so I can get on with it and get a new car?
Thanks,
Alil
Masterpaul1, many auto shops now read the CEL codes for free (Auto Zone in my area started the trend).
Hebenstr, maybe if you take it in and get it on record you'll have a case if the tranny does die in a few thousand miles. Try a Search This Discussion or ask over in Chrysler minivans transmission problems.
Steve, Host
I guess you can see the alternatives from here. Perhaps if you can get that pin repaired before it blows off, you may avoid a total rebuild?
It appears you will have to absorb the small loss of junking your old Grand Caravan LE instead of some unlucky, hapless soul who may have bought it and had the transmission go out a few months later.
Aren't you glad you did not pay the $1500 to fix the front end BEFORE the transmission failed?
BTW, did you buy the van NEW or did some used car dealer rip you off selling you some known junk?
I got many insightful comments from this site and from Royallen regarding engine stall problem. My 1999 2.4L Caravan stalls when it is decellerated to stop in traffic lights or to enter ramp in highways. The car never showed that problem until I have a dealer replace head valve casket and whole upper part of engine block at $2,400 in December 2003. I claimed the stalling problem to the dealer and the dealer replaced oxygen censor (another $130). The number of incidence has been reduced but the car still stalls. There is no problem in re-starting whenever it stalls. Could anyone give comments?
Thanks.
Hard Starting
Rough run at start up
Mist in the exhaust, that smells sweet
or water in the oil
If it's out of warranty, I'd trade it off, myself.
Is this a relay or the multifunction switch? Is this hard to repair (DIY)? Mom's not made of money, so I will try to fix it myself.
I don't suppose Dodge extended the warranty on that issue, so you may be out of luck for getting it done free, but I am sure their service departments have fixed enough of them to know the problem. They can probably give you a cost estimate over the phone.
Of the seven neighbors who have or have had late 90's vintage Dodge/Plymouth minivans, none have had any major problems other than a power steering pump failure that took out the steering rack. All have generally been happy with their vehicles.
Based on reviews I've read of the domestic minivans, the DC minivans tend to be higher rated than those from Ford and GM. What are the problem areas with the current generation of DC minivans? I know that earlier models had a higher than average rate of transmission problems. Have there been any transmission design changes in the latest generation? Granted, the 2003s have the 7/70 powertrain warranty, so that would be some help against future problems. Am I saving $8K-$10K now only to be nickel and dimed to death years down the road? Overall, what do people think?
Sunburn make sure to read up and do research on all vans being considered before making your choice. Then go and test drive each of them. Make sure to buy the extended warranty no matter which van you purchase. It will come in very handy down the road. All vans of different makes and models have there problems to which you can read here on edmunds. I have not seen a lot of powertrain problems for Dodge/Chrysler Minivans. I do believe that the quality is much better than years before the 2001 redesign.
Since then transmission problems attributed to hard failures have dropped significantly. However, there still exists the problem of using Dexron-Mercon fluid in Chrysler transmissions, and this causes premature failure. After 2000, all Chrysler automatic transmissions require ATF+4.
My company has several thousand 2001s through 2003s in service (national fleet). Each year since 2000 they have been getting better. Most of our issues in the last few years with Caravans have been relatively minor. Some of the '01s had body hardware and electrical issues. The '02s and '03 have been very, very good. Nothing major at all. At this point they are so far much better than the Windstars and a whole light year ahead of Astro vans.
Are they perfect? No, but compared to the other domestics a very reliable product in the last few years.
Best regards,
Dusty
You can check right here at Edmunds new car section to see what options are available on the various DC Dodge or Chrysler short wheel base minivans.
I have had to fix a few things, like the drums, struts, plugs, wires, O2 sensors, a tie-rod, and heater core (late December'01, burrr), engine mount, rotors, windshield (2x4x12 almost fit:) ), bulbs, tires, etc. I don't let any of these bother me because I know that any new vehicle will cost me several hundred a month. Oh yeah, the AC hasn't worked for two years. Humm, maybe I'll need a new van in June? I don't mind suffering a little to delay the next vehicle. I'd like to pay of the wife's 03 Camry (with working AC) before its my turn again.
Sorry to stray there, but I'd suggest keeping the vehicle
Now my problem...I can't get the OEM bulbs out of the Caravan. I managed to get the outside clipped on wire harness off, but I can't budge the rest. I thought the light bulb housing would pop out??
Any help woild be appreaciated...Thank You
John