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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 298 of 428

#2966 of 4276 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan brake problems by frankiecrabs

Jul 05, 2005 (2:28 am)

Hello, all.
 
In short, I have a 2003 grand caravan, bought used in Dec. 2003, with about 9300 miles on it, in good condition. Now, it's July 2005, mileage is about 47500, and I'm looking at getting my 3rd set of brakes, 3rd set of rotors, and perhaps calipers, hoses, etc., as well. First brake change at 30747 miles, involved pads and rotors. About 10000 miles later, I end up needing a second change at 40460 miles, which involved calipers, hoses, and pads; the left hand caliper seized intermittently before the change, creating a grinding noise. I average 2100 miles per month, mostly in local driving.
 
I previously owned a new 2001 Subaru Outback, put about 53000 miles on it in approximately 24 months [about 2200 miles/month], changed brakes 2 times, never changed rotors or calipers or anything else. My driving habits are no different between the two vehicles.
 
Question: Do the 2003 grand caravans have problems with their brakes? Maybe I have a clunker as far as the brakes are concerned? Beyond the brake issue, the van is essentially satisfactory.
 
Thank you,
Frank

#2967 of 4276 Re: 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan brake problems [frankiecrabs] by marine2

Jul 05, 2005 (5:17 pm)

Replying to: frankiecrabs (Jul 05, 2005 2:28 am)
There have been several reports of poor or defective brake rotors on Chrysler products. This problem seems to be most prevalent on heavier vehicles. Replacing the original rotors with aftermarket ones seems to work well in most cases. Often, Chrysler will replace rotors under warranty, even though technically they may not be covered after the first year. You may have to push them a little, but do it.

#2968 of 4276 brake problems by jones5772

Jul 06, 2005 (5:56 am)

I recently bought a 2000 dodge caravan in Feb. this year. The van has 66000 miles on it and runs great. About a month ago the front passenger brake seem to start sticking(like it was dragging) so i went to auto zone they said it was the caliper or the brake line hose. Changed the caliper first......... worked fine for about four days,then brakes started the same thing so we changed the brake line hose, same result,... worked fine for a few days and started dragging again.So we put it in a locally owed mechanic shop and he said process of elimination he found the problem, it was the brake booster soooooooooo we had that changed exactly the same result. BRAKES STILL DRAGGING!!!! Can anyone help me with this problem?

#2969 of 4276 Re: brake problems [jones5772] by claires HOST

Jul 06, 2005 (11:33 am)

Replying to: jones5772 (Jul 06, 2005 5:56 am)
Welcome to the Forums, jones5772! You might also want to visit the Stop here! Let's talk about brakes discussion to see if the members there have any feedback about your problem.

#2970 of 4276 Re: 1997 Grand Caravan no power to instrument panel and gauges [dougt2] by plano_texas

Jul 07, 2005 (7:14 am)

Replying to: dougt2 (Jun 28, 2005 4:57 pm)
I have a 1998 Grand Caravan SE with the same problem discussed on this thread. The entire dash and console indicators, lights, and instruments come on/off intermittently (mostly off). My mechanic replaced the cluster with a used one from a wrecked van, but the problem persisted. BTW... finding the exact cluster, with the correct connector was not easy. Next, after an exhaustive search, we found a used Body Control Module. NOTE: replacing the BCM causes the odometer to read the mileage from the van that it came from. Putting the replacement BCM fixed the original problem, but caused a whole slew of new problems, including engine starting issues. The local Chrysler dealer told us that (for a price) they could flash the BCM to fix the problem, including correcting the mileage. Well... that didnt work either. The dealer then told us that they would have to order a new BCM, and that only the Chrysler factory could program the correct mileage. We received the new BCM a week later, and of course, they programmed it with 149,000 instead of 49,000. So... now we are waiting for the correctly programmed BCM to arrive. Will keep you posted. BTW... for a van with only 49K miles, this van has been in the shop more times than I can count. I am the original owner, have had all regular maintenance completed, gargage the van every night. Will never purchase another Chrysler product.

#2972 of 4276 Re: Dodge Caravan Problems II [KarenS] by oldlion75

Jul 07, 2005 (8:15 am)

Replying to: Karen@Edmunds (Oct 25, 1999 7:01 pm)
I have a 97 Dodge Caravan Sport that I had to change out the battery in yesterday. Now the little amber lights on the A/C panel flash on and off. How do I clear this out?

#2973 of 4276 Your AC needs recalibration. by vcheng

Jul 07, 2005 (11:57 am)

This has been posted many times on these boards. Try a search, and you are sure to come up withe the details of how to do it yourself.

#2974 of 4276 Re: Your AC needs recalibration. [vcheng] by cbwilsha

Jul 07, 2005 (12:24 pm)

Replying to: vcheng (Jul 07, 2005 11:57 am)
See message # 754.
 
C.B.

#2975 of 4276 Re: Your AC needs recalibration. [cbwilsha] by oldlion75

Jul 07, 2005 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: cbwilsha (Jul 07, 2005 12:24 pm)
It worked. I am shocked but not surprised. Somethime you have just got to laugh at the answers life gives you. Thank you both for the help. I hope to return the favor one day.

Messages Page 298 of 428

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