1997 Dodge Caravan engine problems

Filed Mar 23, 2014 · Engine · FL

When the vehicle is on, the key can be removed and the engine remains on.

Filed Aug 4, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · VA · fire

While parked at a stop sign the vehicle started to smoke. A fire then appeared coming out of the hood. 911 was called and fire squad came. Within 5 minutes the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames. Fire extinguishers were used but it could not put out the fire. Fire truck came and by this time the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Firemen used water to finally control the fire. Fire restarted and had to be put out again and eventually the fire was completely extinguished. It was perhaps only 10 minutes for the fire to start, spread, and completely and utterly destroy the van. Because of the intensity, quickness of the fire, and the difficulty in putting it out, it appears to be a fuel related fire. I read that dodge had fuel line "o" rings that could be defective and that could have been the cause. I called dodge headquarters and explained the event. I am still waiting for a call back.

Filed Nov 23, 2011 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle lost power steering, the engine overheated, the alternator and air conditioner failed. The vehicle merged onto the side of the road and the contact inspected the engine and noticed the serpentine belt detached from the pulley and was dragging on the ground. The contact connected the belt back onto the pulley. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated there was no failure; however, the pulley could be replaced for $1000. This failure occurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000 and the current mileage was 210,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2011 · Engine · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact noticed steam coming from the front end of the vehicle as the radiator overheated and exploded. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was awaiting diagnosis. The contact did not inform the manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 29, 2010 · Engine · 31,000 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH in rainy weather, the fan belt suddenly failed, causing the steering and air conditioning system to also fail. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact was informed that the fan belt was not in a location around the fan unit to hold it in place and would fail again if wet. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000 and the current mileage was approximately 33,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2009 · Engine · 107,850 miles · WI

Belt slipped off my 1997 dodge caravan.... Also when I got home fell from tow truck because of ice !~! But would not of happen if a recall would have happened already look at all those complaints out there..

Filed Oct 18, 2009 · Engine · WA

Serpentine belt slips off pulley system when driven through standing water in road,this disables power steering,cooling and battery,which in turn disables lights,power windows and fuel pump. I have encountered this problem several times with both my 97 and 98 caravan. Belt is dried off and re attached.

Filed Jul 26, 2008 · Engine · 3,000 miles · WI

Bought a 1998 dodge grand caravan in 1997. The serpentine belt came off numerous times, usually when going through puddles or snow. When the belt comes off, all power to steering, brakes, etc. Is gone. This is a common complaint with these vans, yet dodge/chrysler has refused to admit it and recall it. I finally got tire of it and took a look at why it was happening. I noticed that the idler wheel closest to the front of the vehicle is shaped and mounted in a way that allows the belt to come off easily. The idler wheel is too far in and is beveled outward, causing the belt to come off when it became wet or got snow or ice pieces on it. The cure? A 5 cent washer placed behind this idler wheel, bringing it out ever so slightly, but enough to prevent it from coming off ever again. Not the tensioner or the belt or any of the other excuses they charge you for, just a simple washer that acts like a spacer.

Filed Feb 6, 2008 · Engine, Steering · 141,562 miles · PA

On rainy days when making sharp left turn, the 97 dodge caravan (3.0 v6) looses power steering and goes out of control. The serpentine drive belt slipped out of the tensioner pulley causing the power steering loss leading to this hazardous condition while driving in addition to the road being wet and slippery. There is a potential for a crash or deadly accident if this condition happens. This condition happened four times in the past two months.

Filed Mar 5, 2007 · Engine · 78,484 miles · FL

March 3,2007 I was driving to work in the rain. I drove for 30 minutes and then the serpentine belt came off my 97 dodge caravan again. This has happened several times. When this happens, the vehicle is almost impossible to steer. Once again, I was lucky and did not have an accident. Secondly, my small child was not in the vehicle. This is a very dangerous situation and on this model and year of dodge caravan there are numerous complaints on the internet of this problem. I did miss a day of work and had to have the belt put back on the car, as well as having the vehicle towed for about 25 miles.