Dodge Caravan Cold Start Squeal

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ZAROBA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
my mom has a Dodge Caravan, i think its a 2000 and has 120k miles on it.

lately shes been having belt troubles with it. the serpentine belt went and so did the power stearing belt. both were replaced by a mechanic.

now, it sounds like another belt is going. when starting the van in cold weather, thiers a loud squeal that sounds like a slipping belt. it usually almost goes away when the engine warms up. we have takin it to 2 different mechanics and they could find nothing wrong with it. it diden't squeal at all for them when starting it.

is thier anything else that can cause a squeal when starting that sometimes goes away when the engine is warm?
Feb 24, 2006 at 8:35 AM
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JPAM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 307 POSTS
well the idler wheel tentioner could be worn out.. not puting enough pressure onto the belt to keepit tight.. When starting it cold every thing is stiff and once its warmed up everything moves more freely..
hope that helps.. :wink:
Feb 24, 2006 at 4:36 PM

Suggested Repair

Inspect the idler pulley tensioner and replace it if worn, since weak tension can let the belt slip and squeal on a cold start and quiet down once warm.

Conversation Summary

A Dodge Caravan, thought to be around a 2000 with about 120,000 miles, squeals on cold starts after the serpentine and power steering belts were replaced. The noise nearly goes away once the engine warms, and two shops could not reproduce it. An expert suggested a worn idler tensioner that does not keep enough pressure on the belt when cold parts are stiff.

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