Top 10 2000 Dodge Caravan Questions & Answers

I've got the same problem. I bought a 15 mm wrench (the size necessary for the tensioner pulley) to carry with me in my minivan. When I feel the power steering go (the first sign that the belt have slipped off), I immediately stop. Once you do it a few times, putting the belt back on is not that hard, but you have to be fairly strong and be willing to get your hands dirty. Also, try to avoid the big puddles with the minivan. I think the problem is that the tension pulley is too slick, and when it gets wet the belt simply slips off.

Finally, I have not found it yet, but I heard from a cabby whose company drives Chrysler minivans that you can find an aftermarket product that will fit on the tensioner pulley to keep the serpentine belt in place. I am trying to find the product myself so as to keep this headache from happening again.

I had the same problem and fixed it using the following steps. I am not an expert or even very mechanically inclined, just desperate to get this fixed without spending any money. This was done on a 1996 Dodge Caravan. Similar steps should apply to a number of years of the Caravans and Voyagers. 

Two people will make removing the panel easier. To do this, you'll need a phillips screwdriver, penetrating lubricant, and pliers. 

First, if you cannot open the door at all: There is a small plastic disc plugging a hole just above the latch on the inside. Pop out that disk, and use a screwdriver to lift the latch mechanism. It should not take a great deal of force to move the latch. When the latch moves, push the door and it should open. 

1. Remove the plastic panel on the inside of the van. You need to remove the handle and several screws on the perimeter of the door. 
2. Disconnect the interior door lights by gently pulling the wiring harness (two of these). 
3. Looking at the door from the interior, there is a small electronic plunger mechanism on the right side with an "accordion" (this is the electric lock). There is a rod that goes from the to the middle of the door, just above the lock mechanism. Another rod goes from the key lock to the latch. This rod, threaded on one end, snaps into a small bracket on the latch. It may need to be snapped back in. There may also be a rubbery/tar-like sticker near the locking mechanisms that can be removed (it can interfere with some of the moving parts). 
4. Manually operate the plunger on the electric lock several times using pliers. Mine was extremely stiff. It should move the rod at least a full inch. 
5. Spray lubricant on the latch, the back of the key lock, and the back of the exterior handle. Also spray lubricant into the key lock itself (where the key goes). Do NOT spray lubricant on the electronic lock mechanism or plunger. 
6. Just above the latch, there is a small hole (only about 1/8" around). Carefully and liberally spray lubricant into that hole in every direction (this is where the rods from the key lock, electric lock, and latch meet). There is a white plastic post that comes out through another nearby hole. Spray lubricant liberally into that hole, too. 
7. Again, manually operate the plunger on the electric lock several times using pliers. It should be considerably smoother to operate. 
8. Put your key into the key lock and pull it out several times. 
9. Spray lubricant into the key lock again, then carefully operate the lock with the key. If it didn't work or was stiff before, it should operate much more smoothly. Operate the electric locks several times. 
10. When operating the lock, you should see the plunger on the electric lock move to its extents (at least an inch). Watch it when using a key and using the electric lock. 
11. Check the movements of the rod and plunger when operating the lock, and the movements of the latch when operating the handle (when unlocked). If anything is still really stiff, use some more lubricant and operate the lock and handle again. 
12. When reassembling the door panel, remember to plug in the two wiring harnesses for the interior lights. 

I hope this helps!

Mine fell off twice so far once when going through snow and other was going through rainstorm had to use jack wrench to pry down and slip on belt which was hard to do and don't advise you to try. Ok the pulley directly under the alternator and in the middle of 3 other pulleys is the one that is the tensioner. To do this right use a 15 millimeter or 5/8 socket or open end wrench, the longer the handle the better so you can get good leverage maybe you have a pipe to slide over handle. There is a diagram of the way the belt goes on under the hood. I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan

the switch on the parking brake is defective

misty check the water level in the radiato...if it is low the last thing to get any water is the heater core..if low you will need to find the reason...like a water pump or headgasket leaking

You can purchase the strut tower parts in a kit from Chrysler. Two new heavy duty steel caps that slip on. it uses a special epoxy, and steel rivets. Kit in Canada costs around 75.00. I have fixed several of these, and they seem to hold up better than new. George

Try the Combo Flasher. It is located in the Junction Block in the drivers area under the dash. You may have to pull off the knee panel to get at it. If you're vehicle is equipped with "Daylite Running Lamps" it will be part of that relay. Located in the same spot only a bigger relay. With the window - do the interior lites dim when it has issues going up? If so it is probably drawing to much amperage thus the motor. If not then the switch probably has poor contacts and needs replacing. Good Luck.

The cruise has no dedicated fuse, you will most likely be looking to replace the clockspring rotating contact located under the steering wheel which connects the switches in the steering wheel (horn, cruise and air-bag) to the rest of the electrical system.

cigarette lighter wont work

The panel or the housing normally lists the names of the items that are controlled by the fuses. If that doesnt work, disconnect the battery terminals and you are good to go