Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

Tl-the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle hit a small pothole and the contact lost power steering. Also, the vehicle overheated and the alternator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnosed the failure but decided to replaced the serpentine belt as a safety precaution. The failure recurred several times mostly when it rained or hit a pothole. The contact stated that the serpentine belt came off several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 143,000. Pmb.

When driving in the rain we hit water on the road and the serpentine belt comes off, you lose power steering at the time if it happens in heavy traffic you could have a crash. When looking for a solution for the problem I found it happens to a lot of people. Gates makes an after market fix part# 38379k. Dodge will not fix it.

The belt tensioner on my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan se 3. 3l engine is a safety hazard. It has a design flaw, the belt comes off when the van is driven through puddles. I have owned my van for 2 years and I have had to replace the belt and coordinating parts about 7 times. I am at the point where I do not feel safe driving my children around during wet weather conditions nor do I feel comfortable selling this vehicle to another family and passing this severe problem on to them. Please come up with a solution to this design defect and do a recall!!!!!.

I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan last year on December 2007 my serpentine belt came off while I was making a right on one street under the rain, I almost lost control off my car but I was fortunate that no cars were around. It was hard for me to drive my car but I called the mechanic and he told me not worry that I would be able to get safe to the shop. That incident broke my windshield hose water, my air conditioner and my steering wheel hose and heat it up the car so I had to stop several times before I got to the mechanic shop. I was so afraid but I got safe. Then it happen again a week later, I was so angry with the mechanic because I thought that he didn't do nothing to my car and that he was taking my money only, since I was around the corner I was able to go back to him. Within the las 7 months, my serpentine belt came off around 5 times and every time that it came off it broke something, so I had to pay the mechanic more money. I would really like for someone to try to contact Chrysler and try to see what they can do, unless they are expenting for someone to get kill because they can't maneuver the wheel. Thanks for your time monica huaman.

This is the fourth time in the last several months that my serpentine belt fell off while turning a corner. I have a 97 Dodge Grand Caravan sport se (3. 3). The first two times it was raining and the second two times were in good weather. Each time it was quite a jerk when the power steering went out on the turn. What if this had happened on the highway when I wouldn't have been able to control the vehicle??? obviously, this is quite a hassle having to get the car towed each time and having the mechanic put the belt back on and look for the problem, and not being able to trust my vehicle anymore. My mechanic replaced the tensioner,belt, and pulleys with the gates mv conversion kit. He was aware of this being a common problem. I also read online about all the other people with the same problem and how this seemed to be the only fix that worked. The Dodge dealership here said they were not aware of this problem! this is a very dangerous problem and should be corrected by Chrysler. Do people have to die before Chrysler will take responsibility for this design flaw and provide this fix for everyone?.

The problem is with a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, the accessory belt keep coming off if you drive the vehicle through water. It has happen a least 20 time in the last year which lead to power steering failure and over heating and battery failure. I tried to fix the problem by changing the tensioner the belt also the idler puller all about twice which did not solve the problem.

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle completely shut off. The contact checked under the hood and noticed that the serpentine belt was disconnected. The vehicle had to be towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The current mileage was 100,000 and failure mileage was 85,000.

Serpentine belt repeatedly comes off its pulleys, necessitating a tow, on-the-spot repair job, or driving under unsafe conditions for a short distance for the repair.

I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. In February 2005 we had the serpentine belt replaced, and all parts related to it adjusted and cleaned. This was done due to a horrible screeching sound. In November of that year the serpentine belt came off during a period of cold & rainy weather, and left me without steering or cooling fans. I was almost in an accident because I could not steer. The belt was replaced. Six weeks later, again-in cold and rainy weather. It happened again, and today, 3 weeks later, yes, cold and rainy weather it has happened for a third time. My garage is set to replace the steering fluid pump, thinking it might be leaking on it, the belt, tensioner and a pulley. Hoping it will fix the problem, this will be a $500 bill at least. However, after much research I have found this to be a regular problem for this make and model, crossing several model years. I contacted Dodge, who told me there is nothing they can do about it without a recall, but agreed there have been technical service bulletins (tsbs) regarding the problem. I told them I did research on these tsbs, as well as various websites where auto mechanics post, and there has not been a single repair that works in each vehicle. This should be a huge safety concern. This belt controls the steering, the alternator and the fans. This is a Mini-van, made for families. I am fearful of allowing my three children to ride in this vehicle now, knowing that even after the repairs coming up this week, the problem may not be fixed. Due to the severity of the danger which could occur , losing steering on a major highway in poor conditions, I believe this issue should become a recall.

