Problem Reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
2000 Dodge Caravan Problems
Noise in Front Suspension Due to Worn Sway Bar Bushings/End Links
Worn sway bar bushings or sway bar end links may cause a rattling or clunking noise from the front suspension during low-speed driving. Though not always the root cause, front struts are often replaced for this condition.
Issues Causing Delayed Transaxle Engagement
A delay in the transaxle engagement (greater than three seconds) may have multiple causes, including a defective pump, defective internal lip seals, valve body components, park-reverse-neutral-drive lever switch, and the output speed sensor. Proper diagnoses will be necessary to determine the exact cause.
Airbag Light Due to Failed Clockspring
Illuminated of the airbag warning light may be caused by a lost connection between the clockspring (behind the steering wheel) and the steering wheel-mounted electrical components. Other steering wheel-mounted controls like the horn, speed (cruise) control, or radio controls (if equipped) may be inoperative. There is a lifetime warranty on the clockspring as specified in a combination of recall campaigns. For more information on these recalls please us the following links; 1996-1998 models, please click here». For 1998-2000 models, please click here»
Transmission Problems on AWD Vehicles Due to Mismatched Tires
AWD equipped vehicles can show a wide range of transmission problems, often caused by using the wrong-sized and/or mismatched tires. 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.
Transmission May Fail Causing Slipping in First or Reverse Gear
If the transmission is slipping in first gear or Reverse—or if you experience delayed or loss of gear engagement after initial startup—the transmission may require removal and disassembly.
Head Gasket May Fail Prematurely
There have been reports of premature head gasket failure; an updated gasket design is available to correct this problem.
Oil Leak From Valve Covers and/or Front Crankshaft Seal
On higher-mileage vehicles, engine oil leaks from the valve covers and front crankshaft seal are common.
Noisy or Failed Power Door Locks
If the door lock actuators (integrated into the door latch assembly) are noisy and/or not working, the latch should be replaced. For some model years, the actuator for the sliding door is available separately from the latch.
Odor from HVAC vents
Some vehicles may develop a musty odor coming from the HVAC system, Dodge has issued a cleaner/disinfectant and a coating for the evaporator designed to inhibit bacterial growth.
Timing Cover Oil/Coolant Leaks are Common
Timing cover oil and coolant leaks are common, this can cause an oil and coolant intermix which can damage the engine. Our technicians recommend to replace the timing chain and cam sprocket if the timing cover is removed to reseal - or for any other reason.
Engine Misfire Due to Oil in Spark Plug Tubes
Spark plug tube seals fail, causing the tubes to fill with engine oil and the engine to misfire. As a result, the engine may run poorly and fuel economy can suffer.
Power Windows May Stop Working
One or more power windows may stop working due to a failed window motor or regulator. In some cases these items are replaced as a set. If not, diagnoses will be required to determine which is at fault.
Oil Leak May Develop at Cam Sensor O-Ring
An engine Oil leak may develop at the cam sensor o-ring seal. Our technicians tell us this is often misdiagnosed as an external head gasket leak.
Key May Not Start Car or Release From Ignition
Intermittently, the key may not start the car or release from the ignition. If it is excessively worn, replace the key. If the new key doesn't work, replacing the lock cylinder including tumblers should correct this concern.
Stalling or Low Engine Idle Speed Due to Dirty Throttle Body
A dirty throttle body may cause low engine idle speed or frequent stalling, as oily residue blocks air flow in the throttle when the throttle is closed. Throttle body cleaning may be necessary to correct this condition. Our technicians caution against spraying cleaner directly onto the throttle body as this may damage the throttle position sensor (TPS).