I have a 1997 dodge grand caravan last year on december 2007 my serpentine belt came off while I was making a right on one street under the rain, I almost lost control off my car but I was fortunate that no cars were around. It was hard for me to drive my car but I called the mechanic and he told me not worry that I would be able to get safe to the shop. That incident broke my windshield hose water, my air conditioner and my steering wheel hose and heat it up the car so I had to stop several times before I got to the mechanic shop. I was so afraid but I got safe. Then it happen again a week later, I was so angry with the mechanic because I thought that he didn't do nothing to my car and that he was taking my money only, since I was around the corner I was able to go back to him. Within the las 7 months, my serpentine belt came off around 5 times and every time that it came off it broke something, so I had to pay the mechanic more money. I would really like for someone to try to contact chrysler and try to see what they can do, unless they are expenting for someone to get kill because they can't maneuver the wheel. Thanks for your time monica huaman
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan engine complaints
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Tl*the contact's spouse owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. While driving 30 MPH, the check engine and air bag lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The contact received a recall notice for the clock spring, but he did not have the vehicle serviced because the dodge dealer stated that there was no need to service the vehicle since the air bag light was not illuminated at the time. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 101,000 and failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle completely shut off. The contact checked under the hood and noticed that the serpentine belt was disconnected. The vehicle had to be towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The current mileage was 100,000 and failure mileage was 85,000.
This is the fourth time in the last several months that my serpentine belt fell off while turning a corner. I have a 97 dodge grand caravan sport se (3.3). The first two times it was raining and the second two times were in good weather. Each time it was quite a jerk when the power steering went out on the turn. What if this had happened on the highway when I wouldn't have been able to control the vehicle??? Obviously, this is quite a hassle having to get the car towed each time and having the mechanic put the belt back on and look for the problem, and not being able to trust my vehicle anymore. My mechanic replaced the tensioner,belt, and pulleys with the gates mv conversion kit. He was aware of this being a common problem. I also read online about all the other people with the same problem and how this seemed to be the only fix that worked. The dodge dealership here said they were not aware of this problem! This is a very dangerous problem and should be corrected by chrysler. Do people have to die before chrysler will take responsibility for this design flaw and provide this fix for everyone?
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle rpms dropped to zero, the vehicle jerked, and the engine stalled completely. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, and was able to restart the vehicle after 10 minutes. The vehicle has not been taken in for inspection. The consumer stated several attempts have been made to fix the vehicle. The oil pan was leaking oil. The valve cover gaskets were replaced. The transmission was heavily damaged and had to be replaced. The power steering pump was replaced. The front end of the vehicle pulled to the left. Updated 08/15/06.
I purchased the 1997 grand caravan in january 1998 at the marlow heights dealership in marlow heights, maryland. The first time I started experiencing issue with the vehicle was 5/1999 at 24,006 miles vehicle had little power when accelerating, transmission not engaging, transmission had to be reconditioned. In 12/1999, there was transmission fluid leaking inside of the vehicle on the driver's side causing a very strong nasty odor. Carpet had to be replaced. This caused a hazardous condition to my family especially my kids having to breath in this fluid. 3 /2000 same fluid leaked again in auto because of defective heating coil. Then again in 8/2001 the leak happened again. This time I contacted daimler chrysler in north carolina and complained daimler chrysler agreed to repair the vehicle under what they called one consumer repair per customer per vehicle. In 11/2001, the check engine light came on 3 times. At this point, the vehicle was also due for emissions testing and did not pass the test because of a cylinder misfire code. Once I was able to obtain the funds for repair, in 5/2004 @ 118,668 miles, I decided to take the vehicle back to the dealership for the repairs. I was told that I needed to have the spark plugs replaced and that would solve the issue. So I paid $114.24 to replace the 6 .spark plugs, problem not solved I ended up paying $3,758.82 in 7/2005 to replace cylinder heads, timing belt, and water pump . This was the second time I had the timing belt replaced. Recently, in 3/2006, oil light came on. Had to replace both vc gaskets, cam plugs, both ft cam seals and rear cam seals and timing belt once again for third time. This cost to me was $2,677.50. Now the oil light is back on again.