1) driving normally through water several inches deep - certainly not an unusual situation considering the amount of afternoon storms we have received this summer in middle georgia. 2) serpentine belt slips from pulleys causing lose of power steering, water pump, air conditioning, alternator. On first occasion and with great difficulty, my wife was able to pull over and avoid a collision. 3) belt appeared undamaged but I replaced belt with new approved belt. The same thing happened on August 22, 2005 while I was driving on georgia 87 (rural highway) in a severe downpour/thunderstorm. The rain and storm conditions were so loud I did not notice the temperature gage, indicator lights and warning-buzzer warning me of some engine failure. I was able to drive to an intersection and pull out of traffic, again with great difficulty due to power steering failure. Ultimately, people will lose lives over this issue if they have not already. There are many of these issues posted all over the internet. Please pursue this issue so someone's life can be saved.

Terrible squealing noise in belt area. Dealer charged ~$250 for belt and tensioner replacement and noise was greatly reduced. Several years later the noise returned and grew even worse. Replaced the worn belt and noise was greatly reduced for about two weeks. After the noise returned, removed the belt and checked all pulleys - found no problems. Replaced tensioner and idler pulleys anyway (~$20 each from dealer) and reinstalled belt. Noise was reduced for about two days. Took van to dealer who said that it was the tensioner and were surpised that it had lasted as long as it did. I purchased and installed a new alternator, power steering pump and tensioner. The noise was greatly reduced, but returned full force within a couple of days. In desperation I turned to belt dressing as a possible solution since I had cleaned all of the pulleys prior to belt reinstallation. When the belt dressing was sprayed on the tensioner pulley the sound disappeared for a few seconds, then returned. Belt dressing had small or no effect when sprayed at other locations along the serpentine belt.

Serpentine belt slips off idler pully when driving through standing water resulting in loss of power steering.

1997 Dodge Grand Caravan 3. 0 6 cyl belt came off in rain storm left me stranded and missed work the belt was in one piece and got it home and had a new belt installed and pulley upper front non grooved. Again belt came off bran new belt new belt put on again belt now squealing in the back belt tension arm nor squealing belt rides the pulley l/r about 1/4 inch than back. It seems to me.

Serpentine belt keeps coming off each time the vehicle goes over a puddle of water. Vehicle has to be towed each time when this occurs.

Consumer complained that the serpentine belt slipped off intermittently when driving in wet weather or on wet road condition. It appeared that water was getting under the engine, and causing the serpentine belt to slip off the pulley. Dealer and manufacturer were notified.

We have replaced six serpentine belts in the two years we have owned this vehicle. We replaced the tensioner, but it did not correct problem. We are now facing number seven and are at the point of total frustration. We need to see this corrected immediately.

The belt that controls the power steering and brakes and radiator fan came off twice today and several times in the past. It's all we can do to get it stopped and pulled over when this happens and it happens in any type of rain.

Serpentine belt comes off when vehicle has gone through water, snow or slush causing loss of steering control, electrical power, engine cooling; all of which may be cause of other problems if vehicle is not immediately stopped and taken somewhere for the belt to be re-installed. Manufacturer has identified problem and a solution (TSB#070299, NHTSA#606159), which is engineering related, yet does not release this as a recall. It was serviced 8/12/03 (blouin) to replace the original belt, has had problem since that replacement yet manufacturer does not acknowledge responsibility to correct their enginerring error at their cost (lee). Repair should be a recall condition to repair a situation that can cause fatalities if it occurred under highway conditions.

1997 Grand Caravan sport serpentine belt came off five times in one year, the latest on 12/30/03 when driving on a rainy day. Every time the belt gets wet, it falls off!.

1997 Dodge Grand Caravan car serpentine belt was making noise. Was told it was worn and needed to be replaced. Replaced serpentine belt. Drove car in heavy rain, serpentine belt fell off. Towed car to dealer replaced belt and sent me on my way. Same day drove car in heavy rain, serpentine belt fell off. Towed car to dealer. Dealer checked with Chrysler on fixes. Installed a clip. This was suppose to solve my problems. No heavy rain for a while. Then, drove my car in heavy rain, serpentine belt fell off again. Towed car to dealer. Was told they were going to replace the tensioner and that was pretty much all they could do. They suggested that I don't drive the car into puddles. We all know that this is impossible. Stated to the dealer, that I drove through puddles with no problems before they replaced the serpentine belt. I've only had this problem since it was replaced. They did not have a answer for me, again they said "you shouldn't be driving in puddles". I asked if I cannot drive in puddles what am I supposed to do. They said turn around and find a different route. I find this hard to believe. What if I'm on a highway? should I turn around? I've done some searching on the web and have found that I am not the only person who owns a caravan that is having this problem.

Serpentine belt falls off when water gets on it, resulting in loss of power steering and control. I understand this is a wide spread problem and am concerned that my familys' safety will be in jepardy each time this happens. It has happened four times to us and I feel this warrants a recall before someone loses their life.

