Most Reported Problem Reports for the 1990 Dodge Caravan : RepairPal

Loss of speed control after sensor/transaxle replacement

for the Dodge Caravan

An intermittent loss of speed control can happen soon after the transaxle input or output has been replaced. The problem is most likely caused by bad connectors.

7 Reports

Airbag light may be on due to blown fuse

for the Dodge Caravan

Triggered by a short in the rear wiper motor/circuit (which causes a fuse to blow), the airbag warning light can illuminate erroneously.

7 Reports

Rear AC Not Cold Due to Refrigerant Leak

for the Dodge Caravan

A refrigerant leak at the rear AC expansion valve and/or AC evaporator seals may cause the rear AC not to work.

6 Reports

Silding Door May Fall Off Track

for the Dodge Caravan

A problem with the sliding door track and door stops can allow the door to slide out of the track and fall off the vehicle. This is more common when doors are opened fast and allowed to hit the stops with a lot of force.

6 Reports

Power window may fail due to damaged "flex track"

for the Dodge Caravan

Windows may not roll up or down, resulting in a "ratcheting" noise. This is often caused by the plastic ribbon gear (flex tracks) on the regulator that breaks. Flex tracks are easily replaced by removing the door trim panel.

6 Reports

Rear Lift Gate Does Not Stay Up

for the Dodge Caravan

The rear lift gate support (prop) attaching bolts may break, causing the lift gate to fall unexpectedly. Thorough inspection of the bolts is required; if the support washers are loose, the supports need to be replaced.

6 Reports

Vent Window Latch Can Pop Open

for the Dodge Caravan

Sometimes the vent windows' latch can pop open; if it will not stay closed or rattles, the latch assembly should be replaced.

6 Reports

Wrong sized tires on AWD vehicles can cause transmission problems

for the Dodge Caravan

AWD-equipped vehicles can show a wide range of transmission problems; usually, the wrong-sized tires are being used. Be sure that all the tires are the same and that all four are replaced at the same time. Dodge recommends tire rotation every 7,500 miles.

6 Reports

Worn transmission seals can cause erratic shifting

for the Dodge Caravan

Worn seals inside the transmission may cause problems with upshifting and downshifting in automatic transmissions.

6 Reports

Speedometer Not Working Due to Failed Vehicle Speed Sensor

for the Dodge Caravan

The speedometer may become inoperative due to a failed vehicle speed sensor (VSS), . A failed sensor will require replacement.

6 Reports

Engine may not crank due to connection at starter

for the Dodge Caravan

An improperly-seated connection on the starter (coming from the battery) may cause the engine not to crank. Plastic must be ground off the cable terminal so it can sit flat and flush.

6 Reports

Temperature control lever may be difficult to move

for the Dodge Caravan

Often caused by rust, the temperature control lever may be difficult to move. Spray an anti-rust penetrate on the lower pivot for the lever and apply lubricant to prevent future corrosion.

6 Reports

Drivers side window wiper may fail

for the Dodge Caravan

Due to corrosion at the pivot, the driver side window wiper may fail. The pivot must be replaced.

5 Reports

Door Adjar Light May Turn On and Chime Will Sound While Driving

for the Dodge Caravan

The door ajar light may illuminate and chime during driving, even when the sliding door is closed. Often, this is caused by a faulty switch in the C-pillar; a revised switch is available.

4 Reports

Strut mount may squeak when turning

for the Dodge Caravan

During turning, squeaks can come from the strut area; the strut mount assembly should be replaced.

4 Reports

Front end noise from sway bar bushings

for the Dodge Caravan

Noise coming from the front suspension can be caused by the front ; the should be replaced.

4 Reports

Airbag light may stay on due to water intrusion

for the Dodge Caravan

The airbag warning light may remain illuminated while the ignition switch is in the "on" position. This can be caused by water that has entered into the airbag six-way connector in the engine compartment.

3 Reports

Voltage spikes can damage relays

for the Dodge Caravan

Voltage spikes can cause erratic behavior in the electrical system (lights, locks, wipers, head lamps). This is often caused by relays. Inspection and replacement of relays is required; revised relays are available.

3 Reports

Transmission issues require overhaul of transmission

for the Dodge Caravan

The transmission has numerous problems; symptoms can range from shuddering to completely dying. The majority of the TSBs (service bulletins) require an overhaul of the transmission. Updated internal parts are available.

2 Reports

Engine oil leaks from cam plug and seal, valve cover, head gasket, and distributor

for the Dodge Caravan

Common areas for engine oil leaks include the camshaft plug, camshaft seal (sprocket end), valve cover gaskets, cylinder head gasket and distributor.

2 Reports

Turbocharger failure due to lack of frequent oil changes

for the Dodge Caravan

Excessive smoke from the exhaust, lack of power, and a grinding or scraping noise from the turbocharger can indicate turbo failures. The most frequent cause of turbocharger failure is a lack of frequent oil changes.

1 Report

Checklist

Problem Reports

1990 Dodge Caravan