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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 208 of 428

#2068 of 4276 ATROCIOUS reliability! by aaness

Dec 07, 2003 (11:55 am)

I purchased a 1998 Grand Voyager last January. At 67k miles, the transmission failed in dramatic fashion - the differential scattered and physically prevented the flywheel from turning. There were holes in the case, so I couldn't recover the core charge on the Mopar rebuilt transmission.
 
By 80k, the A/C lost its refrigerant. There was a hissing sound from the vents when we would turn it on as the charge was leaking, and after a little while, it stopped making the noise and failed to cool at all. There is zero pressure in the system right now; I'll get it fixed in the spring if I'm unfortunate enough to still own it.
 
Last night (at 81k miles) the brake warning light flickered twice. Haven't looked into that one yet; don't really want to.
 
This is the newest vehicle I've ever owned (by 8 years and 60k miles). My other car is an '87 BMW 528e that I purchased with 149k and is going to turn over 195k tomorrow. The ownership cost between the two doesn't even begin to compare - it has cost me almost as much just to repair the Plymouth as it has to purchase AND maintain the BMW. I've had the Plymouth less than a year and the BMW almost three. It's even more painful when I consider that the BMW beats the Plymouth by 50% on fuel economy.
 
I'm getting ready to unload the Plymouth. Where is the incentive to "Buy American"?!? I'm most likely to look at "Japanese" SUVs - I still won't get good mileage, but the reliability should be on par with my BMW.

#2069 of 4276 aahness: brake light by wijoco

Dec 08, 2003 (1:07 pm)

Could be something as simple as low brake fluid level.

#2070 of 4276 aaness Moral of Story by hayneldan

Dec 08, 2003 (1:58 pm)

Lets see if I have this right. You bought a USED 98 Voyager in 2002 with more than 50,000 miles on it. and without any warning, or noises, or checking the trans for burnt fluid, it blew up at 67,000 miles. Did you bother to have it checked out by a mechanic BEFORE you bought it? Was it from a private party or used car lot or a reputable dealer? It seems to me this information is relevant, before you post of Atrocious reliability! Some drivers just do not take care of their cars/vans!

#2071 of 4276 transmission issue by royallen

Dec 09, 2003 (5:46 pm)

On one hand, one should be reluctant to blame the victim, of which there were many in the '89-'02 interval hence several Caravan & GC years on the CR "avoid" list for example which I believe is not owner behavior related. On the other hand, those that follow the Edmunds discussions would know this van needed transmission service at least twice, when purchased and 15000 miles later (not to mention needing at least two service cycles at 15 & 30K). At the same time, reliable contributors have recounted such failures in spite of documented service from day one. Roy

#2072 of 4276 reply anness by pluto5

Dec 10, 2003 (5:57 pm)

Hopefully DC will straighten out the Chrysler products. Why anyone would buy a second DC minivan is beyond me.

#2073 of 4276 1997 GC front heater/AC blower fan removal by jodar96

Dec 11, 2003 (7:45 pm)

Does anyone know how to get to the front blower fan to replace it? Our van blower makes a noise in cold weather (never in warm weather) . I think the bearing is going bad.
 
Our 97 GC LE with 129K has been a great van. No transmssion or electrical problems. Although it has not been as reliable as our old 89 Mazda MPV, but it has been OK. Never left us stranded. There is no rust or any type of leaks. Great van on long trips. It gets 23-24 miles on the highway.
 
I would like to fix the fan before selling it. The kids are grown and my wife does not need all that room anymore. She is done driving mini vans after 14 years.
 
Thanks,
Joe

#2074 of 4276 heat/AC blower by royallen

Dec 11, 2003 (8:07 pm)

Joe, My Haynes '84-'95 manual says 1. disconnect the neg battery cable then 2. work under the passengers dash to disconnect the electrical connector and 3. remove 5 attachment screws and lower the motor and fan. If yours doesn't look that easy, you might want a manual for your van. Roy

#2075 of 4276 jodar96 by badgerfan

Dec 12, 2003 (6:35 am)

I think you should sell it in the summer!

#2076 of 4276 Selling it in the summer....... by jodar96

Dec 12, 2003 (11:15 am)

I know you were joking.......but if the van that so many people (rightfully in their experience) complaint about, has an occasionally-noisy $35 blower, I much rather replace it than try to hide the issue.
 
Royallen,, thank you for your reply, I will check and report back.
 
Joe

#2077 of 4276 Yes by badgerfan

Dec 12, 2003 (11:27 am)

I was joking. An inexpensive fix if it is relatively easy to do yourself is a no brainer. Go ahead and fix it.
 
My wife is on year 19 of minivan driving and I doubt if she will ever drive anything else. Our kids are almost out of the coup as well, but that room sure comes in handy occasionally, and she likes to be sitting up high in a minivan rather than a car, so a minivan will be in our future for many years to come.

Messages Page 208 of 428

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