96 Grand Caravan is a whiner

Have a noise coming from the A/C unit at high RPM's in neutral or park. A similar whine type noise occurs when accelerating or when trans shifts. Almost seems to be vacuum related. The trans has been checked, seems to be working fine. The A/C works, but not real cold. If you accelerate slowly in drive, or idle when stopped, no noise. Put it under load and there it is, the harder you accelerate the louder it is. Might not be the A/C at all, can't see where it's coming from when rolling. Any ideas? .... Retired Computer Guy in the Ozarks

Added 11/24/03: Forgot to mention, that there is no noise, idling or shifting when the A/C is turned off.

I have the same problem with my 96 Grand Caravan ES. In addition to this there is an intense whining sound while the fan is on(air cond is off). It correllates to the revs when accelerating, almost sounds like the tranny (which was recently rebuilt). The air cond noise is yet another noise complicating matters when it is on. Recently replaced the air cond clutch and had it recharged. It is cold enough, but the noise indicates something is wrong. Should you have figured out the problems with your vehicle, I'd appreciate to hear from you about it.

Did either of you ever find out what was whining? I get some noise from my fan (with a/c or just air) but not quite what you describe.

Did either of you ever find out what was whining? I get some noise from my fan (with a/c or just air) but not quite what you describe.


Yes, I had it checked out and it definitely was the a/c compressor. Mechanic says that the compressor is activated when the defrost, fan, etc. is turned on. Can't have one without the other for some reason. Hope this helps. By the way do you know of any way to open a vent in the front of the van, (driver's seat) without turning on the fan? (given you own the 96 Grand Caravan ES)

Hmmmm, actually I have a '96 T&C LXi which is almost identical to the ES. I'll try mine today and see what works for the driver.

Have a noise coming from the A/C unit at high RPM's in neutral or park. A similar whine type noise occurs when accelerating or when trans shifts. Almost seems to be vacuum related. The trans has been checked, seems to be working fine. The A/C works, but not real cold. If you accelerate slowly in drive, or idle when stopped, no noise. Put it under load and there it is, the harder you accelerate the louder it is. Might not be the A/C at all, can't see where it's coming from when rolling. Any ideas? .... Retired Computer Guy in the Ozarks

Added 11/24/03: Forgot to mention, that there is no noise, idling or shifting when the A/C is turned off.

Forgot to end the story: Took it to a dealer and was informed it would cost over $1200 to replace the compressor, dehydrator, condensor and list of other stuff (didn't even pop the hood). I cured the problem, traded it in on a PT Cruiser (love it and no more whining, neither it or me). That was my 3rd and LAST Caravan, also my last trip to that dealer.:naughty:
...Wizzzer in the Ozarks