Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Minivan Problems & Solutions

sxt4me · January 2004

Our 04 Grand Caravan SXT with only 300 miles is still making a high pitch whining sound as we come to a coast approaching a stop, especially down hill. Sound goes away when gas peddle is pressed and comes right back when not pressed. Sound kicks in under 25 MPH. We have owned lots of cars and even an older Caravan but have never heard this type of noise. Dealer says tranny is normal. We think it is not. Can anyone shed some light on this? Should we take the Van into another dealership for a second opinion or a reputable transmission service company?
Thanks!

ppek · January 2004

sxt4me,
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

jodar96 · January 2004

Yesterday, we sold our 97 Dodge Caravan with 3.3 L engine. The kids are driving and wife wanted a RX300. We bought the van new and put 130K miles on it. It never had transmission problem that so many people had trouble with. The fluid/filter were replaced at Dodge dealer at 44, 75 and 118K miles. I put Blizzak snow tires on during winter months, so the front tires never spun on ice and hit the dry patch that damages so many FWD tranny.

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

dustyk · January 2004

Zura,

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

dustyk · January 2004

Some people have gotten a lot of mileage out of the myth that Chrysler automatic transmissions -- especially in the mini-vans -- are troubleprone. The fact remains that transmission problems are not existant in over 93% of Chrysler mini-vans.

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

stever · January 2004

I don't have the link anymore but when Honda extended their warranty due to failing trannies on the new generation Odyssey, a failure rate of 1.5 to 2% was widely quoted. And I've seen ads for remanufactured trannies that claim only a 2% failure rate.

Is the real number closer to 5% overall?

Steve, Host

bradestokes · January 2004

I have a 99 Grand Voyager SE in which the Service Engine Soon light came on and my local mechanic said it was the O2 Sensor....Are these easy to replace? I'm very much the car novice but very handy so....
Thanks
Brad

bradestokes · January 2004

My rear hatch lock no longer functions....The remote and power locks mechanism seems to be functioning....The broken part seems to be the mechanism that actually releases the latch...Where could I look up and order such a part?
thanks
Brad

dustyk · January 2004

Steve,

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

royallen · January 2004

It seems to me that comparing "fleet" repair rates to national rates is not comparing apples to apples because the age of cars on the road is likely to be considerably older than those in the fleet category. The average age on the road I believe I've seen stated between 8 and 9 years. In addition not all failures of cars on the road are repaired as they are likely to be in the fleet. I personally have had 2 transmission failures that were "retired" and not repaired. Roy

mfahey1 · January 2004

My rear hatch lock no longer functions....The remote and power locks mechanism seems to be functioning....The
                       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.

masterpaul1 · January 2004

Just last night after work, I got in my van, started her up and a few minutes later the engine warning light came on. I checked my owners manual and it said that it could be bad gas, the gas cap being off or lose. I checked the gas cap and it appeared to be tight. It suggested to drive it normally a few days and if the light doesn't go off, call the dealership. Well, I decided to call them today just in case. I explained the situation to the service guy and what I read in the owners manual. He said to check the gas cap and drive the van over the weekend to see if the light goes off. If not call them back to bring it in. He mentioned that it takes a couple of days for the system to clear the code if the gas cap was not tight. Has any body had this happen to them before and what was the result? I have a 2001 GC EX with 41,700 miles. Any suggestions would be great full. Thanks in advance. Also, I haven't noticed any unusually behavior from the engine or trans. since the check engine light came on. It's about 5 degrees here in Chicago with wind chills around 20-25 degrees below zero. If this matters.

hebenstr · January 2004

Like aaness (post #2068), I believe the transmission in my '98 Grand Voyager is about to go out at slightly less than 60k (although I did buy it new). I feel a slight shudder when reaching about 55 mph. It doesn't last long...but is causing me concern. Anyone have an alternate explanation (other than the transmission)? I have an extended warranty which expires at 60k, so if it is the tranny, I'd like to get it taken care of NOW!

