1996-2000 Caravan/Voyager issues

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 dodge caravan or voyager and was just curious as to what common problems these vans have. What should i watch out for when buying a 96 and at how many kilometer's do things tend to break down?

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 dodge caravan or voyager and was just curious as to what common problems these vans have. What should i watch out for when buying a 96 and at how many kilometer's do things tend to break down?

Buy the newest one you can, they are good vans except for the transmission on far to many of them, example, my 2000 LE 3.8 litre had the solenoid pack and a relay go, cost $640 cdn, then 3 months later two transmission sensors $234 cdn (all work done at dealer) and this on a van with under 50,000 miles, it has taken them far to long to get this transmission right, it first came out in 1989! as the Ultradrive.......to sum it up, only fear the transmission.

Buy the newest one you can, they are good vans except for the transmission on far to many of them, example, my 2000 LE 3.8 litre had the solenoid pack and a relay go, cost $640 cdn, then 3 months later two transmission sensors $234 cdn (all work done at dealer) and this on a van with under 50,000 miles, it has taken them far to long to get this transmission right, it first came out in 1989! as the Ultradrive.......to sum it up, only fear the transmission.


I have a 99 Grand Caravan and I was warned about the AC going bad...sure enough one summer later I was replacing the condensor(i think that was it)...it is under the dash! They have to remove the entire dash to do it..you pay nothing but labor on that job...since then NO other problems other than typical wear/tear. I am about to hit 80k on her and we plan to keep it for awhile. Keep up the maintanence and they do fine.

i have a 96 caravan SE, i bought it about 2 months ago, so far i havent had any problems, it runs very very smoothe, so far wat i did since i got it is a tune-up, lubed, and had to change the tires. When i bought it the rear hatch was stuck but the dealer got it opened.

These vans have more problems than I have room to list here.

TorinoGT69:

You are not very helpful. Please specify on some of the major issues these vans have and if you do have time, list what bad experiences you have had in order to make you think that you do not have enough room to right about them on this page (there is no limit of sentencing ;) ).

So far, i have heard nothing but good things about these vans (not only searching about helpful hints on this forum), you have been the only one who has had anything untasteful to say about them so please do specify. :loser:

These Vans have problems with premature failure of the transmissions, motor mounts, strut mounts, air conditioning system, to name a few. I apoligize if I sounded rude in the prior post. I inspect used vehicles for a living and I see more each type of vehicle and the problems they have than many people see in a lifetime. These vans do not hold up well especially if they are older with high mileage. Many owners of these vans have these problems with their vehicle and do not even realize it. I see people on here constantly praising vehicles which I see every day falling apart.

I would like to know of any vehicle that does not fall apart. I myself have had 9 vehicles in my life time and i am only 23 and have had problems with each and every one with all beeing different makes. Every vehicle has their problems just some more then others. I do agree however with the dodge/plymouth having the problems as you described with the strut towers in my mind beeing the worst for rotting out ( improper maintenance which in my mind could have been prevented if not pro-longed).

I have owned 5 caravan/voyagers(all used) and it's a love/hate thing. Tranny has gone bad on ALL between 80-100k miles. My current 96 tanked at 98k and cost $1,800 to fix. Thought I had lost another on my 92 at 145k(2nd trans) but luckily it was a speed sensor. Head gaskets are an issue, 3 of 5 needed replacement. Those are the 2 big money issues that I've had. Other common problem is the tensioner for the serpentine belt. Not as expensive but when it snaps off and your miles from nowhere, you're screwed.(4 of 5 vans). I've also gotten good at replacing starters(4 of 5).

The big issue is the tranny. At $1,700-$2,200 it can be a killer. I've changed the fluid(used only ATF+3) and filters but you never know how the previous owner treated it. Make sure you check the fluid, if it smells burnt at all, stay away!!! :newburn:

I've needed the vans as I have a family of 7, and can't afford used Honda's or Toyota's. From all the research I've done, the Ford minivans are even worse than Chrysler's!

