VAN BRANS - INFO


MPG For Differnt Vans

DODGE CARAVAN

DODGE FULL-SIZE


[TALK ABOUT BRAINWASHING...(TOYOTA)]

[Toyota Transmissions are as bad as, or worse than, Caravan Trannys - rj]

[http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ee93e7e] 2000 XLE with 58K. I have read several posts about the T/C {torque converter] going out and trannys as well. What are the warning signs that this is about to happen? My wife complains about the Sienna not wanting to shift from 2nd to 3rd after sitting all night. It seems to be worse when the weather is cold. I mentioned this to the tech at the dealer while having some maintenance performed, but all they said was this is "normal". That the "tranny fluid needs to reach a certain temperature prior to shifting. This is done so as to not hurt the transmission". [Toyota hides behind all that Consumer Reports soccer mom hypnotism - rj] Is this true? We keep the van garaged all year. Especially, in the winter. Garage is insulated, finished, etc. I'm not sure I completely buy this answer.

Reply: This is true it is normal - actually, it is done to more quickly warm up the emission control system - less pollution. [The transmission doesn't work? "Why, that's done to protect the Ozone Layer!" - you stupid putz... - rj]
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[TOYOTA SIENNA]
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna ; 3.0 LITER ENG ONLY. [HONDA ODYSSEY - TOO SMALL]
Engines: 2.2, & 2.3 in 1998
First year: 1995. the Odyssey minivan is three to five inches narrower than rivals, cargo space is somewhat limited. There's also little walk-through room.

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[MPG INFO]

[http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm]
1988 ASTRO TBI 17 MPG "CITY"
1995 ASTRO CPI ALL WHEEL DRIVE 15 MPG
1995 ASTRO CPI 2 WHEEL DRIVE 16 MPG
1997 ASTRO CSFI ALL WHEEL DRIVE = 15 MPG
1997 ASTRO 2 WHEEL DRIVE = 16 MPG
[IT GIVES THE SAME MILEAGE FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT YEARS, SHOWING NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CPI & CSFI [although it doesn't mention them in any case])

1996 CARAVAN 3.3L = 18 MPG

1995 LUMINA APV 3.8L = 17 MPG
[Not very reliable info when it gives the same mpg for the 88 Astro & the 95 Lumina which I both owned & checked at 13 and 16 mpg respectively. BUT... it looks like the new versions are CONSISTENT in their mileage, going by other articles - as is the case with SFI engines typically]
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[Ford Windstar info]
Engines: 3.0, 3.8.
my 1995 Windstar's transmission had to be replaced. The mileage at that time was 52,000, ...blown the rod bearings and I need a new engine. The van now has 64,000 miles...Automatic transmission went out in our 1995 Ford Windstar which has been very common just like the head gaskets ...just a word of warning: If you've successfully replaced the head gasket in your Windstar or other fine Ford proudct, get rid of it before accumulating too many more miles. The fix is far from permanent...
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DODGE CARAVAN


YEAR-TO-YEAR CHANGES


auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2021/

1994 Dodge Caravan: The Caravan was given a standard passenger-side airbag in 1994, to go along with the driver-side bag. Dodge also added side door guard beams. With the addition of the second airbag, the dashboard was redesigned. All-wheel drive was now limited to Grand models, but antilock brakes were available on all models except the base. On the outside, Caravans sported new bumpers and bodyside moldings.

1995 Dodge Caravan: In the final year for the current design, the Caravan received only a few trim and option package changes.

auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2134/

1996 - Totally redesigned as early '96 models. More aerodynamic. An optional sliding door on the driver's side -- a minivan "first." Caravan (113.3-inch) and Grand Caravan (119.3-inch) wheelbase each holding seven occupants. 4 styles: base, SE, LE, and ES. Dual airbags and antilock braking were standard but ABS became an option on base minivans during the 1996 model year. All models were front-wheel drive their first season. Base engine was a new 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with dual overhead cams. Three V6s were available: 3.0-, 3.3-, or 3.8-liter. The 2.4 & 3.0 came with a 3-speed automatic transmission; the 3.3 & 3.8 with 4-speed automatic.

1997 Dodge Caravan: All-wheel-drive models arrived in 1997, optional only on Grand Caravans above base-level. AWD Caravans got 4-wheel disc brakes, while front-drive models kept the front-disc/rear-drum setup. Low-speed traction control became available for LE models.

1998 Dodge Caravan: For '98 the 3.0-liter V6 is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.8-liter V6 gets a 14 horsepower boost to 180. Other changes include seatback hooks for plastic grocery bags and automatic headlights on ES models.

