Edmunds Answers questions

Dodge caravan will not fire. Yesterday it started, then this morning would not fire. What could this be?

allenant — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:37:17 GMT

My van would not start. My husband was working on it. He noticed the fuel pump humming when it was turned on, then it fired. Well this morning you could not hear the fuel pump come on and it would not fire. Is this a fuel pump going bad or could it be something else?

Just bought a 2002 Grand Caravan eL. When I turn on both the radio and the air conditioning, they cycle off and on.

skooty504 — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:05:02 GMT

The radio and air conditioning will cycle on and for for 40 second. Says one owner, not sure.

I cannot find the rear mount. I have the same wobble. What is the cause? Dodge Grand Caravan.

grussell5 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:12:54 GMT

I have the same symptoms.

Has anyone had problems with power steering leaks in a 2005 Caravan?

mambrutis — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:19:57 GMT

I heard a whining noise from my Caravan when turning; took it into the dealer from where I bought it used (18,000 miles) and they told me the seal is broken and that the repair will cost over $900.00. Seems through no fault of my own I need to pay a large sum of money on what may well be a defective part.

I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan and the pressure hose of the power steering is splitting what causes this and what can I

techlady — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:26:57 GMT

The high pressure hose of power steering was split which cause all the fluid to spill out on the ground and when replaced a week later the same thing happened

How do I get a broken oil dipstick out of a 98 Dodge Caravan

estle4 — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:24:47 GMT

It's stuck way down in the tube. Is there any way to take the tube off? If not how to take oil pan off, are there brackets to remove? By the way tried magnet, just too far down tube.

I am changing my harmonic balancer on a 98 Dodge Caravan. Does it just bolt on or does it have to line up with any marks?

steve173 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:30:03 GMT

i have a 98 caravan my harmonic balances was running out of line throwing the belt.... further inspection it was coming apart it seems to be to pieces on the wheel ......help...

My 06 Dodge Caravan makes a humming noise during a left turn at low speed. Has anybody else had this problem?

thorner1 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:31:42 GMT

the noise doesn't seem to be "metallic", it sounds more like a vibration & happens intermittenly. It also sounds like it is from the rear of the car.

91 Dodge Caravan brakes, hard pedal little response. Bled system, replaced pad/shoes.

starick — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:53:56 GMT

91 dodge caravan,replaced pads and shoes, bled lines but pedal is very hard (like having manual brakes)i believe i have the bendix 10 anti-lock system. if anyone has suggestions i would appreciate it!

I have a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The front of the stabilizer bar is rubbing against the drive axle.

map79z28 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:30:27 GMT

Has anyone experienced this? This is occurring on the passenger side. It is not rubbing hard, in fact at lower speeds, I dont notice it at all. At speeds over 25 mph, it is noticeable and annoying. I replaced the stabilizer bar bushings 6 months ago, replaced struts 1 year ago, ball joints 2 yrs ago, driveaxle 2 yrs ago, tie rod ends and stabilizer links 3 yrs ago. On visual inspection, I cant see anything that looks bent. But have I hit enough pot holes that the control arm is bent enough to cause this? Or has my stabilizer bar gone bad? Which part should I replace first? Help!

I need to know what fastens the caliper on in a 98 Dodge Caravan.

royawest — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:14:54 GMT

My sons 98 caravan needs front pads.I have to travel to do it.I need to know what tool I will need to remove the calipers

What 15" OEM wheels will fit a 1999 Dodge Caravan that has 14" wheels with 100mm bolt pattern?

cobrajet1 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:22:05 GMT

I have a 1999 Dodge Caravan with 14" wheels. It has the 100mm bolt pattern that is rare. What other car manufacturer has 15" wheels that will fit?

95 Dodge Caravan minivan horn goes off for no reason.

andrelaplume — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:08:51 GMT

Seams the horn will start a continuous honk for no reason while parked and empty. Happened twice after rain. No keyless or alarm on vehicle. Ideas?

98 Dodge Caravan BAD oil leak

veggie420 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:20:13 GMT

i have a 98 caravan with a horrible oil leak unable to find due to tight engine compartment. what are the typical issues with these vans? any insight is greatly needed and appreceated.

