97 GrCarav Hesitates when hit gas

[stb100]

Three issues actually:
No. 1 -- My '97 Gr Caravan ES 3.8 hesitates with a 1 second or so lagtime when you press the gas -- does it if engine is hot or cold.
No. 2 -- Has a high-pitched screech when it idles after startup. Seems better once hot...
No. 3 -- Cranks zero heat on psgr side -- has dual controls drvr and pasgr. Not a prob in this weather. Little chilly last winter tho.

Any help greatly appreciated. THANKS

[B33p3r]

1 second lag time...There are smarter people here than me to help with that...My first reply from reading posts here is to make sure your fuel filter is good and check fuel pressure(cheap gauge can be purchased for this.
Screech is probably a belt and/or pully issue
Heat issue.... I would check vacuum lines associated with the passenger side switch to start.
Be patient and the masters will jump in and help.

[caravandrvr]

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I concur, the squeal is most likely a belt slipping. That's a classic. Also not sure about the vacuum issue on the heat thing, but the hesitation could most certainly be caused by a vacuum leak as well. Since the heat control is on the fritz as well, I'd certainly open the hood with the engine running and give a good look, listen, and possibly a CAREFULL feel for vacuum leaks. JUST REMEMBER THERE ARE A LOT OF MOVING PARTS THERE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING MOST OF WHICH COULD SEVER A BODY PART IN AN INSTANT!
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