I have a 1997 dodge grand caravan. In february 2005 we had the serpentine belt replaced, and all parts related to it adjusted and cleaned. This was done due to a horrible screeching sound. In november of that year the serpentine belt came off during a period of cold & rainy weather, and left me without steering or cooling fans. I was almost in an accident because I could not steer. The belt was replaced. Six weeks later, again-in cold and rainy weather. It happened again, and today, 3 weeks later, yes, cold and rainy weather it has happened for a third time. My garage is set to replace the steering fluid pump, thinking it might be leaking on it, the belt, tensioner and a pulley. Hoping it will fix the problem, this will be a $500 bill at least. However, after much research I have found this to be a regular problem for this make and model, crossing several model years. I contacted dodge, who told me there is nothing they can do about it without a recall, but agreed there have been technical service bulletins (tsbs) regarding the problem. I told them I did research on these tsbs, as well as various websites where auto mechanics post, and there has not been a single repair that works in each vehicle. This should be a huge safety concern. This belt controls the steering, the alternator and the fans. This is a mini-van, made for families. I am fearful of allowing my three children to ride in this vehicle now, knowing that even after the repairs coming up this week, the problem may not be fixed. Due to the severity of the danger which could occur , losing steering on a major highway in poor conditions, I believe this issue should become a recall.
The vehicle's ABS and check engine light have been going on and off for about 6 months. We had a mechanic look into it and replaced a relay or switch that belonged to the blower motors (fans by radiator). The lights seemed to go away until a couple of weeks ago, the ABS light returned and the brakes act as though they are going to give out at any time. They have to be depressed for quite a length of time before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. There is also a weird sound of air or as if air where coming out when the brakes get depressed. I have had to add fluid once or twice a week and have been told by a mechanic buddy that there is very good chance its the brake booster due to the sound of air. I went online and noticed there were recalls for this in a couple of grand caravans but my VIN # doesn't fall into the suggested VIN range.
Serpentine belt repeatedly comes off its pulleys, necessitating a tow, on-the-spot repair job, or driving under unsafe conditions for a short distance for the repair.
1) driving normally through water several inches deep - certainly not an unusual situation considering the amount of afternoon storms we have received this summer in middle georgia. 2) serpentine belt slips from pulleys causing lose of power steering, water pump, air conditioning, alternator. On first occasion and with great difficulty, my wife was able to pull over and avoid a collision. 3) belt appeared undamaged but I replaced belt with new approved belt. The same thing happened on august 22, 2005 while I was driving on georgia 87 (rural highway) in a severe downpour/thunderstorm. The rain and storm conditions were so loud I did not notice the temperature gage, indicator lights and warning-buzzer warning me of some engine failure. I was able to drive to an intersection and pull out of traffic, again with great difficulty due to power steering failure. Ultimately, people will lose lives over this issue if they have not already. There are many of these issues posted all over the internet. Please pursue this issue so someone's life can be saved.
Terrible squealing noise in belt area. Dealer charged ~$250 for belt and tensioner replacement and noise was greatly reduced. Several years later the noise returned and grew even worse. Replaced the worn belt and noise was greatly reduced for about two weeks. After the noise returned, removed the belt and checked all pulleys - found no problems. Replaced tensioner and idler pulleys anyway (~$20 each from dealer) and reinstalled belt. Noise was reduced for about two days. Took van to dealer who said that it was the tensioner and were surpised that it had lasted as long as it did. I purchased and installed a new alternator, power steering pump and tensioner. The noise was greatly reduced, but returned full force within a couple of days. In desperation I turned to belt dressing as a possible solution since I had cleaned all of the pulleys prior to belt reinstallation. When the belt dressing was sprayed on the tensioner pulley the sound disappeared for a few seconds, then returned. Belt dressing had small or no effect when sprayed at other locations along the serpentine belt.
1997 dodge grand caravan 3.0 6 cyl belt came off in rain storm left me stranded and missed work the belt was in one piece and got it home and had a new belt installed and pulley upper front non grooved. Again belt came off bran new belt new belt put on again belt now squealing in the back belt tension arm nor squealing belt rides the pulley l/r about 1/4 inch than back. It seems to me.
Serpentine belt slips off idler pully when driving through standing water resulting in loss of power steering.
As I am driving my van will suddenly jerk forward and the service engine soon light comes on and then goes off, and shortly after that the van suddenly dies. I have had it back to the dealer many,many times since I bought it in feb,2004 and they have drove it and put it on machines and can't figure out what and why it's doing this. I just found out the previous owner and original one had the same problem and so he got rid of it.when it suddenly dies I have no steering, brakes etc. And that is very dangerous when you are in heavy 4 lane traffic and no where to go. I want to know why this hasn't been recalled and corrected, I have talked to several people who has the same problem and I want to know why and how this can be corrected before I or someone gets killed or injured. I have children in my van alot and I wonder if that matters to you if they get injured or killed because you can't or won't fix the problem!!!!!!!!! I have had dodge vans before and liked them, but I can asure you that, is changing rapidly. I can't believe all the complaints that's on this site on the 97 dodge caravan's. What's your problem?
Serpentine belt keeps coming off each time the vehicle goes over a puddle of water. Vehicle has to be towed each time when this occurs.
