power steering pump

I have a problem with my 2002 carvan the power steering pump sounds really bad like no fuild at all.... been in shop 4 or 5 times and they cannot fix. Only does it when it's around 20 degrees outside. warms up outside whinning goes away. its so bad you cannot talk inside the van. Also have a electrical problem just started at once.. turn off and take key out open the door any door andback wiper starts going lights flicker inside. get in and start the motor turn on headlights insturment panel lights start flickering door locks by its self. keyless entry will not work...

!st, the simple questions: Have you made sure it has fluid, and have you changed the belt?

!st, the simple questions: Have you made sure it has fluid, and have you changed the belt?
Yes on the fluid no the belt has not been changed.. Have at the dodge dealership right now. maybe they will fix this time. had no choice with the electrical problem...

I have a 2001 caravan and power steering pump does same thing. I've done a little homework here is what I've found. The resorvoir for the pump is the problem! I can't get anymore specific than that. The resorvoir must be changed. I believe they are suggesting a different fluid now also. I found the TSB it includes 2001 and 2002 caravans. I'll try to send it to you if your email is not blocked. According to the TSB if I'm reading it right, there shouldbe no charge for the work.

Power Steering - Moaning/Groaning Sound

NUMBER: 19-001-02

GROUP: Steering

DATE: Jan. 11, 2002
SUBJECT:
Power Steering Moan/Groan Sound

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing the power steering fluid reservoir and filling the power steering system with ATF+4 (M59602) fluid.

MODELS:

2001 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

2001 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)

NOTE : THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINE BUILT BEFORE MAY 22, 2001 AT WINDSOR ASSEMBLY PLANT, JUNE 4, 2001 AT ST. LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND JULY 2, 2001 AT GRAZ ASSEMBLY PLANT. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THESE DATES HAVE ATF+4 (M59602) POWER STEERING FLUID AS A FACTORY FILL AND ARE NOT AFFECTED. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS ATF+4 FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, THIS TSB IS NOT APPLICABLE.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

A power steering moaning/groaning sound may be heard under most operating conditions.

The sound is typically worse at cold start up and during lower speeds and parking maneuvers.

DIAGNOSIS:

If the vehicle operator describes the above symptom/condition, refer to the 2001 RS Service Manual or the MDS2, Section 19, Steering, Diagnosis and Testing - Steering System Diagnosis Chart, for possible causes. If no causes are found, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Wipe the power steering cap and area free of dirt. Remove the power steering cap.

2. Use a siphon pump to remove as much fluid as possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.

3. With a helper in the vehicle, raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.

WARNING :POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE PARTS, AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE EXTREMELY HOT IF THE ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING. DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DISCONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES OR POWER STEERING FLUID TO TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.

4. Locate the power steering cooler attached to the crossmember support plate. Slide back the clamp and disconnect one of the two power steering return hoses at the power steering oil cooler and drain fluid in an appropriate container.

5. Have the helper turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly several times to force as much fluid as possible from the steering gear.

6. Reconnect the hose at the oil cooler using the original clamp.

7. Lower vehicle so the vehicle tires are not contacting the ground.

8. Remove and replace the power steering reservoir (p/n 04743012AA) using the procedure outlined in the 2002 Service Manual or the MDS2, Section 19, Steering, Pump, Reservoir - Power Steering Fluid.

9. For proper fluid fill and bleeding air from the power steering system:

a. Fill the power steering reservoir to the top of the fill range using Mopar power steering fluid (ATF+4) p/n 05013458AA.

b. With the engine OFF and the vehicles tires off the ground, slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth (lock to lock) slowly 20 times to force fluid into the steering gear.

c. Fill the power steering reservoir to the top of the fill range.

d. Start engine and let run for a few seconds, then turn oft engine.

e. Check fluid level and add if necessary.

f. Start engine, and slowly turn the steering wheel lightly contacting the left and right stops.

g. Stop the engine and check fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.

h. Lower vehicle, start engine and slowly turn steering wheel lock-to-lock.

I. Stop engine and check fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.

j. If fluid is extremely foamy, allow vehicle to stabilize a few minutes, then repeat steps "i" and "j" until the fluid level remains constant after running the engine and turning the steering wheel from lock to lock.

