Jingle Bells

[sak22]

I've seen some other threads that kind of relate to this problem, but was wondering if anyone knows what it might be. The vehicle is a 1997 T&C LXi 3.8L V6 with 88,000 miles that has developed a jingle-like sound under the hood when idling. The van has had zero problems in its 10 year life and the sound coming from under the hood is just more of an annoyance... It hasn't affected the driveability or functionality. I've tried to just ignore it, but can't any longer. I've listened to numerous other Caravans and T&C's in the community from model years 96 thru 2005 and here the same jingling sound in most of them as well. I also remember reading a thread not to long ago from a gentleman who said it was normal for these vans. The "jingle" seems to appear when there is a load placed on the engine ie... turning A/C on, putting it in gear etc. The sound is not A/C specific... With the van idling in park and no A/C, you can barely here the sound... Put it in gear and/or turn A/C on and the "jingle" comes alive. Visual inspection of the pulley system checks out OK and the serpentine belt is fairly new (Goodyear Gatorback) with prpoer tension. I think the gentleman in the tread I mentioned above said it had something to do with worn bearings, but I can't remember what parts he was talking about and I can't seem to find that thread. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[RIP]

The gentleman was correct, though I wouldn't call it normal. Yes, many vans have the "crickets" or "bells" including mine. The worn bearings he was refering to are idler pulley bearings. Idler pulleys guide and tighten the serpentine accessory drive belt. On the 3.3 and 3.8 ltr engines there are two, a fixed pulley and the auto adjusting pulley. The noise could be coming from either or both.

As I said, my van also has "bells" under the hood. Eight years ago I changed the adjusting pulley assembly. The bells went away for nearly a year. They've been there ever since. I decided I wasn't going to make changing the pulley "scheduled" maintenance.

OBTW - the adjusting pulley costs around $30 and the fixed around $20.

[sak22]

Thanks for the reply... I think I will replace the two pulley's this weekend... Parts seem fairly inexpensive... will post results when completed.

[sak22]

Well, I replaced the tensioner assembly and idler pulley and the "crickets" are still living under the hood... Guess the search continues! Maybe if I use some bug spray under the hood, they'll go away!

[RIP]

EGADS! Might try tracing it down with a mechanics stethoscope. $15-40 at parts stores. Just be very careful around that spinning belt.

[doratheexplorer]

Originally Posted by sak22

Maybe if I use some bug spray under the hood, they'll go away!

Solutions I've found...
Chirping: Replaced Idle Pulleys (Alt & AC) and Gatorback'd the serpentine.
Jingles: Upper strut assembly...washer under the strut piston nut, located in the strut tower, jingles. I'm procrastinating the purchase of a 22mm(?) offset wrench to fix this noise.
Engine compartment rumbling: Replaced tranny & engine mounts.

[sak22]

Update... After careful listening with the stethoscope, it DID appear to be A/C specific. However, the jingle was still there whether the A/C was on or off which kind of eliminated the idea that it was solely the A/C clutch. With a couple of carefully aimed sprays of white lithium grease (will last longer than WD-40) at the back of the compressor housing and down to the shaft... and about a good 10 mile highway drive to the kids soccer game to work it in good, the jingle sounds are finally gone! They have been gone now since this past Wednesday. It's been a while since I last heard the van idle without the "Bells"... almost forgot how quiet it was.. Hope it lasts!! Thanks for everyone's help and advice!