Good luck

I have a 94 Grand Voyager LE. It was a one owner when I bought it with 73000 miles. At 110000 the trans went, although had I known about the input and out put speed sensors, and the trans control box on the fire wall, I would have replaced them and would have probably been still using the same trans. I have the 3.8 engine. other than the new trans, I have put a tensioner and serpentine belt at 105000 mi, the motor is fantastic, and the Van is still in great like new shape, it has 147000 on it now, but I have also maintained it strictly and very good with out exception, oil change at every 3000 mi, and have always kept it in very good repair. it has paid off the van still drives as good and seems as though it is a new one.

I just bought a 2000 GC. Watch the tranny fluid and change regularly, brakes go fast but are easy to change, have an extra serpentine belt and know how to change it (have tools in the van). They are good vehicles, have sold millions of them, no wonder some have problems. Service regularly and you will be fine.

For anyone that is considering a Dodge caravan, as I have one myself. If you buy a new one, keep very good records. If possible have all work, tranny service done at the dealer. I know it will be more expensive but you/and the dealer will have records that you serviced your Caravan properly. It is fairly common that the dealer will attribute any problems to owner neglect. Also again more expensive, get the longest drivetrain warranty as most likely you will need a tranny before 100k. I have had to get 3. Good luck out there
Matthew

Mbriggs, you hit the nail on the head! I have a '99 T&C AWD with 91,000 miles on it. Miles from no where, the belt tensioner snapped off. Part was only 30 bucks or so but I needed to be triple jointed to install! That was at 70,000 miles. At 86,000 miles the tranny went! Found a bad head gasket while it was in the shop and forked over more of the college tuition for repairs. Thing eats through brakes too, but we do tow quite a bit. Other than that, I really do like the van. Comfortable and spacious and tows our camper well too.

I currently have 93 Voyager that had the 3 speed non electronic transmission go out about a year ago at 112,000 miles. $1,527 to replace and so far so good, my son is driving it. We bought it new and have always kept it well maintained, we did tow a pop up trailer out west one year with it though. I've also had this loaded up with landscape blocks several times.

I also have a 98 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3 that has the 4 speed electronic transmission with almost 90,000 miles on it. I'm really paranoid after reading all the post about these going out. I have owned this van a little over a year and 1st thing I did was have all the fluids replaced: power steering, brake, coolant, transmission along with an oil change. I was lucky enough to buy this used van with a transferrable warranty of $50.00 that really came in handy when the AC evaporato went out, saving me almost$400.

Now this van does not have a trailer hitch on it and I don't intend to put one on unless I want to put a bike rack or something like that on it. I guess I would be a little more leary of a used Chrysler van that had been used for towing as this seems to put more strain and wear on a iffy transmission. I really try to baby mine by avoid jumpy starts. I keep the radiator fins clean especially at the bottom where the transmission cooler is with the thinking that if it's clogged up with bugs all the time, the transmission can't run as cool as it needs to. I love all the room and the way it drives. If I can afford it, I would like to buy a new one someday but will probably opt for the extended warranty.

Good luck but keep in mind how much potenial repairs could cost.

MN Walleye

Stay away from the 2000-2003 if you can. Nothing but electrical problems! The only way to fix it is GET RID OF IT!!!! The dealerships NEVER find anything wrong. Back to Pontiac SV6 or Honda for me.

I have had 4 Caravans, and I still have 3 of them, one hit a deer and was just beyond repair . . .
I hear a lot of complaints about the tranny's, I have had 1 go out out of 4, had to be rebuilt, failed again 3 weeks later, had to be rebuilt again. That was in the 88 Caravan. I have 2 89 Caravans, never had a lick of trouble with the tranny's in those. I have a 1994 Caravan, starting to have some minor problems with it's tranny, but like most of the problems you see with these, I believe it to be electrical or electronic, not mechanical. I have had to replace CV joints on all the vans, I think they probably go out more often than they do on most cars. I also have to replace brakes very often, maybe every 8 months or so on all of them. Other than that, though, they are great vans, I obviously like them since I've bought 4 of them. I've had to do regular infrequent repairs like you have to with any car, a water pump here, an alternator there, that sort of thing, but the brakes and CV joints are the only things that stand out as unusually prone to breaking on these in my experience. I think the tranny's are too, but I think they are more a luck of the draw thing, some of them last forever, and some of them just go. All of mine are over 200K miles, and 2 are perfect, 1 has minor problems, and 1 had to be rebuilt twice, once at 160K miles, and again (free the second time) at 160,800 miles . . .