Since power steering pump replacement, the serpentine belt regularly slips off when splashed with water. - came off while my wife was driving. - dealer tried replacing tensioner (which I had replaced 6 months earlier) - no luck - will continue to try to solve with dealer.

While backing out of the driveway, the consumer heard a loud bang. The vehicle would not steer. The pulley broke off, causing the drive belt to fall onto the street. There was another incident where the consumer was making a turn and lost all power steering. The consumer witnessed another vehicle with the same make and model experiencing the exact same problem. (the consumer's alternate address: p. O. Box 585 zip 03825).

Serpentine belt comes off during wet weather, making minivan very difficult to steer.

My 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3. 3l v6, had the belt tensioner shear off/come apart at 35,000 miles. Then at 68,000 (33,000 later) it went bad, it froze up. This caused the belt to crack also. So the tensioner and belt were replaced at that time. How much of a problem have these tensioners been? should I expect them to last only 30,000 to 36,000 miles?.

Serpentine belt broke while driving 20 mph, dealer and manufacturer were notified. Vehicle no longer under warranty.

Bolts which hold pulley tensioner have broken twice within two years. First bolt was replaced by an independent repair shop, and the second bolt was replaced by a dealer. Provide any further information on this matter.

Consumer stated the serpentine belt fell off causing the vehicle to shut down and not restart. Please fill in additional information.

Heard a noise while driving about 5 mph. Then, power steering went out. Pulled over, and had vehicle towed to dealer. Serpentine belt had too much tension and broke.

Catastrophic failure of drivebelt tensioner caused instant loss of control of vehicle by failure to drive either power steering or the alternator. This caused instant and total loss of hydraulic power to the steering and loss of electrical power to the lights. The electrical power did come back up but only sufficient to give less than half the normal illumination to the headlights as both airconditioners were operatiing as were the lights and wipers. The incident happened on a twisting wet road in the everglades with a canal on the outside of an approaching bend in the road. Sudden loss of power steering required a superhuman effort to keep the vehicle on the road and prevent what would have been a tragic finale had the minivan gone into the canal with its 3 adults & 4 children. Discussion with two Chrysler dealers as well as several tow truck drivers indicates that this is a very frequent cause of accidents. One dealer said they have to replace one of these tensioners every day but it seems to take 36 or more months for the defect to show up hence it does not appear on chryslers' warranty list of frequent failures although Chrysler must be aware of the problem due to the inordinate number of replacement tensioners they have to ship to their dealers. Mechanical inspection of the part shows not only poor design but also, in my case, defective manufacturing of the high tensile bolt used to attache the tensioner to the engine. When the tensioner breaks of off it allows the drive belt to detach from the pulleys it is driving which include the power steering, airconditioning compressor, water pump and alternator the first and last of which are critical to vehicle control. Further research indicates that this problem in Chrysler minivans appears to be confined to 3. 8 and 3. 3 liter engines. Defective part was made in canada. Tow truck drivers told us that if they have to pick up a Chrysler minivan, 4 times out of 5 it is for a broken drivebelt tensioner.

Serpentine belt tensioner bolt sheered off at mount. Metal was stressed causing bolt to break off. Assume defective bolt (have assembly for further exanination if needed). Power steering, air conditioning, engine water pump etc etc ceased to function because belt came off all power accessories. Engine overheated and may have caused damage to engine. Very dangerous situation as far as vehicle control etc. Was told by mechanic that this item has been causing problems for some time. He has replaced many of these items on Dodge caravans. Request that a recall be considered in this situation. Thanks.

Serpentine belt has been destroyed 3 times and come completely off twice while traveling 65 miles per hour on the freeway. The result has been a loss of power steering, the alternator light activated, and is a safety hazard. I was told the problem was the failure of the manufacture to include certain parts.

Had shifted to reverse prior to backing and heard a clunk. Shut off engine. Looked under vehicle and saw the serpentine belt hang down. Looked under hood and saw the belt tensioner had snapped off and had dropped down to the right axle. Was informed by mechanic that this is a common problem with the 3. 3l engine. Was thankful that it did not happen at highway speeds.

The tensioner for the serpentine belt broke off while the car was waiting to enter an intersection--the car was disabled. I have talked w/3 people since who reported the same problem. Including repetitive broken belts. I see a trend but Dodge won't cover in their extended warranty.

Sepertine belt and tensioner make a constant squeaking noise. The belt came off while traveling on a rainy day through a small puddle of water. When it came off, I lost power steering but was able to muscle it over to the side of the road. My wife would not have been as lucky. It was replaced (under warranty) in 1999. It is now thirty thousand miles later and it has been squeaking off and on again for quite some time. The dealer does not want to replace it again under warranty since the last one lasted for 12 months or 12,000 miles. I have a friend that had his belt and tensioner replaced 8 times before having Dodge buy the van back. It is a problem, so please look into making Dodge recall the faulty parts. Thank you.