97 grand caravan tensioner belt

Hi, I have a 97 grand caravan 3.3 with only 43,000 miles and not even close
to the replacement miles for the belt which just fried because the single
bolt for the tensiner just broke on start up with a big squeal and then a
pop and then a bunch of smoke with out warning and could leave you stranded
anywhere on the highways or in the country.I open the hood and the tensioner
was just laying there and the broken bolt was on the ground. Had the van
towed to the dealer for repairs because my 7/70 warranty is still good and
will take care of the tensioner but not the belt or the tow. the manual
says check at 50,000 mi and then replace at 70,000 mi if not changed at
50,000 mi. Very funny that the van only has 43000 mi. on it and goes even
before the belt is soposed to be checked for wear. tensioner on these vans
go before the scheduled replacement of the first belt because of a bad
design and a weak bolt! Asked dealer if the bolts have been upgraded and he
said no they are the same. Seem like manufactures should learn from there
mistakes! any one had these same kind of experiences with these poor designs
and know if there is any recalls yet. thanks for any info!

 

Subject: 97 grand caravan tensioner belt

You can check with All Data
http://alldata.com/TSB/17/971789EK.html

Respectfully submitted,

Loren Knighton
Woodland, CA.

Under the hood since 1964
Member TRNI IATN
http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf.html
http://www.longmfg.com/web/longwebframework.nsf/home/web.trucool

 

I would give the dealer a blast!

The tensioner was clearly defective - period. Therefore ANY expenses
arising out of the defective component are the responsibility of
Chrysler to fix or reimburse. It is as simple as that.

If you get no satisfaction from your dealers Service Manager (never
mind the grunts), then elevate the complaint to DC. That 7/70 is
supposed to be bumper to bumper is it not??? And even if it is only
drive train- the engine and ALL its components are part of the drive
train!

IMHO, you are being stiffed by your dealer.

hth

 

You have run into a fairly common problem here. I have a 93 (260,000 km) and
a 96 (240000 km) Caravan, as well as a 91 Dynasty (200000 km), all with the
3.3. I have replaced 3, 2 and 1 tensioners respectively. Each one purchased
has been am improved version over the previous purchase - some with very
obvious strengthenings. I have had luck getting DC to pick up the tab for
other out of warranty items, but never any luck with this one. I have had
some with broken tension springs, and some with broken mount bolts and
broken mount castings.

 

Seems to me that if a covered part fails then they should pay for the
towing and the belt. Chrysler has been getting really sneaky with
their warrantys though. I would press it all the way to the owner of
the dealership and then on to Chrysler if they don't reimburse the
towing expense.

Normally when the tensioner starts to go you will hear it grinding or
squeaking for a while beforehand. No funny noises at all from yours?

Steve B.