Hope this helps.

Oh, yeah, I forgot the paint, I have had paint peeling and fading issues with all 4 of my vans. I hear that Chrysler finally has the paint problems licked, but they sure sucked at paint for at least 10 years or so . . .

Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Bought my Grand Caravan LE brand new in '96 for $29K+ (such a deal)... Since then...

3 replacement transmissions/torque converters @ $2200 on average, each, the last of which included a sheered CV Joint - kind of surprising because my Caravan came equipped with the "Heavy Duty Towing Package" which included extra/big oil/trans coolers, trailer wiring harness, heavy-duty suspension, shocks, whatever, etc.

"Heavy Duty" - my butt.

1 drivers side power seat @ $999 - give a break. My dealer said I should get it replaced because it was a "safety issue." I said if it's a safety issue, Dodge should fix it for free. Dodge did NOT fix it for free and this is just one of countless reasons why I will not buy another Caravan. I am convinced that Dodge couldn't care less about "my safety" and unless they are forced to issue a recall notice or cover a fix under warranty, Dodge won't pay to fix ANY issue, safety-related or not.

Well, @#$%&! you too, Dodge.

"Fixed" Door lock system 3 times (under warranty)

CD player stopped working after 3 years (never bothered to fix it.

Airbag clockspring replaced under recall warranty (airbag light went on and stayed on) - safety hazard

Fuel rails replaced under recall warranty - fire hazard

Fuel tank/door/nozzle/something replaced under recall warranty - explosion/fire hazard

Rear washer fluid tank decided one day to empty itself (I couldn't turn it off) - disconnected and never fixed

Replaced Heater Blower Motor every 65,000 miles or so (I'm on my third)

Parking Brake - replaced FOUR times (teeth keep breaking off the catch wheel)

Paint is peeling off the body and roof rack BIG time - screw it, it's a Viking Burial for this pig after it's dead.

Just for the heck of it, on just one of many occasions my Caravan was at the dealer for repair, I asked that they replace the burned-out license plate bulb in the rear...

So, here's a Dodge joke for you...

QUESTION:How many Dodge mechanics does it take to "screw in a light bulb?"

ANSWER: I don't know, but I DO know it costs $6 for the bulb and $8 to screw it in...

C'mon now, that *IS* :lol:

I could've done it myself, but I just HAD to know the answer to the joke. Now YOU know... what a rip off. :shakehead

And then there are the "little" annoyances like the van will power down in the middle of traffic - engine off, no power brakes or steering every 3 months or so (you get the picture) and windshield wipers (front AND rear) flapping back and forth for no reason (I AM able to turn them off by putting their switches into the ON position :screwy: - go figure).

BTW, We bought the 7yr/100,000mile "Bumper-to-Bumper" plan for $2,600 when we bought our loaded '96 GC for $29,000. Three years later at 111,000, the tranny/torque converter blew. A word to the wise: Dodge wouldn't sell YOU something if it weren't profitable THEM. The "Bumper-to-Bumper" thing is a load marketing B/S. There were plenty of things that broke inside the cabin, all plastic, like the CD storage unit door, that was NOT covered by the plan. It cost us $40.

These are just a few ditties that I can recall off the top of my head... the point is I've paid between $9,000 and $10,000 for repairs - and if you add my cost of the 7yr/100,000mile Bumper-to-Bumper Plan to my overall costs, it's between $12,000 and $13,000 ON TOP OF the price I paid for my Caravan in the first place.

