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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?
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??
You cannot exclude the air conditioner from the belt. It's all a big system with one belt.
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
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.
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.
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!
Gates sells the kit for $99.
Is the kit only for the 3.0? Or is there one for the 3.3?
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.
The problem is also a MAJOR concern on the 3.3. Does anyone know if the kit is for the 3.3 as well?
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!!
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.
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.
We have a 2000 dodge grand caravan.. never had any problems with it until january 2006 when my wife was driving in snow to pick me up from airport..bang!!! serpentine belt broke after hitting a snow bank.. fixed the belt.. then after few weeks we were driving in rain,...n there you go... serpentine belt came off.. it did't break this time, but fortunately everybody was safe... got it fixed... n after few more weeks it was raining again n I was driving van..Bang!!! belt came off again after just hitting a little water puddle... mechanics could't find anything wrong... but I like the idea of someone saying that the van needs to have a splash guard under the driver's side,...i have't really looked under it, but it sounds like a good idea... dealers say they never heard of this problem...crap!!..dodge needs to recall these defected vans... me and my wife r never gonna buy another dodge van,,, we r looking to buy honda odyssey now.. if someone has any answer to serpentine belt.. please do lemme know...