10. Inform the vehicle owner/operator that a steering vibration may be noted for a few hundred miles until the air is completely removed from the steering system.

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Power Steering - Moaning/Groaning Sound

NUMBER: 19-001-02

GROUP: Steering

DATE: Jan. 11, 2002
SUBJECT:
Power Steering Moan/Groan Sound

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing the power steering fluid reservoir and filling the power steering system with ATF+4 (M59602) fluid.

MODELS:

2001 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

2001 (RG) Chrysler Voyager (International Markets)

NOTE : THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINE BUILT BEFORE MAY 22, 2001 AT WINDSOR ASSEMBLY PLANT, JUNE 4, 2001 AT ST. LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND JULY 2, 2001 AT GRAZ ASSEMBLY PLANT. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THESE DATES HAVE ATF+4 (M59602) POWER STEERING FLUID AS A FACTORY FILL AND ARE NOT AFFECTED. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS ATF+4 FLUID IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, THIS TSB IS NOT APPLICABLE.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

A power steering moaning/groaning sound may be heard under most operating conditions.

The sound is typically worse at cold start up and during lower speeds and parking maneuvers.

DIAGNOSIS:

If the vehicle operator describes the above symptom/condition, refer to the 2001 RS Service Manual or the MDS2, Section 19, Steering, Diagnosis and Testing - Steering System Diagnosis Chart, for possible causes. If no causes are found, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Wipe the power steering cap and area free of dirt. Remove the power steering cap.

2. Use a siphon pump to remove as much fluid as possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.

3. With a helper in the vehicle, raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.

WARNING :POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE PARTS, AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE EXTREMELY HOT IF THE ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING. DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DISCONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES OR POWER STEERING FLUID TO TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.

4. Locate the power steering cooler attached to the crossmember support plate. Slide back the clamp and disconnect one of the two power steering return hoses at the power steering oil cooler and drain fluid in an appropriate container.

5. Have the helper turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly several times to force as much fluid as possible from the steering gear.

6. Reconnect the hose at the oil cooler using the original clamp.

7. Lower vehicle so the vehicle tires are not contacting the ground.

8. Remove and replace the power steering reservoir (p/n 04743012AA) using the procedure outlined in the 2002 Service Manual or the MDS2, Section 19, Steering, Pump, Reservoir - Power Steering Fluid.

9. For proper fluid fill and bleeding air from the power steering system:

a. Fill the power steering reservoir to the top of the fill range using Mopar power steering fluid (ATF+4) p/n 05013458AA.

b. With the engine OFF and the vehicles tires off the ground, slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth (lock to lock) slowly 20 times to force fluid into the steering gear.

c. Fill the power steering reservoir to the top of the fill range.

d. Start engine and let run for a few seconds, then turn oft engine.

e. Check fluid level and add if necessary.

f. Start engine, and slowly turn the steering wheel lightly contacting the left and right stops.

g. Stop the engine and check fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.

h. Lower vehicle, start engine and slowly turn steering wheel lock-to-lock.

I. Stop engine and check fluid level. Add fluid if necessary.

j. If fluid is extremely foamy, allow vehicle to stabilize a few minutes, then repeat steps "i" and "j" until the fluid level remains constant after running the engine and turning the steering wheel from lock to lock.

10. Inform the vehicle owner/operator that a steering vibration may be noted for a few hundred miles until the air is completely removed from the steering system.

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.



I think they have fixed the problem another hose was replaced did not charge for the fix... The electrical problem was a loose ground screw on the passager front door.. hope this is a done deal

I have a 2001 caravan and power steering pump does same thing. I've done a little homework here is what I've found. The resorvoir for the pump is the problem! I can't get anymore specific than that. The resorvoir must be changed. I believe they are suggesting a different fluid now also. I found the TSB it includes 2001 and 2002 caravans. I'll try to send it to you if your email is not blocked. According to the TSB if I'm reading it right, there shouldbe no charge for the work.
I think the dodge place fixed the problem turned out to be a hose I think one that already been replaced... I will find out when it gets cold again. Also the electrical problem was a loose ground screw on the passerage door fixed maybe...

this reservoir is the fix actually. i have changed many of these and it works. what happens is there is a screen in the bottom of the reservoir and if gets built up with dirt and restricts fluid flow to get to the pump therefore causeing your whinning.