My $29,000 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan actually cost me around $42,000.

This is why I am an unhappy camper and why it is VERY unlikely I will buy another Caravan. Ever.
To sum up my experience... :nono: :headshake :eek: :shakehead :banghead: :confused: :disappoin :crying: :frown: :dunno: :rolleyes: :angryfire :swear: :cya: :sly: :thefinger :newburn: :bloated: :bricks1:

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 dodge caravan or voyager and was just curious as to what common problems these vans have. What should i watch out for when buying a 96 and at how many kilometer's do things tend to break down?

I have friends with Ford Windstar & GM vans, and they have the same complaints as Chrysler van owners. They all blow head gaskets and eat transmissions.

My recommendation: if you are going to buy a 96 - 00 Chrysler van, get the 4 cylinder (unless you travel in hilly country alot.) The 4 cylinder has 150 HP, same as the 3.0L six, but without all the aggravation of the 6 cyl. The 3 speed transmission supposedly holds up better than the 4 speed. My 1997 4 cyl actually has a lot of power, but it doesn't like hills. It can get up them, but it is constantly shifting and trying to find the right mix of engine speed and gear selection.

I bought mine 6 months ago with 146,000 miles. I spent about $500 doing preventive maintenance and getting it the way I wanted it. I don't drive it much (only about 3,500 miles so far), but I really like it. No problems.

hello, just thought I would add my 2 cents worth, we just bought a 96 voyager in june of 03 when our 89 areostar decided to quit for no reason, we have to replace the coil pack and now I am having trouble keeping the battery charged, dont know what is causing this problem.anybody have any ideas The main problem I have is trying to get the engine codes read, in our location dealers charge you 75 dollars just to hook up and hopefully they can tell you what the code is for, I love the van for its looks and the way it drives but Im a do it yourselfer and unless I want to shell out a lot of money trying to maintain this vehicle is to costly. I have a 86 model GMC VANDURA but the cost of gas keeps it parked.

Code readers are available for $99 - $139 at automotive chain stores such as Autozone, Grand Auto, Pep Boys, etc. It is well worth the investment, especially if you are going to pay $75 just to have the codes read once.

DOn't pay that much, an OBD II/OBD I scanner can be had here for $29:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7630&catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&langId=-1&TID=100

i have a 98 voyager 4 cylinder, 113,000 miles. the only problems have been relatively minor. the oil pan threads stripped twice (alum pan, soft threads) and pans had to be replaced. the dealer stripped them out, so be careful there. my front right speaker stopped working (and i need help getting off the dash to check it out)

just regular maintenance like brakes, wipers, etc and nothing big has gone bad. None of the transmission problems like others posted

i am very good with preventive maintenance and i guess this helps. maybe i've been lucky too.

I have a 94, 2 89's and an 88, and on all those you can access the front speaker by popping off the plastic panel covering it. Did they make it hard to get at on the 98's?

The panel comes off, it's just hard to do. Don't try it on a cold winter day or it will most likely crack! $7 speaker from Walmart fit almost perfectly.

Sweet! I usually get replacements from Radio Shack, I think last time I paid $12. I'll have to check Wal-Mart.

I have a 99 Sport.
- It has interior leakes that I have been battling for 5 years, one in the rear and one from under the dash. Its been to the dealer at least 7 times, they can't find either one. I have defeated one but am still battling the other.
- If you hit a bump while turning left the keys fall out of the ignition.
- Dash lights, speedo, fuel guage all die on cold days.
- Windshield wipers make one sweep whenever they feel like it, usually when starting or turning off or hitting a bump.
- Interior lights work some days, and don't on others
- Interior lights will come on for no reason
- Rear vent windows work some days, and don't on others.
- Closing slider on drivers side will sometimes cause all doors to lock
- AC smells like death
- Brakes are very short lived.

Other than that its a fine automobile.

I have friends with Ford Windstar & GM vans, and they have the same complaints as Chrysler van owners. They all blow head gaskets and eat transmissions.If that's true, then there is something seriously WRONG and everyone needs to go back to their friggin' drawing boards and start over.