Consumer complained that the serpentine belt slipped off intermittently when driving in wet weather or on wet road condition. It appeared that water was getting under the engine, and causing the serpentine belt to slip off the pulley. Dealer and manufacturer were notified.
Recall problems with exhaust and air bags. *mr there was no back up lights, horn, or clockspring.
While backing out of the driveway, the consumer heard a loud bang. The vehicle would not steer. The pulley broke off, causing the drive belt to fall onto the street. *ak there was another incident where the consumer was making a turn and lost all power steering. The consumer witnessed another vehicle with the same make and model experiencing the exact same problem. (the consumer's alternate address: p.o. Box 585 zip 03825) *sc
We have replaced six serpentine belts in the two years we have owned this vehicle. We replaced the tensioner, but it did not correct problem. We are now facing number seven and are at the point of total frustration. We need to see this corrected immediately.
The belt that controls the power steering and brakes and radiator fan came off twice today and several times in the past. It's all we can do to get it stopped and pulled over when this happens and it happens in any type of rain.
Fan belt kept sliding off got broken. *ph this problem would occur when it would rain or snow. The part was replaced four times. The cruise control had become inoperative and the air bag light had come on.
The transmission does not shift gears if the air conditioner is on. The air conditioner turned all the way up will blow out air as if it was on mid way. The wind shield wipers come on when the turn signal is activated, which causes me to buy blades more often. The brakes seem to lock up when the ground is wet. You can hear metal hitting together, and the car continues to roll. My sister-in-law, and one of my daycare moms had the same problem, but they were not as lucky as I was it caused them to rear end another vehicle.
1997 grand caravan sport serpentine belt came off five times in one year, the latest on 12/30/03 when driving on a rainy day. Every time the belt gets wet, it falls off!
Serpentine belt comes off when vehicle has gone through water, snow or slush causing loss of steering control, electrical power, engine cooling; all of which may be cause of other problems if vehicle is not immediately stopped and taken somewhere for the belt to be re-installed. Manufacturer has identified problem and a solution (tsb#070299, the federal safety agency#606159), which is engineering related, yet does not release this as a recall. It was serviced 8/12/03 (blouin) to replace the original belt, has had problem since that replacement yet manufacturer does not acknowledge responsibility to correct their enginerring error at their cost (lee). Repair should be a recall condition to repair a situation that can cause fatalities if it occurred under highway conditions.
Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical problems since it was purchased three years ago: windshield wipers come on by themselves for no reason, cd player works intermittently, instrument panel goes haywire and we lose the gauges and mileage, power door locks work intermittently, keyless entry works intermittently, air conditioner odor and fan problems, sometimes cool air sometimes not and the list goes on.
While driving at low speeds, the van lunged forward. The actual cause was undetermined, but the dealer stated the engine's front cylinder malfunctioned. *ak this condition was considered a defect per mechanic(s). This problem existed in this make/model for some time and had many complaints and repairs. There was no help given by the dealer. *scc
1997 dodge grand caravan car serpentine belt was making noise. Was told it was worn and needed to be replaced. Replaced serpentine belt. Drove car in heavy rain, serpentine belt fell off. Towed car to dealer replaced belt and sent me on my way. Same day drove car in heavy rain, serpentine belt fell off. Towed car to dealer. Dealer checked with chrysler on fixes. Installed a clip. This was suppose to solve my problems. No heavy rain for a while. Then, drove my car in heavy rain, serpentine belt fell off again. Towed car to dealer. Was told they were going to replace the tensioner and that was pretty much all they could do. They suggested that I don't drive the car into puddles. We all know that this is impossible. Stated to the dealer, that I drove through puddles with no problems before they replaced the serpentine belt. I've only had this problem since it was replaced. They did not have a answer for me, again they said "you shouldn't be driving in puddles". I asked if I cannot drive in puddles what am I supposed to do. They said turn around and find a different route. I find this hard to believe. What if I'm on a highway? Should I turn around? I've done some searching on the web and have found that I am not the only person who owns a caravan that is having this problem.
Serpentine belt falls off when water gets on it, resulting in loss of power steering and control. I understand this is a wide spread problem and am concerned that my familys' safety will be in jepardy each time this happens. It has happened four times to us and I feel this warrants a recall before someone loses their life.
The front brakes were worn, air bag light illuminated, tensioner assembly failed, horn was inoperable, and the water pump leaked. As corrections, all defective componets were replaced. *ph
Since power steering pump replacement, the serpentine belt regularly slips off when splashed with water. - came off while my wife was driving. - dealer tried replacing tensioner (which I had replaced 6 months earlier) - no luck - will continue to try to solve with dealer.
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