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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!
Reply to
Larry
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Respectfully submitted,

Loren Knighton Woodland, CA.

Under the hood since 1964 Member TRNI IATN

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Reply to
BACKNCARDR

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

Reply to
Cloaked

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.
Reply to
Mike

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.

Reply to
Steve B.

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