2000 Dodge Caravan: engine overheating

Filed Nov 10, 2013 · Steering · 140,000 miles · RI

While driving down the highway it started to rain and the power steering failed for unknown reasons. The heater fan stopped which made it impossible to clear the windows, the vehicle quickly overheated, the low battery light came on. Was able to get to the side of the road with much difficulty and discovered the power steering belt had dropped off. This has happened repeatedly every time it rains even a little bit and is very much a safety hazard. It has made the vehicle very unreliable. Merely reconnecting the belt is not a solution to this issue. I was wondering if there has been a recall for the problem.

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Airbags, Engine · 83,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a loss of power steering assist. The contact mentioned that the engine overheated and the engine temperature warning light illuminated as the drive belt failed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was advised that the idle pulley be replaced. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 115,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2012 · Engine · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the serpentine belt on the vehicle fell off five times last month. The contact stated the failure occurred whenever she drove through a puddle of water. The contact took the vehicle to the mechanic each time the failure occurred and was told the pulleys worked fine, but that the failure was caused because there was no shield covering the under carriage of the vehicle. The contact lost the ability to control the steering wheel and it began to overheat when the failure occurred. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 172,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2009 · Engine · 130,000 miles · GA

The serpentine belt on a 2000 dodge caravan slips off when you go through a puddle of water or wet conditions such as in the rain or snow, resulting in complete loss of power steering (loss of control); water pump (overheating and possible damage to the aluminum heads); alternator (no battery charging) and AC. This was after a new belt and tensioner was installed. I have researched the problem and there are numerous incidents sited on related web sites. My wife almost wrecked because of no steering. It happened over a dozen times to her and 4 times to me. Cost of putting belt back on was around $40 each time. Tried a fix using a disc over the tensioner and idle pulley recommended by dealer, but first time through a rain puddle, it slipped off. A $200 fix is available plus $150 labor called a gates kit # 38379k also by goodyear #49215k. They both come with a double sided grooved belt, grooved idle pulley and grooved tensioner and states that it fixes the problem of belts coming off the dodge vans in wet weather. If this is part of the selling point of the kit, then there must be a problem with chrysler, dodge, plymouth vans and the consumer shouldn't have to pay for this "fix." this is extremely dangerous and should be paid for and corrected by chrysler.

Filed Nov 9, 2004 · Electrical · 15,000 miles · HI · fire

While driving 20 MPH vehicle caught on fire. There were no injuries. *ak while driving a red light and the cruise control light illuminated. The consumer pulled onto the shoulder. The consumer added coolant thinking the vehicle may have been overheating. While the hood was open the consumer saw smoke the heard two explosions prior to seeing the fire. An inspector was hired by daimler chrysler to inspect the vehicle. The inspector determined that the first explosion was caused by an electrical fire. The second explosion was the gas or fuel line. Nthe vehicle was totaled. *nm

Filed Aug 26, 2003 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · CO

Automatic transmission overheats and locks in second gear when using A/C while passing or using passing gear. Must stop and let it cool off before continuing. This happens almost every day since we own it.