3rd Oct 2006, 07:21
Both Goodyear and Gates now carry a field fix kit that addresses the belt jumping issue with the Caravan. Both the Goodyear 49204K kit and the Gates 38342K are for the 1996-2000 3.0L engine only. The kit includes a new tensioner with a grooved pulley, a grooved idler pulley and a unique double ribbed (ribs on both sides) serpentine belt. I highly recommend this kit. It is the only solution that actually works. Believe me, I know. It puts this issue to bed once and for all because the belt is locked into the pulley grooves. Don't waste your time and money with the "snow shield" or the mount repair. They are band aid solutions at best. There is also a kit that will be out in early Dec 2006 for the 1996-2000 3.3L and 3.8L engines.Call your local Goodyear or Gates distributor and ask for it. If your belt has fallen off in the past your should get the kit. If your belt has not fallen off yet, don't wait for it to fail, get the kit and install it. It only takes about 1 hr to install. Bring on the deep puddles !!!
17th Oct 2006, 14:52
We have a '98 GC Sport and I SO APPRECIATE This forum! I thought I was crazy when the serpentine belt popped off 3 times in ten days. Brand new belt, new pulley system, etc. the last two times were in our driveway (thank goodness).
Using information obtained via a 'net search we called the local Dodge dealer. They had a TSB on this and offer a parts fix that is about $22.75.
We will pick it up and install it tomorrow. Will try to remember to post back if it works (knock wood!)
19th Oct 2006, 06:14
Forget the "snow shield" TSB. Your right it is a band aid solution at best. I hesitate to call it a solution because it does not work. Forget about the bracket as well. Just get the Goodyear kit or the Gates kit. They are absolutley amazing and in my opinion the only real solution to this chronic problem. It is $99 bucks and installs in 1 hr. You can't beat it.
21st Oct 2006, 19:53
Nice to know what the problem is and that I am not alone. But the best advice I read in all the posts is to file a complaint with the NHTSA. Only by doing that can we force Chrysler into a recall!
22nd Oct 2006, 11:37
After suggesting that everyone follow my lead and contact the NHTSA and file a complaint, I bought a GatorBack serpentine belt to replace the one that popped off last night. When I took off the belt that had popped off, I discovered it is a GatorBack, too! Time to call for a tow to have it hauled to the shop- with copies of posts from this forum.
23rd Oct 2006, 21:49
Well, I am just as frustrated as all of you. I just sent off an e-mail to Chrysler and am just positive I'll get a satisfactory answer (please note sarcasm).
I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan with over 100,000 miles on it and it has run fine until it hit the magic mile number. I have, to date, put about $900 into repair work, most of it for the belt problem. My local mechanic has been fantastic. He's just as frustrated as us so he keeps doing the labor for free and just charging me for parts because he's determined to figure this problem out. I plan to take him some of these suggestions tomorrow. Today we replaced the harmonic balancer. We've replaced everything else, including power steering pump so we figured why not. He said when he went to take it off, it just fell off (it's supposed to be a little tough to take off).
I too agree with other posts, this is supposed to be a family vehicle and I'm tired of it putting myself and two small children in danger. Luckily my husband was driving Sunday when it came off in a curve and forced us into oncoming traffic in (you guessed it) pouring rain. However, mine comes off in rain or drought (I live in South Texas where it is usually pretty dry). I have two college degrees, and I can't count high enough to tell you how many times the darn thing has come off. My mechanic and his helper just laugh everytime they see me pull into the shop. I'll let you know if Chrysler comes through with the magical answer...
25th Oct 2006, 09:28
Same thing: 1999 Dodge Caravan (Columbus, OH). The serpentine belt has slipped off 3 times in 10 months - all in wet weather.
'Was told by a local mechanic (because I have come to distrust my local dealer repair shop) that there's a kit to fix it - some sort of guard bound by a single bolt that keeps it on (which I believed was mentioned in earlier entries here).
In order to get it, we had to (groan) go back to the dealer. The part was around $11 and after labor the bill came to $79.32. It is running fine now since I picked it up last night. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so we shall see.
With 96K+ miles, I guess I can't complain too much, and we love our van... but the bottom line is that we did everything you are supposed to do and had it serviced regularly per the manufacturer's advice. Dodge should have had a recall - this is a design issue.
Dodge doesn't have the same quality as Nissan or Honda, so our next van/car will be from one of them.
26th Oct 2006, 13:18
Wow, that sounds like a lot of fabricating work. Why not just buy the Goodyear or Gates fix kit? That sounds like the easyest thing to do. I have only heard good things about the kit.
26th Oct 2006, 22:45
Yes it would be nice to not have had to do that, but they don't make a kit for the 3.3l. It won't be available until Jan.'07. So it had to be done.
27th Oct 2006, 21:18
Folks, besides the complaint that I hope you all registered with the NHTS site, we all MUST do something else. After purchasing the repair kit from Gates or Goodyear, call Chrysler customer service and put in a claim for the expense. You most assuredly will be turned down, but make sure you document the date, time and customer service rep you spoke to. Then, you must make another complaint to NHTS, re: this problem. Also, call your Congressman's office and request federal oversight!!! Why should Chrysler, WHO WAS BAILED OUT BY THE FEDERAL TAXPAYER'S IN THE PAST, get a free ride for this design flaw. It's criminal!!!
21st Sep 2006, 15:02
We have a 1998 Caravan with the same sepentine belt problem. We've been fighting this for years. Don't waste your money on the so called "replacement mount" that is supposed to align the pulley and tensioner. I have replaced countless belts and can now consider myself a professional belt changer. This is most definitely a safety concern that should have been addressed. A word to the wise, save your money, don't invest in the sham parts. This problem is absolutely pathetic! Keep the 15mm wrench handy or trade your Caravan in on something more reliable and SAFE!