Dodge Caravan fan keeps running (1998)

sxivy1 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:14:43 GMT

When I shut off the van, the fan keeps running for over an hour. What do I do to shut it off. It has never done this before.

Downloaded and burnt cds will not play in my Dodge Caravan (2003). What format is my cd player? Help, thank you.

mambetty — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:14:36 GMT

i have burnt off some music so that i can keep a copy at home as well as in my car. But my car, a 2003 dodge grand caravan se, will not play the disc that i have burnt off. what is the format requirements on the cd player. i have played the disc in newer cars and it works fine, so i am lost. and if that is not the problem, what is.

Any idea approximate cost to have a 1999 Dodge Caravan broken front axle repaired?

pmulhern — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:58:56 GMT

1999 dodge caravan with broken front axle

How to release tension in a '99 Dodge Grand Caravan tensioner so that I can change belt?

nvargas — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:11:30 GMT

fwd so there is very little room

The steering wheel of my 1999 Dodge Caravan is suddenly almost impossible to turn. What could it be?

mcchatty — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:04:12 GMT

My 1999 Dodge Caravan is suddenly impossible to steer. I parked alongside a curb, the wheels did rub a bit-but nothing drastic. An hour or so later, I went to drive home and it takes all of my strength to turn the wheel. Any ideas on what could be wrong? Steering column maybe? Is this a hugely expensive fix?
Thanks for any advice- McChatty

Dodge Caravan brakes. Front driver/back passenger sides locked after new pads/rotors replaced.

jkraut — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:33:26 GMT

Dodge Caravan SE - 1996

Replaced the Front Pads and Rotors on our 1996 Dodge Caravan 3-weeks ago. When I test-drove the vehicle everything was fine.

My wife used the van to run short errand trip around town for a week and found the brakes to be working fine. The van was not used for a few days and when I went to drive it the wheels felt like they were locked. I felt the brakes were FIRM to the touch and it was sticking both in forward and reverse.I used another vehicle that day. When I tried it again a few days later the van seemed to roll normally and I took the van for a short test drive of 1-2 KM and then stopping - I could smell hot brakes outside the vehicle. The front-drivers wheel was warm/hot to the touch.

I drove home and raised the front end. With the engine running and the transmission in Drive the front-drivers wheel would not turn and the front-passengers wheel turned freely. I raised the rear and found the rear-passenger wheel was also LOCKED and the rear-drivers wheel turned freely.

I can't figure out why the BRAKING CIRCUIT for the affected front-drivers wheel and rear-passenger wheel is maintaining or creating pressure, which is preventing the wheels from turning freely.

There are no “Warning Lights On” on the dash.

The situation has escalated to the point where the van can’t be driven at all. To move the van from my driveway into the garage I had to release the Bleeder Screw on the Front Caliper slightly and this allowed me to drive the van into the garage.

I don't think the front calipers are the problem because they are retracted normally – and the rotor turns when you bleed the caliper and locks when you close the bleeder screw.The fluid level in the master cylinder is also at the correct level.

Could the ABS be causing this problem? The front-driver and rear-passenger is the Braking Circuit that is affected?I have bleed the brakes with a vacuum pump according to the manual – But the manual also states that for a proper bleed the van should be taken to the dealer with a DRB scan tool. Is that true for this Make/Model?

I have tried the following recommendation from mechanics to see if it would correct the problem:
1. Bleed the brakes (twice) according to the repair manual with no change.
2. Replaced the Brake Hose on Front Drivers Side – Again no change, then Bleed the Front Drivers Caliper – Wheel remained locked.
3. Pulled the ABS relay out, as well as the 40AMP – ABS fuse trying to deactivated the ABS System to see if that would make any changes – No Change
4. Rechecked calipers and pistons and they are moving freely no binding no sticking.
5. Pins & sliders have been cleaned up & lubed.

Have spoken to a few mechanics this week and they have had no new ideas as to the cause of the problem.

