2000 Dodge Caravan: windshield wiper failure

Filed May 18, 2023 · Engine, Visibility · NM

Belt under hood keeps falling off and or breaking car seizes up and locks up almost crashed a few times Also engine problems smokes a lot wipers don’t work windows won’t go down also transmission jerks when driving

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 Apr 3, 2010 · Electrical · 18 miles · WV

2000 dodge caravan instrument cluster stops woorking (spedometer,fuel gauge etc) rear windshield wiper also quit fuse keeps blowing I have been investigating the same complaint dating back to 1995 this is a problem that has been ignored for 15 years

Filed Nov 17, 2009 · Engine · 70,000 miles · IN

The belt on my dodge caravan sport slipped off in the rain leaving me to drive home without wipers and or blower. Idler pulley should have keepers on the edges so the belt will not slip off.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Brakes, Visibility · TN

While driving 70 MPH consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, drove it to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem. Also, driver informed the mechanic that windshield wipers came on and off on their own.

Filed Jan 31, 2001 · Transmission, Visibility · MI

While driving in heavy rain, windshield wipers failed.