2000 Dodge Caravan: transmission slipping

Filed Aug 7, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 80,500 miles · OH

Today I was on an urban freeway in heavy downpour. The downpour was so heavy rain could be seen running off the road. Traffic was wide spread, but moving at 45-50 MPH, due to the rain. My wipers, at the highest setting, slow down. Car dings. Battery light comes on. I turn off the defroster (AC and ventilation), reduce wiper speed setting, switch from headlights to running lights, all to reduce electrical load. I then notice that the power steering has failed. It was really scary. True fear. The fear which we do not often encounter. I safely got the vehicle off the freeway. No further failure of systems. I drove the vehicle to the nearest shop I knew of, with caution lights on. I there learned that the accessory belt had come off of the engine, due to the rain. The belt was still in good condition, so they slid the same belt back on. I will have my preferred mechanic install an "anti slip" tensioner, belt, and pulley this weekend. This issue, the serpentine belt slipping off the engine in rain and snow, is known to chrysler, and known to the federal safety agency. But it was not known to me until it threatened my safety, and the safety of the motorists around me. If I had begun going around a curve while switching off accessories, driving one handed with a failed power steering system before I knew it had failed, I could have wrecked. Why one handed? Because I was turning off accessories because I didn't understand what was wrong, because the warning the car provided suggested that was what I should be doing to keep my car from stalling. I don't know why the federal safety agency decided this did not merit a recall. They were wrong. I am very thankful that money (to implement the technical service bulletin the federal safety agency won't share) can fix what went wrong today. Don't operate a gen iii chrysler minivan without a belt upgrade. We cannot control when it rains.

Filed May 29, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · MN · crash

Serpentine belt slips off in the rain causing a loss in power steering, AC (for window defogging), power (no alternator when headlights are on during rain). When it slipped off, the ability to correct for loss of traction due to water was reduced due to lack of power steering and the windshield fogged up quickly due to the loss of the AC compressor. Slid of the interstate and slid down the median. Multiple other instances of belt slipping off (4 times in past 3 days), though at lower rates of speed. Dodge denies there is an issue even though there are many reports on the internet relating to this problem. It is also interesting that they now sell a upgrade kit that changes out the two non-grooved pulleys for grooved ones and add a belt with grooves on both sides. They said that they would only fix this problem when enough people reported the problem.

Filed Jun 22, 2011 · Steering · 95,000 miles · OH

Purchased used 2000 caravan w/90,000 miles. Warranty expired in 2003 and because of mileage. Problem: belt slips off when it rains, causing power steering to not work, mechanic says it can destroy engine if you continue to drive w/belt off. Had belt put back on 5 times. Won't drive when it's wet out, plan to purchase this "kit" needed in order to stop belt slipping off. Kit is est. $600, plus labor cost. I keep wondering what did prior owner do for this problem.

Filed Oct 17, 2003 · Acceleration, Engine · CO

While driving at 35 MPH transmission slipped into neutral without warning. Also, check engine light came on,and speedometer stopped working.

Filed Jan 18, 2003 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · LA

I have a dodge 2000 caravan whose tranmission went out at 45,000 miles -shortly after the expiration of the warranty. The dealership is unwilling to assist me with the repairs, which cost $2,700.00. I heard a humming noise and five minutes later, my van starting slipping gears and left me and my family stranded. There is obviously a major defect in the transmissions of dodge - it is unbelievable that a transmission would fail with such low mileage on it. I have been reading the other complaints on this website and there is obviously a major flaw with the dodge products and their tranmission. They need to be held responsible for this problem and offer assistance to us consumers - after all, if it weren't for us buying this piece of trash, dodge and its employees would be out of business. I will never buy another dodge vehicle.

Filed May 21, 2002 · Transmission · MD

The transmission slips and goes into neutral while driving. This has now happend on four different occasions. At first I thought I just had not engaged drive all the way, but this last time I actually checked and the gear stick was fully engaged in drive - I.e it did not wiggle around. Then as I was rounding the corner at a light it all of a sudden started to rev and I realized it was in neutral. I slipped it back into gear and promptly called the dealer for an appointment. When I was called to tell me my car was done, they said that this happens when the transmission fluid is low, and that my fluid was low due a faulty hose causing a leak. However earlier this year when my fluid level was low the check engine light came on and they added fluid then. This time the check engine light did not come on to indiacate that transmission fluids were low. So I am alittle concern about the problem. However since taking it to the dealer, I have not had any problems with it sliping, yet.