1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: check engine light

Filed Jan 3, 2007 · Fuel system · 140,000 miles · IN

Tl* - the contact's vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall 00v268000 repairs. The dealer told the contact that the recall repairs had already been made on the vehicle per recall requirements. This repair was done on december 11, 2006. On january 2, 2007 after driving approximate 6 miles the driver smelled gas fumes so he drove the vehicle back home. The contact stated that the gas fumes killed 14 of the birds that were housed in his garage. The contact opened the hood and gas was leaking. The contact stated that he had noticed the vehicle was using more gas than it had previously. The vehicle was still slowly leaking gas 24 hours after he originally noticed the leak. The contact stated that the vehicle was not drivable and he has not yet contacted the dealer. The contact stated the check engine light was on. *ak updated 2/6/2007 - *nm updated 03/21/07

Filed Jul 29, 2004 · Airbags, Body · 500 miles · MD

Serpentine belt or tensioner clip has had to be repaired 4 times (towed every time) electrical problems since the beginning; turn the key and the windshield wipers start going, turn the key off and the wipers "keep" going, take the key totally out of the ignition and the wipers go and the "dinging" alarm that tells you the lights are on or the key is in, starts.(I seriously thought the car was possessed) or turn the key and "nothing" comes on except the engine. I've replaced the battery 5 times at least - it's usually better w/ a new battery for a little while. Have had to have the window motor and assembly replaced on drivers side twice and 5 times on the passenger side. Most recent was 4/04, which was replaced 7/04 again. The side sliding doors on both side do not lock, if you push the button down, you can't get it back up. The rear hatch is damaged from closing the door, looks like I was hit in the rear, but have not been. Check engine light was on for months in fall '03, no mechanic could say why. Wanted to get the A/C charged but it wouldn't hold a charge. Dealer couldn't figure it out. Took it to another mechanic who said the A/C unit was totally melted. Had it replaced and then the computer reset. Replaced the transmission at 100000, the "plantatary gears" were cracked. Check engine light is on again in 7/04, failed emisions, replaced o2 sensor, light still on, tack sticks and car won't accelerate at times - I can push it to the floor and it won't go?? Feels like it's choking, no power. Have a 3.8l, should have power. There is no panel/door for pass. Airbag to come out. If I ever got in an accident, what would it do...just bust through my dash? Over time, the dash on that side has gotten soft and mushy, what's that about? My dad bought the same year caravan I did, but he doesn't have the grand caravan le and he doesn't have the 3.8l and he hasn't had a single problem...I guess I got all of them.

Filed Jun 6, 2004 · Electrical · OH

I own a 1996 dodge grand caravan with several electical problems. First the check engine light is on and will not reset. All of the fans for the heater and A/C doesn't work. The rear wiper is continuously working. We have had the van to the mechanic several times(too many to count) and they can not find anything wrong. The company really needs to recall this issue.

Filed Mar 18, 2004 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · TN

When driving on the highway and going 65 to 70 MPH, the car loses RPM's, backfires, jerks, loses speed. I am unable to give it gas. I have to pull off into the emergency lane and it slows to a stop and stalls. I cannot start it back, however if I set for a few minutes, open and slam the hood, it will start back. My service engine light comes on and the code that was found said that a misfire was found in cylinder 6. It has happened since fixing that problem, but the service engine light went off. I have been told to try to fix many different problems but no one, not even the chrysler dealership can tell me for sure what is wrong and needs to be fixed. This is amazing to me, because I can find many people who have the same problem, and not only with 1996 grand caravans. This is a very dangerous problem because of the sudden stalling at such high rates of speed. If should be required to be recalled and found what the problem is. I would like to know for sure what to do to fix it because I cannot afford to purchase another one and I love this van (less this major problem). Please help.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Engine, Visibility · NJ

The windshield wiper motor was intermittent. Mr the problem with the wipers occurred shortly after purchase. The consumer had taken the vehicle in for the wipers on several occasions and was told they worked fine. The engine light was intermittent as well. Scc

Filed Feb 12, 2003 · Engine, Fuel system · 84,000 miles · NY

The meter read less than half a tank of gas, the van ran out of gas, then the engine stalled. The consumer started the vehicle and began to drive when soon after the check engine light illuminated. The consumer was told the problem was a misfired cylinder, the fuel fuel pump was buried inside the gas tank, and when the fuel level dropped below the fuel pump, the pump heated up and sucked in air instead of the gasoline. *scc

Filed Oct 18, 2001 · Transmission · MA

I purchased my minivan from bedard bros. On feb. 21, 2000. On april 3, 2000 it had a rebuilt transmission put in by bedard bros. Because while I was driving it suddenly dropped into a lower gear. Then it started leaking fluid. Bedards said a pin caused a hole in the transmission case. On may 10, 2000, I had the same problem with the transmission dropping into a low gear and the check engine light coming on. A mechanic at bedard bros. Hooked his computer to the vehicle and reset the codes not being able to duplicate the problem. In oct. 2001 I again felt a "clunk" and it dropped into a lower gear but that somehow corrected itself. But, now the transmission is leaking again. I brought it to bedard bros. On 10/15/01 and they said they replaced the front pump seal. I picked up the vehicle on 10/17/01. On 10/18/01 I noticed the transmission still leaking so I drove it back to bedard bros. The put some type of dye into the system that will help them locate the source. He stated it may be a crack or something but it has to go back for a look on 10/22/01. My concern is that these are defective transmissions. I talked to a person from fenn st. Transmission who said these vehicles are known for these problems and that there is a pin that breaks loose and often goes through the transmission case.

Filed Dec 9, 2000 · Airbags, Locks · NC

Service engine light on for the 4th time since july 2000. Airbag light just bee fixed, now door is stuck open and has to be closed from inside. Windshield wipers come on of their own accord. Get it sorted dodge.

Filed Sep 16, 1999 · Engine · TX

Replacement of AC compressor & evaporator cost $1450; engine head was replaced free even though warranty had expired(spent $870 on maint and repairs of which $300 was to replace spark plug wires and resistor pack that was said to cause check engine light. Head was actually casuing problem); fan relay repaired under warranty; firestone said water pump frozed and caused belt to break ($300 repair).