Am at a loss as to what is going on. Any ideas…

Front brakes are dragging after brake job on a 99 Dodge Caravan.

msfxit — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:19:28 GMT

My friend's Bfriend did a front brake job on a 99 caravan. After a week of driving, the front brakes started dragging and of course got hot and the pedal was hard. Well he then replaced the calipers, and the same thing. I suggested to replace the hoses. The only change then was that only one brake was dragging. Any suggestions? I want to sneak over there and fix it while he is gone! Thanks

2005 Dodge Caravan makes extreme grinding noise when applying the brakes.

repaired — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:42:12 GMT

2005 Caravan makes extreme grinding noise when applying the brakes on the passenger side. The brake itself does not appear to be making the noise. Possible bearing issue?

How does the power steering unit assemble to the rack and pinion on a 1995 Dodge Caravan?

pinkpocodots — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:22:16 GMT

I am trying to get the rack and pinion to go back in place to the steering gear box and column, I replaced all the mounting brackets and bolts but the rack and pinion keeps popping back out when I start my 1995 dodge caravan how do they go back together ? Any diagrams to show me how?

How to remove the rear drum on a 1999 Dodge Caravan?

laxcr — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:29:35 GMT

Thank you for the answer on my problem of locked up rear wheel on a 1999 Dodge Caravan. Your answer stating "Well i would say it is a brake problem either u have and E brake cable sticking on which it sounds like or a shoe has come lose and is walking around in the drum. There isn't much else it can be. Hope this helps take the wheel off and remove the rear drum and have a look."

I took off the wheel but do not know how to remove the drum. Any further advise?

Cheers
laxcr

Need normal engine rotation direction for Dodge Caravan 2000 2.4 liter and viewed from what angle on motor.

pelogius — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:00:39 GMT

Need to know the normal engine rotation direction for a 2000 Dodge Caravan 2.4 liter. I think the valves are jammed together from the timing belt breakage and I am thinking to reverse the direction to free up to set correct timing with crankshaft. I understand one needs to rotate the camshafts together as they will hit.

Thanks

Has anyone figured out what causes the water leak in Dodge Caravan passenger compartment?

marty_may — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:36:38 GMT

I know there are similar questions posted, but none have an answer that fixes my problem. i have a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan and recently the we've had a lot of rain. About a week ago the front passenger side carpet was very wet after some heavy rain. We thought the kids left a window or door ajar, dried the carpet and went on. However, it rained again and today when my wife got in to drive the car, she noticed water dripping from behind the glove box area. i got in there and removed the glove box and another panel. Behind it are several plastic housings. I found at least one that is leaking. It is located in the right hand corner of the passenger foot area. the cover faces down and is shaped like a bean, but a little more circular. there are four screws that hold it to the console. when i removed the screw, the container is empty except for a cloth like filter that stands vertical and is rectangular shaped. i know this is at least one source of the water as the cover was full of water and the "filter" was wet.

unfortunately, i'm not exactly sure what this box is or what it's for and i don't think the filter (if that's what it is) is removeable. I tried spraying the car with a hose from many angles, removed the wiper blades and the cover and checked the drains, and looked through the engine compartment and from inside the car for cracks, rust, holes, etc. i found nothing.

the only thing i found was the drain hose on the passenger side windshield area was cracked, but water still flowed freely to the ground from both hoses. i taped the hose as a temporary fix, but i'm really more concerned with tracking down this problem.

So, if you can help me fix the problem and maybe even tell me what the cover/filter thing behind the glove box is i'd appreciate it. i'm trying to keep mama's car from smelling nasty.

Can I have a kneeling system installed in my Dodge Caravan?

suzatin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:36:21 GMT

I have multiple sclerosis and am unable to lift my right leg into the car. The seat is about 3 inches to high for me to set first, then swing my legs in. I have a 2008 caravan and a complete conversion would cost an additional $21000 I've been told. I know kneeling systems are installed during conversions. So I am wondering if I could just have the kneeling system installed at this time. Thanks, Suzanne

1996 Dodge Caravan vibrates on take off.

greendillon — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:09:14 GMT

1996 Dodge Caravan SE - I changed all 4 motor mounts, both front axle's, had the front struts, ball joints, front ends check and all looks good. The front still vibrates and shakes on take off approximately 35-40 mph. After that speed 45 mph and greater, it runs fine. Any suggestions?

