3.0 engine 4 speed trans 86,900 miles
the engine smokes at startup in morning time or after it has set for 24 hours or so, also we just got back from a trip to mountains and when the trans down shifts it dont want to upshift until you let the gas off almost all the way, any ideas on the problems? I am new to this board, but I am on other forums so if I have not followed a rule pls let me know, also is there any problems that I would get by putting a new instrument cluster in, I have the cheap cluster with gas, speedo, and water temp, could I buy the better cluster and just plug it in? is there any ideas about how to replace the speakers under the dash? Is it difficult to put aftermarket gauges in it for oil pressure, and water temp? any ideas on what gauges to get? what all do I need to look out for in this van? it is a nice van we just recently got it, I feel it was an ok deal for $5100 if we need to put some money in it that is ok, I just would like to know if there is any known problems with the van, chysler grand voyager 3.0 engine 4 speed no rear air or heat, no tv, and one more thing, is there a way to tell if the van originally came with remote locks? what would I need to look for to see if it came with remote locks?

anyone?

anyone?

You may have better luck at getting an answer if you break your questions down into individual posts instead of 20 questions in one post ;) Good Luck!

your first question, the white smoke could be one of two things: 1) a blown head gasket allowing coolant to get inside the cylinders, you would know this by noticing a drop in your coolant and also your oil would look milky. 2) normal condensation for an engine starting up first thing in the morning. If the smoke is not consistent, just only on start up, I'd go with the condensation. Just an FYI, on the 3.0 V6, the valve guide seals have a tendency to go bad and leak oil into the cylinders, you'll know this when you see blow smoke coming out of your tailpipe.


Next problem, the transmission issue, if you have the 4-speed overdrive, it could be a programming issue and for that, you would need to go back to your local Chrysler dealer and get the transmission control module flashed programmed, that could help with the shifting issues as well as using the right fluid in your van. It is imperative that you use Mopar ATF+4 in your van; All Caravans after 1999 are to use this fluid in the transmission so that you get smooth shifting and trouble-free operation.

Well..white smoke..sounds like an egr valve.

Well..white smoke..sounds like an egr valve.


does anyone else think this?

Are you loosing any antifreeze from your cooling system?

I dont believe I am loosing any cooling, if I am, it is very little and have not noticed a change in the level in about 100 miles (bought the van, changed the cooling, and after driving ~100 miles no change) I have changed the oil, and now I think it might be oil I am burning, it looked to be ~ 1/2 qt low yesterday