2001 Chrysler Town and Country: engine overheating

Filed Nov 4, 2008 · Engine, Steering · 98,000 miles · CT

Driving down the road made a right turn and airbag light came on then went off. Tried to have it diagnosis but is not listed in computer. Air bag light comes on and off all the time did a search on computer and alot of people have this problem says it is a spring or something in steering column this should be a recall because of all the people with the same problem. Also corroded coolant lines to rear AC/heater lost all antifreeze and van overheated because of this.

Filed Aug 22, 2007 · Engine, Suspension · 37,747 miles · NJ

I purchased a 2001 chrysler t&c new on 9/10/2001. Presently I have 38,000 miles on it. First item replaced was the sway bar at about 30,000 mi. Then on 5/22/07 the tie rods had to be replaced due to front wheel play. On 8/13/2007 after arriving on vacation, the next morning I went to a local store about 4 miles from the resort. On the way back the van started to over heat and the alarm sounding. I pulled over and waited for it to cool. After arriving at the resort I checked the coolant. Remaining was about 4 1/2 quarts of the required amount. I filled it to capacity and ran engine noticing coolant leaking. I had it towed to a chrysler dealer. They were able to place it on a lift immediately advising me that the dual coolant tubes made of steel pipe had rusted under the van on the front passenger side. I had 37,800 mi at this point. Repairs cost $423.22. Amazingly chrysler changed the replacement tubes with aluminum tubes. I noticed in reading reports regarding my same problem, many owners are having the same situation. Surprisingly this was not covered by my extended warranty along with the tie rod replacement. All the vehicles I have ever owned never needed tie rod replacements. Regarding the use of steel to run coolant under a vehicle to the rear heater knowing road salts, rain, etc have a devastating effect on this metal, chrysler engineering goofed at the cost of the customer, avoiding listing this part under extended warranty. At this point having owned a 1990 dodge caravan with 2 transaxles replaced and giving chrysler another chance to prove themselves in building a better vehicle I guess I overestimated them along with placing my faith in their company. I have sent customer assistance my complaint and bill for the coolant pipe replacement placing little hope in reimbursement. Now I see why the american car manufacturers are loosing out to foreign car manufacturers.

Filed Aug 14, 2006 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH the vehicle overheated without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined the hoses to the rear heater had leaked and needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 20, 2005 · Electrical · 74,500 miles · TX · fire

Radio overheated under high heat conditions 110+ degree weather. Radio circuit board short circuited and burned. Burning condition occurs at heat disipation unit and main circuit board; left side of radio, where a aluminum plate is located.

Filed Oct 30, 2004 · Engine · 45,282 miles · CA

On and around the 24th of june 04 my A/C compressor clutch locked up while driving around locally. This failure put undue tension on the serpentine drive belt, resulting in increased tension and extreme overheating of the belt (smoke poured out under the hood). Luckily I was driving slowly, as I switched off the A/C before the drive belt broke with no additional damage being done to the engine or vehicle (overheating due to water pump stoppage) or loss of control due to power steering failure. I took the vehicle in for servicing, as I had received a document from chrysler stating that the warranty on the A/C had been extended to 7 years and/or 70,000 miles due to quote lack of lubrication issues (I can supply this document if requested). The above dealer replaced the A/C unit and belt under warranty, but as soon as the vehicle left the shop a whining sound was heard from the engine compartment. I traced this; to the serpentine drive belt side of the engine (3.8litre v6 one drive belt). On going back to the dealer they replaced water pump/ tensioner and alternator, but I was made to pay for these repairs. I contend that a general recall should have been initiated for this defect and that any secondary damage caused by the said defective part should be replaced at the manufacture expense, as its their liability not the customer.

Filed Jan 18, 2004 · Transmission · 46,500 miles · PA

Automatic transmission failure@ 46,500 miles in 2001 chrys town & country: check engine light on steady; dlr said diagnostics indicate tyranny overheating; changed oil & filter. Light came on again one day later; dealer replaced tyranny solenoid pkg for $350. One week later, with no check engine light, car bucked upon stopping @ end of h'wy off-ramp & briefly refused to move in any fwd gear. Took to dealer who kept it two days but said nff, couldn't duplicate symptom. 2-3 days later took the vehicle on a turnpike trip. While cruising @ speed limit under cruise control, vehicle bucked & went into "limp-mode" as evidenced by tach moving from 2k to 3k RPM. Pulled to side of road; vehicle would not move in any gear(no chk engine light). Had car towed 85 miles to same dealer (south hills chrysler-jeep) in peters twp, pa. Had to fight hard with dlr and with daimler chrys cust svc, but dealer replaced tyranny; we pd $1100. Poor quality and poorer dealer service integrity. We were happy to get concessions, but the bad taste remains. Seems many others have had similar widespread experiences. Other potential problem symptoms include: continuing "steering shudder" with no cause, auto rear lift gate will not open or close automatically with no fix after multiple trips & complaints and too-easily-warped front rotors that cause brake pedal pulsation. Letter was written to chrysler customer service in auburn hills complaining about excessive cost of solenoid replacement and poor service/treatment by dealer. Bitter verbal complaints were made to the dealer service mgr and the general mgr as well. Customer service did assist mediation of the tyranny problem and did offer a concession on the cost of the solenoid. We have not yet rec'd the monetary refund promised, but it's been only three weeks.

Filed Oct 6, 2003 · Lights · 12,800 miles · AL

The knob that is used to turn headlight's switch on and off overheated after engine had been running for about an hour. Consumer believes a fire may start as result.