18th Jun 2006, 17:46
Well all you people are having a real problem here aren't ya. I am here to tell ya I'm gonna purchase a 1998 Grand Caravan tomorow and the first thing I'm gonna do is figure out how to fix this problem. I am a mechanic of many years of experience on many types of equipment, so stay tuned I will keep you all informed of my progress...
23rd Jun 2006, 12:02
The problem can be simply fixed by aligning the tensioner pulley. To do this simply loosen the tensioner assembly nut, add a small shim (bottom side) to bring the tensioner pulley into alignment with the others. No big deal.
25th Jun 2006, 20:54
My husband and I recently bought a used '99 Grand Caravan from an approved dealer, not private sale, and except for some creaks and weird noises has been okay... until tonight.
Tonight we were going about 20mph around a corner and out of the blue the power steering went kaput. We were only a few hundred feet away from home, so we managed to get it to the driveway. Called up the service techs at Dealer, and they said check the fuses, belts, pulleys, what have you. My husband checked EVERYTHING, but there is nothing wrong! No leaks, no slippage, no breaks. That is just nuts! We haven't had this car a month and the dealer gave it two clean bills!
26th Jun 2006, 03:06
I'm the one with the power steering going kaput... now the belt goes too! Why won't Dodge recall the vans if this is a constant problem? I was warned about Dodge vans and I still had to go and buy it... (bangs head on cement wall...)
29th Jun 2006, 13:09
I also have the terrible squealing noise from the serpentine belt. I have replaced the tensioner and pulley many times myself and now the dodge garage has done the same thing. After saying that the pulleys were misaligned, they corrected that supposed problem. The noise went away for the ten miles that we drove before shutting the engine off. Upon restarting the engine, the noise returned. Dodge has no idea what the cause is. Now the belt won't stay on, even in dry weather. Any ideas...anybody...?
2nd Jul 2006, 16:38
I have Chrysler Town and Country LXI minivan since 1997. I love the van. I put on almost 172,000 miles. I had to change the water pump once. No major maintenance.
I had to change the belt three times in last three years. It sounds like the common problem. What would be the best way to resolve this problem?
7th Jul 2006, 13:13
My belt slipped off due to compressor bolts being loose. What is the cost just to reinstall the belt linking to the power steering??? Labor time??
14th Jul 2006, 15:29
You cannot exclude the air conditioner from the belt. It's all a big system with one belt.
23rd Jul 2006, 23:31
Hi, I have a 1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager, and the belt keeps coming off!!! This problem is driving me crazy, please send me an e-mail to help me, I heard that there is a kit, please let me know about it!!
camilo_e@hotmail.com
25th Jul 2006, 15:00
I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan that I have owned for about two years. In that time I have replaced the tensioner once and had the belt come off five times. Today I had the first rib of the belt shred away from the rest of the belt. That belt is seven months old.
26th Jul 2006, 08:53
There is a fix available that I just found out about. It’s a belt and pulley kit that replaces all of the smooth pulleys with grooved pulleys, and the belt is ribbed on both sides. Kit costs around $240 I believe, made by Gates, their part number 38342K. Should be available at NAPA and CarQuest.
30th Jul 2006, 16:04
After at least 5 serpentine belt and tensioner replacements, plus one power steering pulley, and one idler, I still was having problems. I took my 1998 minivan in because the belt came off once again. The mechanic found a recall (for some pulley) on-line for people who drive in the snow. He obtained the part from a Dodge dealership and fixed my van for free. He said he replaced a pulley (now has a lip on it) and the tensioner! By the way, I live in Florida! Hopefully my problem will be solved forever!
31st Aug 2006, 12:34
To answer a couple of questions on this page, it was my understanding that the belt was only a problem on the 3.0, not the 3.3. I heard that from several garages.
Also, on my 1997 Grand Caravan, the air conditioning compressor is NOT on the serpentine belt, it’s on it’s own little V-belt.
31st Aug 2006, 20:21
The problem is also a MAJOR concern on the 3.3. Does anyone know if the kit is for the 3.3 as well?
6th Sep 2006, 11:59
I too have this horrible serpentine belt problem. I have a 2000 Grand Caravan and every time there is a drop on the ground my belt comes off. It doesn't even have to be pouring down rain-just a drizzle. My dealer also stated they have "never" hear of this problem (bullish). This has become such a hassle and is so unsafe for my family. I decided to see if others had the same problem after I have been told several times by the dealers they never hear of this... I am going to send all our comments and problems to Dodge. Thank you all for letting me know I am not the only one who has this constant problem. And I state I will "NEVER EVER" buy another dodge!!
8th Sep 2006, 12:00
On 09-07-06 a factory fix was installed on my 1997 Plymouth Voyager. Factory part number is (4612412) costing $28.00).
This part consists of a bracket that allows the idler pulley to be installed in a position which prevents the belt from coming off when wet.
Before the fix, any small amount of water poured onto the belt (whilst running) would cause belt to slip off. Now, no amount of water will cause the problem.
Also installed factory belt (part number 5086140AA).
After spending 600+ dollars on this problem (towing(s), belts and pulleys plus missing about 4 days from work I think the problem is finally fixed.
9th Sep 2006, 20:47
I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan that has a 3.8 V 6 and have the same squealing, belt coming off, problem you all are having.I have done the same, changed belts pullys, used sprays, ECT all to no avail. I cannot even take my Van through a car wash! I am inquiring of Midway Auto Supply where they have the V Kit for $99 to see if that kit fits the 3.8. Will post when I find out. Will post (if it does fit) as soon as I install it and let you all know if it stops the squealing and the belt coming off.
14th Jun 2006, 21:57
I have a 99 Plymouth Voyager which also had the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler arm problem. First occurred around 40,000 miles. Belt came off and was replaced. Less than 200 miles the Chrysler installed belt came off again. I spent a day in a Chrysler dealership waiting to get a 3rd belt installed. a month later the belt started shredding. I took it to a 3rd Chrysler dealership, who this time said it is the loose idler arm. Since then it has been okay.