VAN BRANS - INFO
MPG For Differnt Vans
DODGE CARAVAN
[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.----------------------------------
[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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CARAVAN DODGE
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.
[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.
"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!!!"