1999 Dodge Caravan: Caravan saw a host of revisions for '99. They included a cargo net between the front seats and an available "auto-manual" Autostick transmission with 17-inch wheels and tires. Child safety seats now had to be ordered with the second-row captain's chairs, and the new Sport package for the ES featured a revised grille, fog lamps, and a body-color rear spoiler.

2000 Dodge Caravan: A new Sport model joined the lineup, which replaced an SE AWD model and came only with the extended-length Grand Caravan body. All-wheel drive was standard on the Sport model, which contained the 3.8-liter V6, load-leveling suspension, fog lights, and a rear spoiler. Base models gained a standard cassette player and air conditioning. Dealers could install a new Rear Seat Video entertainment system, with VCR and 6.4-inch display screen.

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DODGE CARAVAN - General Issues


Caravan - USED FOR TOWING

Look for the trailer hitch - if the car was used for towing a trailer, it's very possible the transmission is excessively worn.

My Caravan is a 90' with 228,000 miles on it. It has the original 3.3 liter motor and the trans lasted til 195,000 miles before having to be replace. I figure this is pretty good considering it's been used for towing 16' boats and two place snowmobile trailer loaded with sleds.... As far as towing I would highly recommend that you take it out of overdrive. You'll run higher RPM's and burn a little more gas but it will take allot of strain of off the tranny. ...mine has the towing package, maybe that's why [the tranny] behaves so well with the trailer behind it... that van is rated to tow 1000-1500 pounds! As for 2000 pounds, Im sure it can pull it but it will be hard on it unless its short trips!
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Intermittant Stalling

(Battery Terminal Corrosion -- sometimes)

[http://www.2carpros.com/topics/stalls4.htm ]
Question: 1992 Dodge Caravan 3.3 L V 6 Mileage 123K. The problem has happened three times in the last 4000 miles. I will be driving at 30 or 40 mph and the van loses power and I can hear a pinging and if I give it gas there is no power. I turned the van off and then on again and had the same problem.

The first time I had it towed and a shop found nothing wrong. The second time I turned the van off and let it sit for 30 minutes. The van ran fine for another 2000 miles. Now it happened again and it soon cleared up after sitting for only five minutes. I called the auto shop and they think it may be the coil pack. The first time the computer gave no problems. I have changed the plugs, wires, O2 sensor, fuel filter, and added some injector cleaner. Should I change the coil pack?

Answer: Intermittent starting problems are hard to locate. Have the computer system scanned for fault codes. If this checks out okay, check fuel pump pressure and vacuum. You may have crank angle sensor, coil pack or computer failure. Also, check for poor or loose ground connections. [SOUND FAMILIAR???? - rj]
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Message 279 of 301 / From: "Adam" / Date: Tue Oct 28, 2003 11:51 pm / Subject: Re: Stalling Grand Voyager

A late response is better than none. I had this problem and took my 97 Grand Caravan to the dealer. They replaced the ignition and also said my fuel pump was going bad also, but that there was no way to verify it. I opted out of the fuel pump replacement because of the ridiculous price they wanted to fix it. The car was fine for 6 mo and it began to stall again and the dash lights began to flutter and eventually refused to start. Through some wiggling and jiggling under the hood I figured out that there was very very minor corrosion on the battery and if I jiggled the battery cable the car would start. I cleaned the battery and cable and the problem went away for several months. It returns every 4-6 months, but now I know how to fix it. Apparently the system is very sensitive to minor voltage drops. Hope this helps. Adam
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DODGE FULL SIZE VANS


[From http://www.carsurvey.org/review_52922.html ]

[1999 Dodge Van] 318 engine: After driving the van for an additional 15,000 miles, the engine dropped a valve. Dodge replaced the engine at no cost after investigating the cause of the problem. The 318 has some problems with oil distribution, it wasn't being pumped to the upper valve trains with equal pressure. This engine already has some running problems like, skipping, spark knocking, lunging, low power, low power is a characteristic of the 318. The 318 has never run with too much vigor and I bought another, that was my fault. All in all, I say don't buy an automobile with a Dodge or Chrysler 318 engine.

The Chevrolet 5.7L (350 cubic Inch) is the best running and has a higher tolerance for abuse.

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Steering linkage problems are regularly cited:

"Pitman arm - Center link - Idler arm - 2 inner-1 outer tie rod ends - Three of 4 ball joints - And all front wheel bearings - At 61,000 miles!!!"



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