44 problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Lost control of vehicle, due to tension pulley snapping off at engine block and causing brake + steering on the one belt system. Serviceman stated that this is a common problem?doesn't sound safe to me!.
Belt tensioner had to be replaced 18 months ago by dealership. Then, three months ago, belt tensioner came off again, this defect was repaired by dealership again.
I purchased the 1997 Grand Caravan in January 1998 at the marlow heights dealership in marlow heights, maryland. The first time I started experiencing issue with the vehicle was 5/1999 at 24,006 miles vehicle had little power when accelerating, transmission not engaging, transmission had to be reconditioned. In 12/1999, there was transmission fluid leaking inside of the vehicle on the driver's side causing a very strong nasty odor. Carpet had to be replaced. This caused a hazardous condition to my family especially my kids having to breath in this fluid. 3 /2000 same fluid leaked again in auto because of defective heating coil. Then again in 8/2001 the leak happened again. This time I contacted daimler Chrysler in north carolina and complained daimler Chrysler agreed to repair the vehicle under what they called one consumer repair per customer per vehicle. In 11/2001, the check engine light came on 3 times. At this point, the vehicle was also due for emissions testing and did not pass the test because of a cylinder misfire code. Once I was able to obtain the funds for repair, in 5/2004 @ 118,668 miles, I decided to take the vehicle back to the dealership for the repairs. I was told that I needed to have the spark plugs replaced and that would solve the issue. So I paid $114. 24 to replace the 6 . Spark plugs, problem not solved I ended up paying $3,758. 82 in 7/2005 to replace cylinder heads, timing belt, and water pump . This was the second time I had the timing belt replaced. Recently, in 3/2006, oil light came on. Had to replace both vc gaskets, cam plugs, both ft cam seals and rear cam seals and timing belt once again for third time. This cost to me was $2,677. 50. Now the oil light is back on again.
While driving about 20 mph driver heard a noise coming from under the van, and almost lost control van. Van became very hard to steer. When driver checked under the van, it was noticed that the rod that holds the tensioner pulley snapped off. The problem has not been reported to the dealer.
Serpertine belt broke as I was rounding a curve at 35 mph. I got the vehicle to a complete and safe stop.
While driving in rain the fan belt comes off continually, causing complete loss of power. Mjs.
I have had the belt tensioner replaced 3 times since I owend the vehicle because of warpping. The third time I wrote to customer service thay told us that the part has meet Dodges warrenty requirements. Thay was sorry but nothing thay could do. I thank the is a serious saftey problem because when the belt comes off you lose your power steering. Which could cause a accident. Plus the wippers come on by them self or when you put on the turnlight on. This has be going on since the vehicle has been new.
The fan belt is knocked off of it's track when the vehicle goes over even small puddles, making it very difficult to drive when it is raining. And even more frustrating is just the threat of rain, makes the vehicle not even worth taking out that day.
While traveling steering wheel became hard to turn and engine overheated. Vehicle was serviced, and technician noticed that engine belts had broken. Please provide further information.