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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 369 of 428

#3681 of 4276 Re: - [good4u] by jim98

Feb 20, 2006 (7:35 am)

Replying to: good4u (Feb 20, 2006 7:01 am)
Let me add to this string: I have had 3 Chrysler Minivans, 1992 Plymouth, 1996 Plymouth Rally and a 2001 Town and Country. Loved the 1992 and 1996. The 2001 T&C was at the dealer for several warranty issues. But that's OK, it wasn't costing me anything. However, after the warranty, had to replace the Air conditioning dryer, O rings and seals in the transmission at 69,000 miles, struts at 79,000 miles (this might be normal wear) but the biggest disappoint was the transmission imploding at 81,000 miles. And the worst thing::: Chrysler doesn't care! Called the Customer Assistance 800 number off their web site. Even though I have been a customer for 14 years, and probably would be in the future, they told me that sometimes this happens to the transmissions, and they are not willing to do anything for me. Sorry. Oh and there is no one else in Chrysler you can take your compliant to. End of Story. WIth that type of customer service, it's not a mystery why Americans are flocking to the Honda's and Toyota's for their minivans.

#3682 of 4276 Re: - [jim98] by 97xpresso

Feb 20, 2006 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: jim98 (Feb 20, 2006 7:35 am)
I agree, a transmission, properly cared for, should last over 100,000 miles. Of course DC won't do anything for you, at the 81,000 mile mark, since your vehicle came with a 3/36,000 warranty. I did receive assistence twice from DC when I owned a neon, once when I was barely out of warranty, the other time when the dealer charged me for a costly un-necessary repair. My 2001 Caravan has been very reliable. I know this dosn't help you, and I also know they lost another customer, and all your close friends that you will recommend against DC corporation.

#3683 of 4276 Jim98 by hayneldan

Feb 20, 2006 (4:23 pm)

Recommend you read Honda and Toyota issues and problem forums before going off on DCX vans. Comparatively speaking the DCX vans 2005 and 2006, have much less problems than Honda and Toyota. Only certain year Odysseys are covered by the trans repair to 100,000 miles Certainly NOT the 2006 models.

#3684 of 4276 Mileage by timothyf

Feb 20, 2006 (6:01 pm)

Hi I have a 2002 ES AWD with 95,000 miles on it. Recently we took a drive to Wisconsin, all highway miles and averaged 18.5 miles/gal. at 75mph. I used to get in the low twenties. Any ideas on what I can do to improve the mileage? I figure I will change the wires and spark plugs at 100k. It's had all its required maintenance. Thanks,

#3685 of 4276 Re: Mileage [timothyf] by shipo

Feb 20, 2006 (6:45 pm)

Replying to: timothyf (Feb 20, 2006 6:01 pm)
"I figure I will change the wires and spark plugs at 100k. It's had all its required maintenance."
 
While I'm not saying that's not your problem, I had the plugs and wires on our 1998 changed at 100K last October and if it made a difference in mileage, it wasn't by much.
 
Were I in your shoes, I'd start by looking at my tires. Is there any excess wear? Are they up to pressure? How many miles on the tires and how much tread is left on them?
 
Failing that, I'd start looking at things like the air filter to see how clean that is. What kind of shape is the exhaust system (i.e. is it dented anywhere that might restrict the flow).
 
As a long shot, since you first bought your 2002, have the speed limits (or the average speeds driven) gone up in the areas that you drive?
 
Other things to consider:
- When you calculated your "Low twenties" for mileage, was that during the warmer months? If so the problem could simply be the reformulated winter gasoline.
- IIRC, Wisconsin (and other surrounding states) uses an ethanol blend (which is detrimental to fuel economy) in their gasoline. The question here is, have you gotten "Low twenties" while driving in the midwest?
- What were the weather conditions on this last trip? Last summer I drove from southern New Hampshire (the Boston area) to northern Illinois (the Chicago area), and normally an east-to-west trip gets pretty crummy mileage due to the "Prevailing Westerlies". On that trip I managed almost 24 mpg in our 1998 at about 75 mph. Not too shabby, however, on the return trip, where I would normally have noticed a small uptick in economy, I only got about 21 mpg due to very windy conditions.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#3686 of 4276 Re: Needless to say, Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge minivans are crap [good4u] by fish8

Feb 21, 2006 (8:12 am)

Replying to: good4u (Feb 18, 2006 10:14 pm)
I completelty understand that once you have problems with a certain make of car, you tend to be sour on that brand. But, bottom line is that you own/owned a 1997 vehicle...an almost 10 yeal old car. Do you really think that a 2005/2006 car can be reliably compared to a 1997???? True, back in the mid 90's (and into the early 2000's) Chrysler had probelms with transmissions. But, from the evidence I have seen, great strides have been made in the reliability of DaimlerChrysler Minivans.
 
It does sound like you had issues with your van and I am sorry for that, but at some point it should be time to bury the hatchet.

#3687 of 4276 Re: - [jim98] by fish8

Feb 21, 2006 (8:15 am)

Replying to: jim98 (Feb 20, 2006 7:35 am)
"WIth that type of customer service, it's not a mystery why Americans are flocking to the Honda's and Toyota's for their minivans. "
 
Just wondering if you know who sold more minivans last year than any other manufacturer and who's sales have increased year over year?

#3690 of 4276 figured out the problem(s) by good4u

Feb 21, 2006 (1:04 pm)

After having the mechanic tow our PV, they called us. It needs a new fuel pump, water pump, timing belt, and other misc. things. It is ranging anywhere from $800-$1100.. quite expensive for a van that has basically everything new in it with only 120K 9 years old. Now we're trying to decide... trade it in or fix it?

Messages Page 369 of 428

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