1996 Dodge Caravan: sudden loss of power

Filed Dec 2, 2006 · Steering · MA

Rain cause belt to slip off losing power steering. Can not use vehicle in rain of snow! 1996 dodge caravan has happened at least ten times.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 79,000 miles · PA

I want to get your advice about my caravan. Even though I replaced thermostat several months ago, I experienced same problem recently that I have been suffering for a long time. Caravan loses power while running, I mean that engine is running but very unstable and going to stop if deeply press gas pedal. Once I lose power, it is difficult to drive because of insufficient power. But if I wait until engine cool down (typically an hour or so), it recovers to normal condition. Even though I checked it at the chrysler dealer, they do not know exactly what would be the reason. Only what they can do is based on the computer diagnosis from multiple misfire. When it was checked several months ago, they said that there is nothing wrong in the fuel pump and replaced thermostat. But some people, who work at a garage, told me that there is a possibility that the fuel pump is not normal. The fuel pump problem may not be monitored by computer diagnosis. This problem persists even though I replaced a lot of parts; spark plug cable, (not spark plug because it is less than 20000 mile after replaced), rotor, rotor cap, fuel filter and air filter. If these parts are replaced and there is still same problem, we need to suspect fuel pump. He told me to pay attention to the sound that can be heard when we put the key to the ignition position when starting engine. It is possible to hear fuel pumping sound for about one second even though the engine is not running if turn the key to ignition position. And he told me to pay attention to this sound again when my car loses the power. If this sound is not heard, he said that it is definitely due to the fuel pump defect when the power is not sufficient and need to replace fuel pump. Do you agree with his suggestion. Until his assumption is proved, it may be a waste of money if simply replace fuel pump which is quite expensive.

Filed Dec 12, 2003 · Airbags, Engine · VA

Request for reimbursement for clockspring recall repairs performed on a 1996 dodge grand caravan. *mr there was a clunk noise, then the consumer lost power steering due to the serpentine belt tensioner being broken, oil leaked due to the front valve cover gasket, and the air bag light had come on. Recall#02v293000 *scc

Filed Mar 4, 2003 · Electrical · FL

The vehicle lost power.

Filed Jan 24, 2003 · Steering, Transmission · OH

Consumer states while driving the vehicle without warning the vehicle would lose power when it rains. Consumer states the steering wheel would lock up. Ts

Filed Nov 7, 2002 · Engine · FL

While driving at highway speed the vehicle stalls causing lost of power steering. Ts

Filed Jan 29, 2002 · Fuel system · PA · fire · 1 injury

Consumer was traveling about 55mph on highway and vehicle started losing power, also there was gray smoke coming from underneath of vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem. *ak consumer states the manufacturer issued a recall #895 for fuel rail o-ring leak, but was not implemented. This causes the engine compartment to cathch on fire.

Filed Jul 19, 2001 · Transmission · WI

While driving about 20 MPH heard a loud explosion with a bang in front of vehicle. Later, found out that transmission had a big hole in it, causing vehicle to lose all power. Had contacted dealer, and they were aware of situation which had not been solved. *ak consumer is requsting reimbursement for towing, rental car, motel, and repair expenses. Air conditioner failed.

Filed Sep 14, 2000 · Acceleration, Tires · FL

The vehicle has had continued problems with poor fuel mileage, surging and loss of power, consumer noticed that the wiring harness was resting on the throttle body linkage, this chaffed the wiring and caused problems with acceleration.

Filed Sep 13, 2000 · Steering · NJ

Belt tensioner and serpentine drive belt failure, tension mounting belt is spontaneously sheared off and the belt becomes torn apart, resulting in loss of power steering and power braking.

Filed Aug 11, 2000 · Engine, Steering · MI

Consumer was traveling about 70mph on highway and without prior warning lost power steering/ all belt driven accessories/ water pump pulley flew off,and vehicle started to vibrate.

Filed Jul 25, 2000 · Engine · TX

At any speed vehicle would stall without any indication. Also, vehicle would lose all power steering. Dealer has beem contacted.