1997 Dodge Grand Caravan: engine stalls while driving

Filed Jul 9, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 77,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. While driving at 62 MPH, the vehicle stalled intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the instrument cluster and the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2014 · Engine · 107,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine warning lamp illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 107,000. The current mileage was 114,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 122,000 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving at the speeds of 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local automotive store, where it was diagnosed that the coil pack malfunctioned. The dealer was notified and they could not assist the contact with the failure of the coil pack. The vehicle experienced this failure a total of six times and it was repaired. The failure mileage was 122,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. Updated 03/05/12*lj updated 03/08/12

Filed Aug 7, 2008 · Body, Electrical · 149,766 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. Whenever the contact shifts, the vehicle makes an unfamiliar noise. When the vehicle is parked, it operates normally. The transmission stalls and will start back up, but it is unreliable. The vehicle would rev and have to be restarted in order for the revving to stop. If there is a power fluctuation, the rear wipers will turn on and off at random. The high beams on the headlights do not work, but the failure was repaired. The parking light on the front driver's side failed. He replaced the bulb, but it still does not work. The contact stated that he is constantly replacing the low beam lights. The serpentine belt slips off; however, it has been repaired. The check engine light flashes on and off and there is a burning electrical smell coming from the vehicle. The front strut assembly is rusting and rotting. The rocker panel on the driver's side is rusted completely. The current mileage was 186,000 and failure mileage was 149,766. Updated 09/10/08 *bf updated 09/11/08.

Filed Jul 20, 2008 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · NJ

1997 grand caravan se - repeated intermittent failure of dash gauges. When this occurs, no feedback from car on speed or gas level. This is a dangerous condition. Additionally, there is occasional stalling. Multiple other consumers appear to have same problems. See http://www.automotiveforums.com/t220421.html for postings. The mechanic did not fix, would apparently have to throw parts at it (like many of the consumers described in the above posting without success). Thank you.

Filed Jul 21, 2006 · Engine, Steering · 135,995 miles · TX

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.

Filed Mar 1, 2006 · Fuel system · 81,500 miles · IL

In driving my 1997 dodge grand caravan, I have had several episodes where it stalls with no warning. The first time it stalled was after stopping at a toll booth and in pulling out from the booth it just died. Luckily there was not a lot of traffic as my husband and three small children were in the van with me at the time. Had it been during rush hour or there was someone who was just in a hurry, this incident had the potential to be quite tragic. My van has also stalled sitting at a traffic lights and several times driving down residential streets. We can not seem to figure out what is going on. I have been told that everything looks o.k. After seeing a newscast tonight that spoke of the same stalling without warning issues in other vans I am having my fuel pump replaced. This newscast said the issue was with only 1991 - 1995 chrysler/dodge model vans. I wanted to make you aware that it could be related to newer models as well.

Filed Jul 17, 2005 · Locks · CA

This is on a '97 dodge grand caravan, 3.8 liter. 1) originally the brakes were terrible, (hard foot pressure was needed to stop the vehicle.). After 30kmiles, I took it in to a mechanic. In his experience, the dealer equipped front disc "pistons made of pheolic material" would often 'stick'.. After replacing w/ "steel" pistons this problem was repaired. 2) the problematic 'clock-spring' failed right before I received a recall notice! But, after 30k more miles, it failed again... This time the dealer refused to repair it free. Of course the "legally required horn" is also no-functioning. 3) the power locks fight me when opening with a key. On removing said key, they then 'relock' before I can open the door. I must open the door with key turned in the look. (safety, no, inconvenient yes.) however, now the power locks "sometimes unlock themselves" when left in a locked position, or when driving. 4) the electric cooling fan, though it comes on when the needed, "shuts off" when the ignition is turned off. Shouldn't' it "stay on" till the radiator cools a bit?? 5) the "engine stalled" and hesitated/misfired?. Numerous times the dealer could not find the problem.. Finally an independent "replaced cam sensor". Thank you in advance for your "important services". Sincerely, [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 10, 2003 · Fuel system · IL

1997 dodge grand caravan. Started vehicle and let idle while in parking lot. Engine appeared to form vapor lock and stalled. Tried restarting. No effect. Smelled fuel. Looked outside and found very large fuel spill on side of vehicle. Evacuated vehicle and called 911 in case of fire. Fd reported separation of fuel line from fuel tank. Vehicle towed to repair facility. Awaiting parts and repair info.

Filed Jul 1, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · MD

The power steering/power brakes have been locking/failing intermittently for the past year. Took the car to the shop in july of 2001 and was told the steering wheel problem was due to humidity and loose belts and the weather would improve the performance. Noticed that when the steering locked, I was driving the car between 5 and 10 miles per hour. Also, when steering wheel locked, power brakes would fail. Had to literally stand on brake pedal or turn off car ignition to stop car. Threw car in park and turned the ignition immediately to regain steering and brakes. Had no steering capability at all. This problem has happened about once every 2 months but seems to be getting more frequent with 3 failures in the past 2 months. Took car into dealer on 6/24/02 and they worked on it for a couple of days before deciding the problem was some part of the steering column. They could replicate the problem with the steering but not with the brakes. They replaced some component of the power steering and released the car 6/26/02. Picked up the car on 6/27/02. The next day, 6/28/02, both steering locked and brakes failed. Will have car towed to shop today. Both son and husband have also experienced this problem while driving. Son nearly hit a tree when steering locked. Said "check oil light " came on dash. Said the only way he could stop the car was the turn the ignition off while in drive. We had noticed the problem more when making a turn. Husband said the problem happened to him this past friday (6/28/02) and he wasn't turning at all. We do not see "check engine" light flashing on when this problem occurs. We are all scared to drive the car because we are afraid it will stall or the steering wheel and power brakes will fail to work at high speed.

Filed May 13, 2002 · Engine · OH

Vehicle stalls intermittently at any speed. Dealer does not know how to remedy the problem.

Filed Feb 26, 2001 · Engine · CA

Ongoing problem with engine stalling intermittently while driving;.vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on eight occasions, and informed consumer that they are unable to duplicate problem. Please provide any further details on this matter.