alil · January 2004

I have a 97 Dodge Grand Caravan LE with v6 engine (85K miles). For the first few years, it was in and out of the shop getting everything fixed. The last few have been alright, although it feels a bit odd when turning one way. Just before Christmas, an accident called for replacing the front area, at a cost of $1500, but we could not get an appt to do it, and kept driving (it doesn't look bad, and functions fine). Then two weeks ago I was driving along and the transmission went kaput (perhaps one wheel hit ice). I had it towed to a dealer and they first said 4K to replace, then said they'd found a used transmission with 75K on it they could put in for 1800. I know we could get it done for less elsewhere. But I've always hated having a van, I don't think this is the end of its troubles, one of the doors won't lock, and there is also a little damage to the back bumper.
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

gino45 · January 2004

I have a 2001 Caravan SE model with 25.000 miles. I bought the van used when it was one year old and had 10K on it. I noticed a few months after buying it that the bottom of the tailgate was showing signs of rust. It seems that the rust is originating within the bottom seam. I took it to the dealer who sanded and re painted the rust spots. After one month the paint bubbled. The dealer re painted it again, but after three months the rust came back. I just took it back last month and they sanded/grinded the rust and re painted. The problem with this is that the rust is originating within the seam and they are fixing only what shows up on the exterior of the seam. I would think that the only solution would be to open the seam and sand the rust away or replace the tailgate. Has anyone encountered this problem? My warranty will be expiring soon and I don't want to get stuck with just a temporary fix.

vcheng · January 2004

...or similar, which is a pourable/injectable petroleum based wax product. This would be a little messy, but you can do it by yourself, and would not involve opening up the seam. Any good body shop can point you in the right direction. Good Luck.

stever · January 2004

Alil, the only thing that comes to mind is parting the van out. That is, selling it to someone for parts. Maybe a salvage yard would buy it.

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

nvbanker · January 2004

What you are describing is EXACTLY what my 96 Caravan did just before the differential pin came out and cracked the housing of my transmission, draining it. A fairly common occurance, I'm told. Caused a complete replacement of the transmission. $3000.

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?

hansienna · January 2004

Many used vehicles have NO VALUE when a major component fails. Happens with Hondas as well as DaimlerChrysler, GM, and Ford.
    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?

baedal · January 2004

Dear Everyone,
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?

rjklinge · January 2004

Just put 73000 mile on the 96 grand voyager se. It turned 8 years old on 1-20-04. Wouldn't you know it. the engine needs to be rebuilt. I mean I can understand buying new roters every 2 years instead of brake pads, and of course the transmission was relaced in 2000 at 37000 miles but shouldn't a v-6 engine with timely oil changes last more than 73000 miles? I see chrysler has almost $4000 rebates on a new voyager. Somehow I just don't think I'll take the bait. Donated the Voyager & bought a Toyota Sienna the dealer drove 120 miles just to show me

nvbanker · January 2004

Probably a good decision.....

bfuller123 · January 2004

I have a 2000 Grand Caravan Sport. The back door on the drivers side is jammed. I took it to a dealer and they told me they would have to cut into the door to release the rear latch. Has anyone had/heard of this problem? Does any one have a solution that would not involve slicing and dicing my van?

Thanks.

masterpaul1 · January 2004

I took my van to the dealer and found out that the gas cap wasn't sealing and had to be replaced.

jfgolf3 · February 2004

The coolant level in my 2001 Chrysler T&C keeps dropping with no sign of external leakage. We pressure tested the cooling system and found that the pressure dropped steadily. Has anyone had similar problems, what was the cause,and how much did it cost to fix the problem.

nvbanker · February 2004

Sounds like a classic head gasket failure to me. You should start experiencing one of the following soon, if you're not already;

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.

davids1 · February 2004

Sounds unethical to me?

just4fun2 · February 2004

That way you can have "two" people complaining about the same vehicle and never buy another one from that car company.

nvbanker · February 2004

Wow. I'm a big fan of ethics myself, but I'm surprised trading it off bothers you guys. I would not sell it without disclosing the concern, but I don't feel I'm representing anything about the car on a trade in, personally. Maybe a dealer feels differently about it than I do. The dealer usually low balls me so badly on a trade in, that I don't feel any guilt about it. Am I wrong?

jpelder · February 2004

OK, got in my mom's '98 caravan this weekend to move it so I could shovel more snow. Right when I started it, the windshield wipers kicked on for one pass, then shut off. I reached for the switch, and it was already off. According to my mom, this is happening often, and they sometimes turn on when she is driving.

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.

vcheng · February 2004

badgerfan · February 2004

This phantom occasional intermittent wipe was common on first model year but I don't know how many model years of that version Caravan that the problem showed up. Fortunately, ours started doing that while van was still under warranty, and I believe they replaced the multifunction switch, but can't say I paid much attention to it when it was repaired as it didn't cost us anything.

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.

sunburn · February 2004

Now that my wife's Subaru Legacy wagon is about to turn 10 years old, she is starting to drop "I want a minivan" hints. A new Sienna or Odessey is not financially possible at this time. However, a local dealer has been advertising pre-owned 2003 Grand Caravan Sports for $13K-$15K, with between 10K and 20K miles. The basic Sport model has all the features that we would need in a basic minivan.

