Noise-tranny, power steering, ????

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.3 V6, 77,000 miles. When starting COLD I start to hear a low groaning, moaning, whining noise. When I turn the steering wheel left and right it increases in volume. So I start moving and the noise increases, even without turning the steering wheel. As the car warms up the noise goes away, within a couple of miles. Fluid levels are ok. Sometimes it seems that it takes it longer to shift into a higher gear. I haven't had the tranny serviced. Noise does not occur starting and moving off warm. This problem would be difficult to describe to a mechanic. Possible solutions from you guys might give me a heads up when I take it into a shop. Might avoid getting into a situation where a mechanic just starts throwing parts at the car hoping that something might work. Thanks for your ideas.

Yep! it sounds like the power steering pump, see Similar threads @ the botton of page.

If you have never changed the fluid in the tranny I recommend it along with the filter. Also change fluid ing power steering pump.

Do Google ''Youtube Auto repair'' for how to videos.

there's nothing wrong with the trans or power steering pump. these vans (gen4) are notorious for problems with the power steering reservour. you can get a new one from chrysler pretty cheap (under $30). or you can attempt to clean it out. there's a screen in the reservour that tends to get clogged. when it's restricted, it causes the pump to struggle to pull fluid in on the suction side which inturn causes a whine or howling noise. as the fluid gets hot, it flows easier which can reduce the howl.

All-thanks for your replies. I will try the simple posible fix first. Will check out the resevoir.

there's nothing wrong with the trans or power steering pump. these vans (gen4) are notorious for problems with the power steering reservour. you can get a new one from chrysler pretty cheap (under $30). or you can attempt to clean it out. there's a screen in the reservour that tends to get clogged. when it's restricted, it causes the pump to struggle to pull fluid in on the suction side which inturn causes a whine or howling noise. as the fluid gets hot, it flows easier which can reduce the howl.

I agree 900% I had the same problem. It was also mentioned in this forum a while back. I'm nearly certain it's your reservoir.

there's nothing wrong with the trans or power steering pump. these vans (gen4) are notorious for problems with the power steering reservour. you can get a new one from chrysler pretty cheap (under $30). or you can attempt to clean it out. there's a screen in the reservour that tends to get clogged. when it's restricted, it causes the pump to struggle to pull fluid in on the suction side which inturn causes a whine or howling noise. as the fluid gets hot, it flows easier which can reduce the howl.

Common fix for an all too common 4th generation problem. Any idea why they added that POS screen contraption on the 4th gens?

My 2007 Chrysler Town and Country with 66,000 miles is having almost exactly the same symptoms.
It is especially noticeable as it has gotten colder in December 2010, and January 2011.

The suggestions to remedy the problem seemed to lead to the power steering reservoir. I pulled the cap to recheck the fluid level, it was ok so I replaced it til I could get around to doing the flush. THE PROBLEM VANISHED. Just by pulling the cap?? I did not poke around in there at all. Something to do with pressure inside the reservoir???

2003 T&C with 117K... Changed my PS pump for the 2nd time yesterday. First time was at 85K. All quiet now.

Tip: After turkey basting most of the fluid out of the reservoir detach the return hose and feed it into a small bottle and run the engine for a few seconds to purge the remaining fluid from the system.