I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan with an ABS problem. No codes.

mastertech19 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:35:14 GMT

The thing is there are no codes present in the ABS or any system PCM,BCM,FEM nothing found for codes in any module. But yet the ABS light is always on, I've watched the live stream data and the only thing I have noticed is the wheel speed on every wheel is lower than the speedometer value by about 12 mph. If anyone can help it would be appreciated. I'm going to get more into it when customer returns after vacation. Check power and ground to EBCM ? Idea?

What kind of oil is recommended for the 2007 Dodge Caravan?

babytrudy — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:54:15 GMT

I have a 2007 Dodge Caravan that I just purchased. What grade and kind of oil is recommended?

02 Dodge Caravan leaking power steering fluid.

sukotocaravan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:06:45 GMT

I have an 02 Caravan Sport and it is leaking power steering fluid in one of the hoses that appears to go into a finned box. It is located under the van on the driver side about 3 feet deep. I've attached a link to some photos I took.
Do I just replace a hose/line or is there a lot more to it? It looks like there is a pinch at either end of the hose that is leaking.

The fluid is coming down the hose and not from the finned area.

What's really strange is it only leaks when temperatures dip below zero. It was leaking last winter and then stopped all summer and now it is leaking again.

Also, there is no whining noise coming from the power steering. I have to add new fluid every couple weeks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39257969@N05/

Thank you in advance for your help.

2008 Grand Caravan Sliding Door problems

lcrosby — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:58:43 GMT

We leased a 2008 Grand Caravan SE. We have less than 500kms on it and the sliding doors (not power) appear to freeze solid when the temps drop below 1c, a problem since its now Jan and we live in Canada. Dealership has had it since Dec 5 and cant figure out the problem. Anyone have any insight or same problems?

What would cause a car to run too cold?

womacru — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:43:57 GMT

2003 Caravan. Temp guage never gets above 1st mark on guage. Heater does not get hot. Bought van new. Problem just started.

2000 dodge caravan neither front window or either of two rear vent windows work.

hlucado — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:08:39 GMT

Purchased new driver's side master door located window switches. No change-windows/vents still do not work.

dodge G/C drivers rear door opens 6" then stops, gets to same point when closing and stops. Can open/shut manualy

jrb161 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:44:29 GMT

my 2005 dodge g/c drivers side rear door opens about 6" then stops,the same thing happens when closing. It can still be move manualy but not with the electric motor. If you use the electric keys or buttons inside it still does not work right. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to fix it?

Thanks

Instrument gauges not working on a 1998 Dodge Caravan 3.3 Litre

windstarblues — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:32:48 GMT

The gauges are all in either their "zero" position or what may be considered their neutral position. The door ajar light remains on as well as the shift position light up to and including "R"everse. There was another light on. Latest news as I was trying to determine what that light was I plugged the cluster back in and everything is working. So this is apparently an intermittent problem.

Persistent Check Engine Light - 1995 Dodge Caravan.

tonye — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:59:28 GMT

Hi,
We have a 1995 Dodge Caravan with lo mileage (56k). Heater was not pumping warm air and temp gauge slow to warm up. So.. we after replacing the thermostat and radiator flush, Check engine light started to appear and engine ran rough. Exhaust pipe was black. Mechanic checked error code said bad O2 sensor and replaced. They also flushed heater core. Check engine light came back on.. we replace thermostat with factory spec. Check engine light returned and then mechanic tapped ECM and the check engine light went away. They recommended replacing the ECM. After a few days the check engine light re-appeared with replacement (Used) ECM.

What is the next step or recommendation?

Thanks,

Tony

I have a 06 Grand Caravan with a 6 dvd player . What kind and where can I get a remote and headphones for it .

rogermc — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:05:17 GMT

2006 Grand Caravan I do not have headphones or remote. dealer will sell to me but will not give any other info. Thanks

Has anyone done a compression test on 03 DGC 3.3L engine ? Or any year 3.3L ? If so what was the reading's ? Denny

dlstarry — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:12:54 GMT

I took a compression test on mine & I get first stroke jumps 90 - 95 psi
then within 3rd or 4th stroke tops out at 125 psi this is on cylinders
1 3 5 .

