Learn me...Grand Caravans?!: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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April 7, 2011 7:26 p.m. Drewsifer Dork

Well I've made enough of these damn threads. And for that, I apologize. However I think we've finally settled on our next car. With the Miata gone, and us moving in with her folks in the next few months we're going to be a one vehicle family for awhile. I think that vehicle, is going to be a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. Found one near us that looks promising. We're going to go test drive it tomorrow.

http://harrisonburg.craigslist.org/ctd/2307244662.html

So what do I need to know before I go into this?
April 7, 2011 7:32 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork

from a dealer you can't get the maintenance records which are extremely important on the transmission. If you do buy it, first thing is to do a trans service with a full synthetic universal trans fluid. at the least do a drain and fill with atf+4
April 7, 2011 7:53 p.m. 1988RedT2 Dork

Neat! Mt. Crawford. I like that part of the world.
April 7, 2011 7:58 p.m. Ranger50 HalfDork

Front end clunks over bumps=swaybar endlinks.
EGR valves.
Broken flexplates.
Transmissions aren't perfect, but they aren't like previous versions.
Solenoid packs and speed sensors.
Head and intake gaskets tend to leak.
If it's over 50k, please put on some decent struts and shocks. They already wallow about the road good enough bone stock.
Lifter ticks end up normally being con rod bearings. Just replace the bearings, polish the journal, and drive some more. The bearings are aluminum.
Steering racks, pumps, and reservoirs are biggies. The one dealer I worked for was on restriction for replacing so many leaking racks. The reservior is for a noise complaint that a pump won't fix.

That is what I remember off the top of my head.
April 7, 2011 8:01 p.m. Ranger50 HalfDork

Oh and water pumps. Those are fun, NOT.
April 7, 2011 8:01 p.m. Donebrokeit Reader

There is not much showing in Chrysler on this van no recalls or history . It is a Ex rental car other than that it looks clean on paper. Do watch the trans in these vans as they do tend to E36 M3 the bed and check the tie rods for play .

Other than that not much the engine is great overall.

Paul B
April 8, 2011 8:20 a.m. Drewsifer Dork

What should I be checking for with the transmission? Make sure it isn't slipping, doesn't clunk during gear changes, and moves freely through the shift range? I assume I should also check the fluid levels. Is there anything I can do to check the transmission?
April 8, 2011 9:33 a.m. DrBoost SuperDork

There is a serious problem in the 2004-2006 3.8L. There is an issue with an oiling passage that toasts the crank and/or rod bearings. It's a known issue. Make sure you have a warranty. We got a new engine, not a long block but a new engine.
Other than they, no serious issues really. The transmissions are much better, but I change the fluid and filter on our '05 more often then the manual says just to be sure.
April 8, 2011 9:50 a.m. John Brown SuperDork

We really like ours, it's a 2002 3.3L LWB. Although it is getting a little long in the tooth a tune up, a set of tires and a detail job from the guy at the dealership should get it rolling right again.

We had the brackets on the a cooler between the radiator and condensor fail and the cooler rubbed a hole in the radiator. A new aftermarket radiator, one of the aftermarket "cooler tie down kits" and it was back up and running.

I blew out a rear wheel cylinder and had to replace the rear brakes at 97K.

Oh, I forgot that I have to put gas in it as well. Seems like every week.