1998 Dodge Caravan ticking noise

CHASITY82

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
70,500 MILES

My Dodge Caravan started making a light ticking sound that is sporadic about 6 months ago. Over time it has gotten a little louder but comes and goes. (It gets louder and quiets down) but it never goes away now like it used too. When I start the van now in the morning, the ticking sound is REALLY loud and then quiets to almost non existent. I dont have much money so I cant take it to a mechanic. Can you help me?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Is the sound coming from the engine?

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Saturday, November 13th, 2010 AT 5:50 AM

CHASITY82

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2 POSTS

No, my husband says it sounds like its coming from down by the timing belt area not the engine.

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Tuesday, November 16th, 2010 AT 2:01 PM

SATGENIUS

MEMBER
5 POSTS

The serpentine belt sometimes is a problem but in most cases it is the belt that drives the air conditioner pump. The mileage on your car subjects it to some wear. It sounds like you need some maintenance. Check the belts for wear like cracking or just worn out. There is a list of things that needs to be look at with that kind of mileage. Look at your owners manual for that list.

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Friday, December 31st, 2010 AT 8:34 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

The serp belt and the timing belt are next to each other. One is covered on the front of the engine and the other is exposed in front of the engine.

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Saturday, January 1st, 2011 AT 8:29 PM

SATGENIUS

MEMBER
5 POSTS

There are 3 belts to look at. The easiest is the serpentine belt, that is the longest one. The other belt is a somewhat short and drives the A/C pump. Those two belts are external. The other one is a timing belt and it is internal. With the mileage on your car, you should consider changing that one too. Timing belts should be changed approx. Every 50,000 miles.