On 2 4 6 the first stroke jumps to 95 - 100 psi then within 3rd or 4th
stroke tops out at 175 - 180 psi.

Why so much difference between front bank & rear bank ?

Denny

how to change Dodge Caravan crank sensor

seabron49 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:30:24 GMT

on 1999 caravan there is a metal ring that prevents the new sensor from inserting should itbe ground out the new part is oem i checked 3x

What do the codes 27/P0201 and 43/P0301 mean? Can I still drive my Dodge Caravan with these problems or should I park it?

cmilhoan — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:14:08 GMT

I have a '98 dodge caravan 3-liter engine. It does have an oil leak and needs an exaust, but other than that it seemed to be running fine. The other day it got stuck in the snow and about 30 minutes later the service engine light popped on. It was feeling shacky and weird to drive, especially at low speeds. I took it to Advanced Auto and they ran a scan and gave me those codes. The funny thing is, later that evening i wanted my husband to see what it was doing. The problems were no longer there, except the engine light was still on.

Dodge Grand Caravan 2000/model, steering wheel hard to turn but it is not power steering fluid, help

kim1649 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:23:27 GMT

Steering wheel hard 2 turn when backing out or making a turn. Have already checked power steering fluids?

2006 Dodge Caravan power bogging down at any rate of speed.

vlonion — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:48:59 GMT

Vehicle starting losing power as if gas was cut completely off . Pushing the excelarator down to the floor does not help. It will finally pick up speed again after 30 seconds to 1:00 minute. Check engine light does not come on , there are no lights to come on at that time. Took it back to dealership and put on computor but nothing shows up. This started when mileage was 23829. Mileage is now 24124 , has been in the shop twice and still nothing. Nothing was done to the van , still bogging down. I called Chrysler and file has been sent to the Resolution Dept. What ever that means. I still haven't heard anything. Please HELP!

This 2006 Dodge caravan is a 4 cylinder.

Have 98 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. Leak somewhere on passenger side near cowlng. Can't find diagram of body on line. Help

sleor — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:38:42 GMT

Where on line would i find a diagram of the front left near the windshield wiper. leak seems to be comming from junction of cowling and passenger front window. checked gasget, and seems ok.

Hey, this is vlonion, got your remarks about 2006 Dodge Caravan

vlonion — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:48:29 GMT

I went to Dealership and drove the Service Manager around and guess what he finally experienced the same thing I had been talking about. He changed out the plugs and connected a co-pilot to the dash. So far nothing has happened since . I'm waiting. Yes, Chrysler is a joke to deal with . I am a female so therefore I know nothing . Little do they know I have worked in Dealerships and I know the ropes.

DVD player not working after battery charge? Dodge Grand Caravan.

rbowles — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:09:39 GMT

Last night I turned the key on on my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan to remove a dvd from the 6 disc changer and neglected to turn it off. Of course, my battery was dead this morning. After charging it, the van cranked perfectly, everything appears fine, except the dvd player will not work. All 6 lights flash when the key is turned on and then after a few seconds they flash 3 and 3. If I push the button to select a disk, I get an error message? Can something be reset?

I own a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am looking for a replacement part for the rear blower power module. Any help?

beccad4 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:45:34 GMT

I am trying to locate a replacement part for my rear blower power module in my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan.

2005 Grand Caravan. Where do I tap lines to hook up lights for tent trailer?

skysix — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:08:51 GMT

I'm not sure where it is easiest to tap into wires on Grand Caravan

1996 Dodge Caravan 3.3; number five cylinder not firing.

madcity — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:57:24 GMT

Have replaced coil pack, and still no spark from the pack. Any ideas?

Hey, does the stalling problem still exist on your 2006 Dodge Caravan?

vlonion — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:14:01 GMT

Well my 2006 caravan finally threw some really good codes. The check engine light came on and stayed on. Could not get the codes off of the co-pilot. Finally , changed out the spark plugs, and the o2 sensor was what seemed to be the culprit.. After 4 tow ins and the service manager driving it home many times. They also called Chrysler and they tested many things. The o2 sensor was the bad boy..... vlonion