stiff steering on startup

[dirtybirdy]

Can someone help me. Once and a while when i start my 2002 caravan the steering is really stiff. Once i start driving all is good again. What do you suggest.

[B33p3r]

I know there is a TSB on the 2001s. There is a problem with the power steering resoirvoir(spelling?). Stiff steering at stand still, loud moaning/screech when cold....etc etc. Contact your dealer, it is covered if you push the issue. It's a sin that you have to push the issue. IMO THEY SHOULD CONTACT YOU TO BRING IT IN FOR REPAIR.

[dld2dld]

Mine is an 03. There is a recall from 02 to 04. The recall is for power steering hoses. There are 2 fixes for this, both hoses. Mine needed a power steering pump. Still their prob. They sent me away 3 times. The 4th time I told them I was taking it to MY mechanic and IF it WAS a power steering issue that I was then going straight to small claims. They mysteriously found the prob. and are replacing the pump to day. The mechanic claimed "That laaast bit of info I gave him lead him to DRIVE IT! Good Lord help us all! Just make them do it. I can e-mail you a copy of the recall notice if you want. If this is not fixed it can cause a fire underneath the hood. Even though yours may not be the right year...it sounds like a law suit to.....THEM! You can read the thread I posted earlier today. DLD2DLD

[dirtybirdy]

Hey DLD2DLD, If you have a copy of that recall can you email it to me at [email protected]

[2000caravan]

Originally Posted by B33p3r

I know there is a TSB on the 2001s. There is a problem with the power steering resoirvoir(spelling?). Stiff steering at stand still, loud moaning/screech when cold....etc etc. Contact your dealer, it is covered if you push the issue. It's a sin that you have to push the issue. IMO THEY SHOULD CONTACT YOU TO BRING IT IN FOR REPAIR.

Thank you...I have a 2001 Grand that I have returned to the dealership 4 times, they can never find the problem...last April I actually was in an accident because I couldnt steer the vehicle...hit a curb really bad...cost me and the insurance a couple grand and I STILL have the problem. No steering cold wet days...do you know if there has been a recall on 2001...and what exactly should I tell the dealership to get this prob corrected. thanks for you help

[Allbert]

Originally Posted by 2000caravan

Thank you...I have a 2001 Grand that I have returned to the dealership 4 times, they can never find the problem...last April I actually was in an accident because I couldnt steer the vehicle...hit a curb really bad...cost me and the insurance a couple grand and I STILL have the problem. No steering cold wet days...do you know if there has been a recall on 2001...and what exactly should I tell the dealership to get this prob corrected. thanks for you help

If you haven't already, you could visit the NHTSA.gov website and fill out a report indicating that the defect you mentioned caused an accident. I think if they get enough of these, they really put the screws to the manufacturer.