Before I spent four times more on my new GC in '96, I drove a 1986 Toyota LE Van for 197,000 miles and replaced ONLY a starter (once), an alternator (twice), and an idler pulley (once). Period. It was a five speed manual and I never even had to replace the clutch!

I refuse to accept Chrysler's pathetic track record for dependability as "normal."

I do NOT believe it is normal, for example, to replace a transmission every 65,000 miles or 3 years at $2,200 a pop, whichever comes first. I do NOT think it's "normal" to replace a driver's-side captain's chair for $999 after it breaks in 4 years. It is NOT normal to replace a parking break 4 times (and it's broken again) when the catch-wheel teeth keep breaking off. It is NOT normal for a CD player to crap out in less than 3 years. My list is nearly endless.

And to add insult to injury, my dealer had the cajones to charge me $100 for a broken CD storage door and those two tiny broken plastic straps that retain the glove box door - so much for Dodge's bullshit "Bumper-to-Bumper" Warranty. It isn't "Bumper-to-Bumper."

I bought a '96 GC and I read the horror stories. After nearly 9 years, Dodge should have most of the bugs out of the machine. They don't and I don't see it getting much better. I have embraced the horror - it is verrrry doubtfull I will ever again buy another Dodge POS.

DOn't pay that much, an OBD II/OBD I scanner can be had here for $29:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7630&catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&langId=-1&TID=100

If only that were true! $29 is for the EZ-PC 500 PC LINK CD only. The OBD I & II scanners cost $529.99 and $699.99.

Stay away from the 2000-2003 if you can. Nothing but electrical problems! The only way to fix it is GET RID OF IT!!!! The dealerships NEVER find anything wrong. Back to Pontiac SV6 or Honda for me.I'm with you, brother. It kills me to think I'll be looking at Toyotas and Hondas again. What else can I do? I gave Dodge nearly 9 years to prove their product and service and, sad to say, they didn't measure up. I have no choice but to vote with my wallet. I hope some Dodge engineer visits this site and reads these testimonials because I really do want Dodge to build a better minivan so I can buy it.

I am going to hold off until 2006 and see if Daimler is able to pull some kind of miraculous engineering rabbit out of its hat with Chrysler transmissions. And then, that's it...

If only that were true! $29 is for the EZ-PC 500 PC LINK CD only. The OBD I & II scanners cost $529.99 and $699.99.


How weird, I just went and looked again and it said $529, just like you said. I swear it used to say $29, and I actually ordered one and got it for $29! It must have been a mistake they've corrected. I'm glad I got mine before they did . . . my best friend got his for about $40 from Wal-Mart, I'll see if I can find a link to that.

Well, I called my friend, he said he got his on a special sale, he thinks they're around $100 normally at Wal-Mart.

How weird, I just went and looked again and it said $529, just like you said. I swear it used to say $29, and I actually ordered one and got it for $29! It must have been a mistake they've corrected. I'm glad I got mine before they did . . . my best friend got his for about $40 from Wal-Mart, I'll see if I can find a link to that.

Well, I called my friend, he said he got his on a special sale, he thinks they're around $100 normally at Wal-Mart.How about this...

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3352

How about this...

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3352

That's the same model I bought last year for $129. $108 is a good price. It's a good unit, too. I bought my Voyager from someone who said "The car shudders when you take off unless you turn off the A/C. My mechanic said there weren't any codes." This code reader pulled a code that said "Misfire on #1 cylinder". I yanked the plug & there was carbon tracking down the side of it. New plugs & wires and the car runs great.

Having one of these readers is the difference between guessing and knowing where to look. Well worth the money. (Of course, they COULD just have a display on the instrument cluster that would just list the codes without a tool, but noooooooo...they have to make it sound like this stuff is magic.)

