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Chrysler Town and Country EX/LX/LXi/Limited

2155 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 5:43 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chrysler Town and Country, Van


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#2112 of 2155
considering purchase...any opinions? by chantel0206
Dec 10, 2006 (7:07 am)
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I'm looking into purchasing a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country XL Sport Van (3.3L, V6). We really love the ride, the look, the size, etc. but are concerned about the mileage...it has 134k. We were told they are highway mileage for job commuting. There's nothing on the Carfax report and the owner/mechanic claims to have reconditioned the van (can show service records)...changed air conditioner/heater unit, alternator, etc. I have read mixed reviews. A friend says "no way", the transmissions are known to blow on these. It's not worth the chance. I will bring it to a mechanic for a once over before deciding. I also welcome positive and negative feedback on this. Please help!
#2114 of 2155
Re: considering purchase...any opinions? [chantel0206] by billlaux
Dec 31, 2006 (10:09 pm)
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Replying to: chantel0206 (Dec 10, 2006 7:07 am)

I owned a 1999 T&C LX and was told the same thing about the transmission problems. Put a lot of miles on the van with no problems and gave it to my daughter who is still using it. I just bought a 2002 T&C EX for my wife. We also love the T&C vans. Van is in perfect shape and runs great. You can tell how the vehicle has been kept up by it's looks and the servic recorrds and the CarFax report. My advice is to buy it if it is in great condition.
#2116 of 2155
Re: considering purchase...any opinions? [chantel0206] by tsu670
Feb 05, 2007 (2:33 pm)
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Replying to: chantel0206 (Dec 10, 2006 7:07 am)

We own a '96 LXI. Purchased it with 59k miles. Now have 92k on it. This is our 3rd DC minivan ('90 Grand Voyager SE, '94 Grand Caravan LE). First two had to have trannies rebuilt. I was diligent about service, and thought I was a good owner for having the transmission fluid & filter changed before the recommended mileage. Wrong. Most service places at the time used cheap transmission fluid, not the more expensive ATF+3 stuff. Soon afterwards the transmissions failed.
 
My experience with the '96 LXI is entirely different. It came with all maintenance records, and it was clear the transmission had not yet been serviced. I changed the fluid and filter myself. Even the guy at NAPA tried to sell me the wrong stuff. MUST BE ATF+3, I insisted.
 
Recently it has been slow to go into gear when first starting up. It has been cold up here in MN the last couple of weeks. Wife assumed the worst ("Time for another rebuild, eh?"), but I recalled that everytime I changed the oil I would see a drop or two of tranny fluid hanging from the hoses that go to the transmission cooler under the radiator, so figured after 3 years it must have finally lost just enough to make a difference. There was never any on the garage deck. I had to drive it a bit to get fluid warm enough to measure it on the dip stick. Sure enough, it was down 1/2 a quart. Now it runs like a top.
 
From what I've read, the trannies in the '96 model on up are much, much better than earlier models. My wife and I love the vehicle. I'll take it in someday to cure the teeny tiny leak, but the trick is to find a reputable transmission shop where the service rep won't come at you with a "gotta rebuild it, man!" analysis.
 
So, yeah, if the wrong fluid is used during routine maintenance, these trannies will turn ugly on you. But if they're fed a healthy diet of ATF+3 (or now ATF+4), they run wonderfully.
 
Hope this helps.
#2117 of 2155
TSU670 by hayneldan
Feb 05, 2007 (6:34 pm)
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Had a 96 Dodge Caravan (Now have a 03) I noticed the trans loosing a bit of fluid too. Found out that the hose clamps that go from tranny to radiator were loose and leaking fluid, they are hard to see and adjust but if you follow the rubber hoses you will see where they go to the radiator (driver's side near the top)Tighten those clamps and you will loose no more fluid.
#2118 of 2155
Re: considering purchase...any opinions? [chantel0206] by masterpaul1
Feb 06, 2007 (6:44 pm)
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Replying to: chantel0206 (Dec 10, 2006 7:07 am)

If you have all the maintenance records, everything looks fine with the body and under the hood, it drives fine and the trans. shifts fine. I say go for it. (I'm sure with the high mileage, you will be paying below blue book value and probably won't have a car note. ) We have a 01 DGC EX that we bought used in Sep. 03 with only 37K. We have over 84K now and she still runs great with no trans. or mechanical problems. The only thing that I don't like, but not a big deal, is the links and bushings for the front suspension have had to be replaced twice in over three years of ownership. As soon as it gets warmer here in Chicago, I will try to replace these parts myself. With all the cold weather, high's around 10 degrees and lows around -5 degrees, with snow, no problems with anything.
#2119 of 2155
Re: TSU670 [hayneldan] by tsu670
Feb 07, 2007 (4:15 pm)
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Replying to: hayneldan (Feb 05, 2007 6:34 pm)

Thank you for the tip, Hayneldan. With low temps around 10 below and highs of only 5 above, I think I'll wait until things warm up a bit before I track down that there clamp and tighten things up. By the way, the transmission has been running just fine since topping off the ATF+3 fluid the other day. Thanks again. Ken
#2120 of 2155
2004 T&C power steering issues by hanegrtc
Feb 07, 2007 (5:41 pm)
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I have a 2004 T&C LX with 53k miles. I just brought it into the dealership to have transmission and radiator fluids flushed. Then had them check the humming noise from the front end when steering right or left. I was called back today and was told that the PS cylinder had a leak and bled the PS fluid into the boot where it caused a bulge. I was then told I would have to replace the steering gear because it was a matter of when it would fail. So, I'm looking at a $900 repair bill. I asked if this should be covered by powertrain warranty and was told probably not. Does anybody know if this is correct? If not, how can I minimize my repair cost?
#2121 of 2155
2001 T&C Limited PERFORM SERVICE Message by jabrouil
Feb 11, 2007 (2:40 pm)
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Is it normal for the PERFORM SERVICE message to display each time I start my van? I just purchased the vehicle and they were not sure.
How can I reset it if needed?

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