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2005 Dodge Caravan Repair Question


Topics covered: Noise, Transmission, Engine.
Mileage: 62,000 miles.

Asked on May 4, 2012

Intermittent grinding noise possible transmission problem?

I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan SXT with 62,000 miles. 3 weeks ago as I was pulling into a parking lot I heard a very loud grinding noise coming from the front of the car, drivers side. I stopped the car and the noise stopped as well. Tried to reverse and got a "shudder". Put the car back into Drive and the loud grinding sound started again. Pushed on the gas and once it got up to about 15mph the noise stopped. This has happed about 5-6 times in the last 3 weeks. Not everytime we drive it, whether the engine is warmed up or cold. Inclines do not seem to make a difference. It does it in Neutral too. We have taken it to a general mechanic who drove it several times, couldn't find anything wrong and didn't hear the noise. Transmission fluid is red, no smells. No check engine light and no codes. 2 transmission places kept the van overnight, drove it several times. But because it is intermittent, they were unable to hear the sound. Yet they told us we probably needed a new transmission anyway. Does this sound right? Has anyone heard of this happening before? Even in Neutral?
Avatar Asked by onetruelovie

Answer

Replied on May 4, 2012

Where exactly is this noise coming from? Is it the transmission or the drive axles

Tiny Answered by rasmataz
68 questions asked
Replied on May 4, 2012

It is really hard to tell since it only does it when it's moving in 1st gear. By the time we stop and pop the hood the noise has stopped. Best we can tell is it is coming from the drivers side, towards the firewall, not the very front. Very perplexing.

Tiny Response from onetruelovie
1 question asked
Replied on May 7, 2012

Its kind hard for me to troubleshoot noise over the internet without you helping me out where its emitting from-

Tiny Answered by rasmataz
68 questions asked