Three problems related to air conditioner have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Oem part worn while in contact with compressor; creating leak of refrigerant. Cost of part 75$ plus new refrigerant and labor (roughly 300$). Replacement part from oem manufacturer has been redesigned to prevent rubbing against compressor. Dodge (daimler-Chrysler) has been aware of the problem (as evidenced by the redesigned part), but has not published any technical bulletins or general recalls for this part. The failure of this part is a guaranteed loss of air conditioning refrigerant (r-134 on newer models, r-12 on the older models). This is an expensive repair for most drivers, and is easily rectified with the redesigned part, without loss of environmentally damaging refrigerants. Obviously, I would like to be reimbursed for cost of the repairs I paid out of pocket, but it would be nice if this was addressed for millions of Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Mini-van owners. Sincerely, michael m. Millar.
Transmission is locked up. Vehicle would not even roll when placed into neutral. Vehicle towed to dealer. Service department stated the transmission differential came apart causing the trany to become locked up. Transmission wouldn't move in any gear and it would make a grinding noise when the vehicle was started up an put into a gear. Replaced the transmission and flushed the cooler. Service department stated with a 3 speed transmission there is no transmission computer to run diagnostics on it - this was a mechanical failure. Cost to replace transmission with a factory remanufactured transmission $1600. 54. Air conditioning unit failed. Service department stated the evaporator had corroded and cost to replace approx. $740. 00. Have not replaced the evaporator yet (going into cooler weather).
Numerous times over the last (3) or (4) months the harness on the integrated child seat became so tight around child that owner had to use the auxiliary release. Air conditioner has given consumer problems on 4 different occasions. Abs light illuminated, brakes were noisy and were replaced. Power lock failure. Power steering problem, consumer did not specify.