1997 Chrysler Town and Country LXI AWD 3.8L OHV
Summary:
Can't give up on the ones that fail
Faults:
Power train control module replaced.
Strut towers rusted through.
Body control module has a mind of its own.
Multiple belt tensioners.
Power steering pump.
Power steering high pressure line.
Fuel pump.
A whole bunch of sensors, fuses, and relays.
Alarm is touchy.
Overhead display is dead.
Had to re-solder gauge cluster.
Broken OHV pedestal in cylinder head.
Broken flywheel "marbles" sound.
Eats rotors and brake pads quickly.
General Comments:
Got the van used for $1,600 because of the AWD option for MN winters. I had previously owned '98 and '99 Grand Caravans (same vehicle), none of them bought brand new. For some reason, I keep returning to these vehicles.
It's a good thing I can do my own repairs and parts are (relatively) cheap for these vans. Otherwise, the repair and maintenance costs would have been unbearable. Granted, my current van is approaching 15 years old now, and most of these repairs are maintenance and upkeep.
Even basic tune-ups require removing the wiper assembly and upper intake manifold to reach the rear spark plugs.
AWD system works extremely well.
Very comfortable inside with captain seats.
Stock Infinity sound system is not bad.
3.8L engine provides enough "move" power to get around town, but eats gas like crazy. About $65 to fill up a full tank now with about 15-18 mpg around town.
Transmission 4th gear "overdrive" kicks in at around 45 mph, and runs about 2,000 rpm at 60 mph smoothly.
Will probably drive this van until 200K miles.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 11th May, 2012
12th Sep 2011, 11:09
Regarding your dashboard lights, if your van is the same as my parent's 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, then there is a dimmer switch that is the same switch for the interior lighting. If it is turned to the left, the interior lights go out and the dash dims. If you spin it 3/4 to the right, the dash gets brighter, and all the way turns on your interior lights. It is located at the bottom left side of the steering wheel.
I hope this helps.
As for the problems you experienced, they also had to replace the transmission at 150,000km, and have had expensive oil leaks and various suspension noises (bushings, shocks, etc.)