1997 Dodge Caravan: engine overheating

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 Apr 24, 2006 · Electrical · 93,000 miles · MA

1997 dodge caravan 3.3 liter v6 with 93000 miles. Started vehicle and the starter mechanism locked onto the flywheel or failed to disengage, making a screeching noise. Turned ignition off and engine shut down but starter kept cycling engine. Removed keys from ignition and van was still attempting start by turning the engine over and over. Strong smell of burning electrical components as the starter continued to cycle engine, unabated, with keys out of ignition. Hood was popped and battery cables were disconnected shutting the starter off. The starter cranked the engine, nonstop, without keys in ignition, for approximately 10 minutes. The only way to stop this was to disconnect the battery. Upon immediate inspection of the starter it was found to be red hot. The cables/wires coming out of the starter were red hot and smell of burning plastic filled the air. The starter was removed and found to be original equipment ( with chrysler corporation logo intact). The starter was found to be locked in the extended position and would not retract. A new starter was purchased and installed due to the original being inoperable. Old starter was turned in to pep boys in raynham, ma for core refund. There is no doubt that if the battery was not disconnected, the starter would have continued to start the engine until it eventually(starter)overheated enough to ignite the wires and start an engine fire.

Filed Jan 22, 2003 · Engine · 17,080 miles · RI

While driving vehicle started overheating. The driver had vehicle towed, who indicated that this was caused by the way the head gasket was designed. The head gasket was replaced, but the problem recurred twice. Ts

Filed Jun 21, 2001 · Brakes · CA

The front, driver side calipers do not release which overheat the wheel. On two occasions the brake pads have sheared off, and when the tires are removed to inspect, studs easily brake off. Sears auto center broke off two studs after the 1st incident, and I broke off one stud after the 2nd incident on june 15, 2001. The negherbon service dept had replaced the caliper kit (springs and tracks) on 3/13/01. The wheel gets so hot that you burn your finger if you touch it. This problem does not happen every time. The overheating happens during times when the brakes are used often (benicia is very hilly), and does not happen during highway rides, when there is no traffic. My concern is that when the brakes starts to heat up do to use, the caliper does not release as freely, and eventually locks up and does not release at all (after the 1st incident I had to hammer off the old brake pads/caliper assembly from the rotor). Hopefully you can help identify the root problem before this causes a serious accident. I am very concerned that this overheating will cause a blowout or a wheel to come off if the studs fail while the van is being driven.

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Airbags, Engine · MD

Airbag light in on dashboard stays on constinously, and vehicle overheats.

Filed Apr 25, 2000 · Engine · AZ

Cooling fan module was bad, causing vehicle to overheat. This caused vehicle to cut off while driving. Dealer has been contacted.