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Tiny
AS
  • MEMBER
  • DODGE CARAVAN
I have a 1998 Dodge mini sport Caravan, 159780 miles, 3.0 Liter engine, auto transmission, 2 wheel drive, that I purchased in 2001 with 50,000 miles. I just had new front brakes, 2 sensors in the front and back of the C converter replaced, ac charged, timing and ac belt and turning wheel? Replaced. The head gasket leaked when I purchased it but they said it was too costly to repair and I have kept "high-mileage" oil in it for several years. I also had the cruise control replaced a couple of years ago. The mechanic who did the recent repairs said I mainly had original equipment on the van and he was amazed that it had not given me more problems.
My question: I am far, far from home and driving in high heat and my van has begun to chirp. First infrequently, yesterday constantly, today not at all. Sometimes I think it is associated with the ac running but it has chirped w/o the a/c running. Can you tell me if I'm safe on the long distant trip with this or do I have van trouble on the road where I won't know anyone? What is the chirp? What should or can I do to correct this?
Thanks for your help and do I go to the Forum to find your answer or do you ans to my email? Again, thank you so much and how do I donate? Where would I mail it?
Friday, August 10th, 2007 AT 11:17 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I'm not saying it is because from my computer desk I can't hear it, but, Have you ever changed the serp belt and tensioner? If not it's a great place to start!
As far as the safety of the van. My cyrstal ball is cloudy!
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Friday, August 10th, 2007 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
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What I am calling a turning wheel, I believe it might really be a tensioner. Is a Serp belt inside of the engine? I changed all the belts outside of the engine in April 2007.
The chirp is a high tone--like a Sparrow in the Spring and it can be heard by the cars around me at a stop sign.
I'm uncertain about taking a chance with an unknown mechanic if the van could make it back to familiar territory.
Also, thank you for answering quickly, I'm trying to decide what I should do before it's time for me to leave.
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Saturday, August 11th, 2007 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The serpentine belt is on the putside and drives you power steering pump and a/c. If yoy haven't done the tensioner and it's chirping, it a good bet it's time! Even new belt will make noise with a bad tensioner!
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Saturday, August 11th, 2007 AT 5:15 PM

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