I bought a '97 T&C LXi fairly new in '97 that had 500 miles on it. It was used as a courtesy vehicle for a major golf tournament. The odometer now reads 120K miles. Right off the bat there was a fuel tank recall related to some vapor leak. Other than that the major items needing repair were the water pump that went out around 70K and most recently starter that went bad around 110K. I still have the original tranny so I guess I'm lucky in that respect. Have to agree with the others that the brakes are quite underpowered and I have to remember to leave lots of room for the car in front. I've had a few panic stops where I didn't think the van would stop in time. Also the headlights are very dim and the plastic lenses have hazed over, exacerbating the problem.
I bought a Chrysler T&C LX 2 years ago at 135000K.
On the way home from the dealership the check engine light came on.
I've replaced EGR valve, O2 sensor, cat, auto tranny, brakes & rotors, plugs, wires, coil, & had 2 worn lifters replaced.
I'm still having various wiring problems and the check engine light stays on constant. Mechanic says no codes are coming up, and now it's developing a knock.
All in all, I've put less money into this thing than I would have with a 2 year lease, but it's still frustrating!
Also, I've had many minivans and this is the only one I've had that has any power. May not mean much to most people, but I'm usually a truck kind of gal, so this van is nice for me.
As far as the hazed headlights go, I replaced my bulbs with Silverlight bulbs ($38 a pair, but still cheaper than new headlights) and they shine no problem, even through the haze.
I have a 97 LXI and overall love the vehicle.
My cruise control doesn't work except once in a while... wondering if it's the clock spring that I have heard about on this message board...
Brakes are perfectly adequate... never any issues for me...
Started having a hesitation/rough engine, but intermittent and the "check engine" started staying on at the same time... codes were PO201 and PO301... indicating cylinder 1 having injector problems... checked with local repair shop and they said it's not usually the injector, but could be a dirty injector, or dirty fuel filter... not sure, but have bought the fuel filter and have put injector cleaner in tank... repair shop has a much more comprehensive injector cleaner that hooks into the fuel rail and flushes the injectors... could be the fix... will post the results.
I bought the vehicle with 197,000 on it, and now have 237,000... really don't have much invested in the vehicle, and only want to have it running for my girls who are starting to drive.
I did have the belt slipping off when hitting a puddle, and decided to replace the belt tensioner pulley... this did the trick, and also took care of the squealing sound coming from that area.
We have a 98 T&C that has been a great car, although starting to have a few problems now that we have 269k miles on it.
Trans did go out at 137, but other than expected repair such as brakes, an alternator, batteries, etc., we have had only one other.
Like other posts that I have read, we could not in the early years keep a serpentine belt. After numerous trips to several mechanics and the repeated installation of tensioners, a buddy and I determined that there had to be an alignment problem that was a design flaw. A simple brass shim placed strategically between the tensioner and the block brought relief, and we have never experienced that problem again.
Well let me just say, yes, these vans are $$$$ to maintain. I bought my Town and Country LXi 97 last year with 145k. Transmission wasn't shifting, so replaced the solenoid pack and solved that problem.. They're known for that.
Also I had to do the timing chain and water pump as they were bad. I'm a mechanic and did know what I was getting into.
The only recommendation I have is that when you buy replacement parts, buy them from the dealer.
Other than these problems, I just recently drove the van out to Orlando Fl from NYC and back with no problem whatsoever. I got 415 miles per tank. It's one heck of an awesome van... would buy again anytime..
I own a 97 Town and Country LXI with 185,000 miles last year so far my issue has been Wipers failed to operate when most need it; after two wiper motor replacement we narrow it down to the BCM located under the dash board left of the brake pedal behind the fuse box. hopefully this will solve my problem. Ensure the BCM is for that specific year, Other than that I had the alternator replaced and the electric fan motors. 200,000 miles on it so far.
My 97 T&C.
BCM replaced. So far so good.
Wipers in good working order.
My 98 Town and Country has had many problems, but all have been taken care of and or the past 2 years (knock on wood) all runs fine. There is however a knocking sound from the wheels when I drive on dips or bumps... Replaced everything that could be replaced, but the sound is still there... Any help?
I have a 97 T&C LXi that needs to have the BCM replaced. I was so trying to avoid this expense, but now my speedometer has stopped working... before this, the inner dome lights stopped working! Previously, the horn stopped working; windshield wipers had to be by-passed with a switch; and the stupid door locks click up and down of their own accord.
Does anyone know where to find an inexpensive used BCM? I hate to buy from the dealer because the part is over 300.00 dollars. That doesn't include installation.
I love this van! I just don't want to pay a huge amount to get the BCM replaced. I have listed my request on a couple of part locate sites, but any advice on how to find this part would be greatly appreciated.
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