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Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Minivan Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

4276 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2006 at 2:11 AM

You are in the Chrysler/Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Town and Country, Van

Messages Page 147 of 428

#1456 of 4276 Pulling to the right by jodi616smi

Sep 03, 2002 (12:02 pm)

Hi,
 
We just purchased our first minivan 2 months ago, its a 2002 Dodge Grand Caraven SE. It has been pulling to the right since we drove it off the lot. They had it in the shop for 3 days about a week after we got it for that and acouple other minor adjustments (all the other things were due to the fact they never prepped the vehicle). They blamed the pulling to it not having any air in the tires since it wasn't prepped. It was still pulling so they had it in acouple weeks ago again and did an alignment and did find the alignment was off alittle. Well that really did not help at all its as bad as ever. The mechanic wrote on his paper work that it was still doing it but "acceptable". He said they all do it and its because of where the transmission is and something like that. So does anyone have a 2002 Grand Caravan that pulls to the right? This happens on any road at any speed. I'm worried the tires are going to start wearing unevenly. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!
 
Jodi

#1457 of 4276 Sliding door lock by mfahey1

Sep 03, 2002 (12:18 pm)

Look on the door and on the pillar for some "buttons" that are used to transfer power from the body to the door when it is closed. One of them may be missing.

#1458 of 4276 Pulling by mfahey1

Sep 03, 2002 (12:18 pm)

Try interchanging the two front tires and see if the problem follows the tires. It has happened twice to me that one of the tires had belts that shifted or at least that was the dealer's explanation.

#1459 of 4276 Hesitation/surging on 2001 GC by mfahey1

Sep 03, 2002 (12:25 pm)

We have a 2001 GC ES with the 3.8L engine that does not want to climb hills or lightly accelerate when going fast enough for the torque converter to be locked up. It hesitates and slightly surges and bucks during these conditions. Dealer can't find it, nothing on the computer and now Chrysler says they don't see anything on a download from the vehicle's computer. This is been going on for a year while Chrysler "works" on it. When it was in the last (7th) time, I told the dealer that our other Caravan with 194,000 miles on it runs better than this one.
Anyone else with a similar problem and were you able to get it fixed?

#1460 of 4276 reply jodi616smi by pluto5

Sep 03, 2002 (3:24 pm)

I've driven two 02 GC's and neither pulled to the right. IMO you need to go to another "five star" dealer. Or a tire shop might be able to identify the problem.

#1461 of 4276 Transmission fluid leak, sway bar links, serpentine belt by strokeoluck

Sep 03, 2002 (8:14 pm)

We own a '96 Plymouth Grand Voyager with 92k miles. For the most part it runs like a champ and - aside from a new head gasket at 80k miles - we haven't put much $ into it. We have two years left to pay on it so I'd like to keep it until it hits about 130k miles (or MORE if I can squeeze it out of the old girl!).
 
Currently I have 3 concerns and wondering if anyone can help me:
 
1) In the last month I noticed some small drops of transmission fluid on our garage floor (van is only vehicle parked there). There's maybe 2-3 drops/day. When local garage changed our oil & checked fluids they mentioned they had to add about 1/2 quart (?) to transmission fluid but said that's "nothing" and to not worry about it. But I am. We had the transmission serviced by local Dodge dealer about a year ago and everything appeared fine then. Before I get down there to see where the leak is coming from does anyone have any ideas? Is there any acceptable "gunk" I can put in that fluid reservoir to plug up the leak for the next two years!?!?
 
2) Our local garage also told me we need to replace the front sway bar links. The van makes some odd clunky noises when hitting bumps and the said that's the problem. They said it would be about $150-$180 to replace both. A) Does that cost sound reasonable (we're in Southeast MI) and B) Is this something I should try and do myself? I have "ok" mechanical skills.
 
3) I think our serpentine belt needs to be replaced. It hasn't been replaced...ever I think. I noticed that the last time I had my Ford Taurus in for a quickie oil change the guys there changed it in about 5 minutes. Is THIS something I can do on my own? Any recommended sites that would explain how to do it?
 
Thanks,
Rob

#1462 of 4276 Door lock problem by meldenton

Sep 03, 2002 (8:34 pm)

2000 GC sport. Passenger side door lock "switch" inop. All locks operate correctly from driver side switch. Swapped door switches - no effect. I now suspect a relay somewhere. Does anyone know which one and where it's located? Thanks.

#1463 of 4276 reply strokeoluck by pluto5

Sep 04, 2002 (4:07 am)

I would get the factory shop manual or at least a Haynes manual before attempting any repairs. Wouldn't worry about a few drops of anything if trans operates OK--might be a small leak around the pan gasket. I found the serpentine belt somewhat difficult to replace due to tight quarters--there is a special tool you can get at AutoZone, etc. with a long reach and several sockets for about $20 that makes it easier to change belts on any FWD car.

#1464 of 4276 re: sway bar links, strokeoluck by rolfe2

Sep 04, 2002 (12:27 pm)

My '01 GC developed a 'clunk' when driving slowly over a somewhat rough road at about 30K miles. (I could induce the noise by shaking the steering wheel left and right.) Dealer replaced the sway bar links under warranty; problem cured. I looked at them, then later looked at the new ones under the vehicle. It looked to me like a pretty easy replacement job, at least if you can put the vehicle up on ramps as I do to change oil. If they fail later, I'll tackle it myself.
 
Be aware that there is a bolt or nut that might spin unless you use a torx bit in the opposite side. You'll see it on the new parts, which might run $80 for both -- double check.
 
--rolfe.

#1465 of 4276 strokeoluck-serpentine belt by badgerfan

Sep 04, 2002 (12:48 pm)

Check my post 1273. I replaced my serpentine belt on my 96 Caravan with 3.3 V-6. It was quite easy. By the way, the lower plastic cover has two bolts you loosen, then it seems to be also held along the front of the vehicle, but you can flip it aside, it does not have to be completely removed to get acess to the belt from below.

Messages Page 147 of 428

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