Problem 1: Gears won't engage in the morning. Takes about 5 minutes of idle in park, and reving the engine up to 3K to get gears to engage when shifted to drive. (San Diego, high 40's in the morning)

Problem 2: Pools of liquid under engine. I suspect tran fluid since I have to frequently refill the transmission fluid.

Self-diagnostic code of 1-2. "Battery or computer recently disconnected."

96 Dodge Grand Caravan, automatic, 3.8 liter engine, 83,000 miles. Second owner, bought in 1998. Have had all brakes replaced, serpintine belt snapped, door locks have a mind of their own, wipers are possessed.

I've read over and over that the tranny needs replacement around 80K miles, costing ~$2,000.

Is it that simple or is there anything else I can get checked/replaced/fixed?

Thanks in advance!

1997 voyager 3.8 4 speed tranny problems and radiator problems

I personally think the plymouth/dodge vehicles are very reliable cars. Of course, I will also agree that you must service the transmission regularly. Every 10000 miles would not be overkill. I've had two caravans (1980something and a 1996). My 1996 Voyager has a rebuilt transmission (it lasted 98K). I bought it at 40,000 and serviced the transmission twice. The transmission still had to be rebuilt. Luckily, I had the 3 speed transmission because it only cost me $1500. Aside from the transmission the vehicle is extremely reliable. I hope the transmission will hold out though. I am extremely sketchy about the transmission. It seems that I've had problems ever since I serviced the back brakes. I might have it checked out. It seems there is a bit of a grinding noise. But, when I stop and stick my hand over drums they seem cool. So maybe it was simple wear and tear.

Some of you don't want to hear this - 96 GC 3.8 ltr with 188,000 miles on it and the tranny hasn't so much as hickup'd. I change the fluid annually with ATF +3 only and change the filter every 3 years. I've changed the starter, water pump, radiator, and repaired a door lock mechanism. I'm living with an A/C system that has to be recharged every summer and wipers that come on when they wish (I pull the fuse out during the non-rainy season). Other than that, it's been a great car. It looks like Crystler built this one on a Wednesday.

197K miles now. Fixed a leak for $700 at 191k. Other than that, still lookin good. Feb08

I'm new hear and need to replace a starter for a plymouth voyager----I HATE SIDE MOUNT ENGINES!!!!-----where is the starter on this cramped quarters motor???? any help, greatfully appreciated :banghead:

The Chrysler minivans are hot sellers and my father knows about it since he is an used car dealer.The GM and Ford minivans are very hard to sell.There was a rumor out that GM and Ford were going to quit making minivans.I know one Carquest parts store that has 2 of them and still run being maintained.One is one hoist,transmission problems and it is the three speed auto.One thing to watch on the 3 and 4 speed transmissions,the spider gears pin spits out and ruins the case if not caught in time.Found a fix for that to prevent this,weld the ends of the spider pin to the case,not the spider gears.

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 dodge caravan or voyager and was just curious as to what common problems these vans have. What should i watch out for when buying a 96 and at how many kilometer's do things tend to break down?


MiDnIgHt RuMbLeR, I have a 97 voyager with over 300'000 km on it. It is now just starting to give me a few electrical glitches. I had my transmission go at about 110,000 km and air conditioning repaired twice. I had never had a tuneup done until two months ago. Changed the oil @ every 5000 km and she still runs great. Never failed any emmisions tests. It doesn't like towing my boat or utility trailer much, but I never had transmission cooling rad installed either. I myself would not hesitate to buy another, infact my wife and I have be looking @ a newer 2004.
No matter what vehicle you buy someone is always going to find fault.
Reading this forum is great but remember these are people that are having some issues with there vehicles now, which looks like alot but it is nothing compared to the amount of Voyagers and Caravans that are on the road. I hope this will help, I love my van.

