Hello! We recently purchased a used 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. It has. 110,000 miles on it. There is a noise that I describe as like a lawnmower or go kart noise when you start it up. My husband changed the alternator and a belt. He thinks it may be the power steering pump but having watched videos I am not so sure. It also shakes a bit when idling. Thank you in advance for any insight. Have a blessed day!
Welcome to owning a Dodge. It could be starter, any pulley like tensioner, idler, ac compressor, valve train rattle. The shaking at idle could be engine missing, broken motor mount,bad torque converter. Not to be harsh but is it to late to return it? Please don’t take offense but you bought it right at the mileage they literally start to fall apart. They’re not well built vehicles. Can you record and post a video link let us hear the problem?
Does it shake when in park? Does it get worse when put in gear?
Hi Thumpy! I have heard how bad these vehicles are but given our situation and needing a van that fell in our price range, this is what we could afford. I told my husband we can hold on to it for at least a year and trade it in then if it makes it lol. My husband changed the alternator and a belt. It doesnt bobble as much when in N. I dont think it does in park. I havent driven it but a few times. The steering seems a little rough at lower speeds. What I do know is that noise when you start it and drive it sounds like a go kart, if that makes any sense. No, we cannot take it back. My husband purchased it "as is" and said he didnt hear that when he test drove it. He did "punch" it on the highway when he brought it home and smelled like a burning smell. After that came the noise. If I can get a video or sound recording I will post it. Thank you for your help!
Completely understand. I owned a Voyager myself way back in 94. All I could afford at the time. Keep feeding us information we’ll help ya narrow it down.
How do I upload a video? I dont see a link or way to do that on here
Create a youtube account. You can upload a video there. Then when you publish it you’ll get a link to it. Or when you watch it click on share and copy link. Paste that here.
Ok. We have decided to sell the van when we can save up some money. Do you think it will be hard to sell it? We like the Volvo xc90's. Do you think this would be a better family car? I prefer the room a minivan provides but I just dont feel right in one lol. Any other suggestions for a reliable and affordable family car? Thank you for your time!
If you create an account on youtube you can upload there. Then in youtube you have a share option for copy link. Then just paste the link here.
As @Thumpy mentioned, so many things can go wrong and make the noise. You should pinpoint the noise first before throwing money and parts into that car.
Ok. Thank you Yaser!