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?

jpelder · February 2004

Go for the grand caravan. I have an '02 Sport and love it. My company has been using them for company vehicles for more than 10 years. In the early/mid 90's we had a lot of tranny troubles, but in the last 4-5 years or so, they have really improved these vans. We have been exclusively buying the Sport models, and have had no problems with any of our 2001-2002 models. I think the newest generation (2001-on)are a smart buy.

masterpaul1 · February 2004

I second that jpelder. We have the EX and love it. It was bought used with only 37,020 miles to which we have over 42,400 miles now. We bought the bumper to bumper maximum care warranty to 70,000 miles or May 2007.

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.

dustyk · February 2004

After 2000, the electronic adaptive series of 4-speed FWD Chrysler transmissions received several major upgrades. The majority of problems on older versions were the solenoid packs and electrical wiring going to them. The solenoids were found to magnetize the solenoid plungers after some time in service rendering them irratic in operation. That's been fixed with a new design.

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

pb17 · February 2004

Can you buy a new Voyager with Town and Country features? Rear disc brakes, power seats, quad seating, upper console with mpg, compass, temp, etc..? I like the size of the Voyager but find them as stripped, entry level vehicles at dealers. Only alternative is the Mazda MVP.

badgerfan · February 2004

If you can't find what you want at a Chrysler dealer, head for your local Dodge dealer. It sounds like you want a short wheel base version of Chrysler minivans well equipped. The Dodge dealers will have Caravans available pretty well loaded up which is short wheel base version (also available Grand Caravans, long wheelbase versions equivalent to Chrysler Town and Country). The Caravans are are identical to the Chrysler Voyagers just some of the exterior styling-mainly front grill/bumper is different and option packages available are different.

backy · February 2004

Chrysler sells a short-wheelbase Town & Country. The Caravan SXT is also pretty loaded and a great value--I see them advertised in my area below $17,500 sometimes (w/o ABS).

pb17 · February 2004

Shorter Town and Country vans do not have rear disc brakes, power seats, etc.. found in the LX and LXI. AT least none of the dealers I visited had them or indicated their availability. I currently have a '97 Grand Caravan SE and would like a shorter van.

badgerfan · February 2004

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I do not believe that you can get rear disc brakes on any short wheel base DC minivan. However, rear disc brakes are overhyped anyways as the vast vast majority of braking is done by the front brakes on almost all vehicles. This is why you will generally see that disc brakes on the rear of those vehicles that do have rear discs generally have non ventilated rotors, while the fronts are ventilated. The rears are not really doing much, no matter what style they are.

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.

tomtomtom · February 2004

On minivan, all the weight will be loaded at the front while stopping, rear drum will do the job and save you some money on wheel cleaner

badgerfan · February 2004

Disc brake dust on wheels is highly dependent on the brake pad material. Some OEM and perhaps afermarket pads are really bad. On others it is not an issue.

masterpaul1 · February 2004

Disc brakes stop better and smoother then rear drum brakes. This is important when considering the gross vechicle weight of a mini van.

olizer · February 2004

On all vehicles the majority of braking, approximately 70 %, is on the front brakes. That being said disc brakes are much more efficient, easier to change, self adjustment always works and do not fail when wet. My T&C has drums on the rear while my Jeep GC has 4 wheel discs. I would take the 4 wheels discs in a heartbeat AND there is no dust on the rear wheels due to the fact that the fronts work twice as hard.

nvbanker · February 2004

I have a 96 with 80,000 miles on it. Just had to rebuild the transmission. Any experience with 96 models? If so, should I dump it, or keep it? Your advice would be appreciated. It's been ok except for this. But if it's going to become a hanger queen, now that the warranty is up, I won't be too happy.

gtahobe · February 2004

I have a 93 PGV LE with over 163,000US miles on it. I had the transmission rebuilt around 87,000 miles. I guess that means I have 11,000 miles left to go

You say it has been ok so far. My advice is fix it and keep on driving it.

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

dabronxr · February 2004

They are terrible. I picked up some silverstar (9007ST) replacements. I did this for my daughters car for big improvement.
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

hayneldan · February 2004

Read your owners manual it shows the two long bolts that hold the whole headlight assembly. remove them and you will have no problem getting the bulbs out.

dabronxr · February 2004

Actually there is no need to take ANY screws out. I was not aware that the bulb was held in by a removable bracket that comes out by turning it c-clockwise. I thought it would come out with a simple turn while pushing in. So after taking wire harness off you must also take an outer bracket of. Once I figured it out it took all of 1 minute to do both. At first glance that removable bracket looked like a permanent protective shroud.

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