Just bought another Caravan, a 96 ES with 160k that is is great shape with a rebuilt tranny. Can't afford to buy anything more expensive as I will be adding a 17 yr old to my policy and full coverage on anything desent would be way to much $. For me, its the devil I know! :devil:

I am looking at purchasing a 1996 dodge caravan or voyager and was just curious as to what common problems these vans have. What should i watch out for when buying a 96 and at how many kilometer's do things tend to break down?


i have to admit they are pretty good vans but they have way to many phantoms..... just to name a few on my '97: sensor in the steering columg goes bad causing cruise and horn to stop working, wipers short and turn on when turning or using turn signal, climate control fan cuts out, 4th speed on fan doesnt work, radio cuts out sometimes and i have heard of many many more. so just be careful when you buy one.

speaking of which another issue that just developed tonight i will post in a new thread but my breaks are having issues and cutting out the rest of the car......

I have a 98 (185K miles) and an 03 with 67k miles. Aside from the $750 crossover pipe, the van has been great to us for 110k miles. Brakes are a yearly item, and I just replaced original water pump and my first belt. Of course the strut towers look like swiss cheese, but I plan on running into the ground. Strong engine (3.3) and great tranny....the orginal by the way.
I love it. It has been a great vehicle for us. Now we have 2

i have dodge grand caravan 99 3.3 engine .i changed the oil, when finished inside in the van. the speedometer its at maximun and dont move.i think that is the speed sensor but i dont now where is.please help me. thanks

I have a 2000 Caravan 3.0L. I just put a Transmission in it 33 days ago cuz the diff. Pin dropped in the trans. It was making a grinding sound on the highway then it went out...BLOW IT ALL APART!:crying: My new trans has 40,000kms on it:screwy: , and its making the same sound on the highway...I think the pin is falling out again. There is a bracket Dodge made in 2002 for the 2002 and newer vans. If anyone knows what Im talking about, can you tell me if it can go on a 2000??? I need a van, and dont have money for a honda, and the :shakehead fords are MUCH worse then caravans. The Transmissions are good in the caravan but if you spin your wheels in the snow (and how can you NOT spint in the snow) then it will make this pin fall out....so its not your transmission wearing out, its the pin working its way out and falling in your trans. The bracket that Im talking about is at Dodge for 5 bucks (can) :popcorn: OTHER then that... My van is working really good, Drives like a brand new van, and also looks new. Thank-you for anyone who writes me back. :smooch:

2000 caravan-----My gas gage my not be working... It works fine when I fill it... But sometimes when I know the gas light was on the day before, I will start it up in the morning, and it says I have alot more in it... and Im on flat ground... and it stays up there but slowly gose back down to empty over the next few days...anyone know why??? LOL I just read what I wrote and Im not sure anyone will understand any of that LOL:rofl:

HEADLIGHTS! Ok I have a 2000 caravan and the headlights are looking yellow, witch makes the van look older. Is there anything at all I can get to clean them or make them clear again? There really not that bad, not like %90 of the caravans I see in my area. But I want mine to look as if they are brand new...

Me again...LOL 2000 caravan! When I back up (more so in the cold) and put my brakes on, it sounds like as if someone took a hammer and hit my brake drums really hard everytime I hit the brake.... but only when Im backing up. I took it to dodge and they could not do anything.... I swear they are all dummys working there. also in the rain (HARD RAIN) THE VAN DONT LIKE TO WORK... iT FEELS LIKE ITS SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF GEARS FAST! and I have loss of power. can anyone help.. and dont tell me to take it to dodge cuz I have... there all retared:screwy: . They charge me for the time, and say, they can't find anything...They talk to me like Im making it up.... Like I want to spend money I dont have just for them to tell me its a good working van, with nothing wrong with it...LOL

did you ever buy the 96 caravan??? if you did, how did you like it? I have a 2000

I guess my 2000 Caravan purchased when it had about 40,000kms is an oddity. I have maintained it regularly and have had-now get this-NO PROBLEMS! No transmission, no engine,no nothing problems. Just regular wear issues [muffler, wipers, oil changes, etc]. It's now has 142,500 kms on it. True, I work less than 10 minutes away from home and don't travel much. I live in Oshawa, Ontario and can show you all of the service records from my mechanic. Len J.

"Oddity" far from it. There are plenty out there with few problems.