Questions and Answers

Hissing Dodge Grand Caravan Q. Vincent, I have a question concerning my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan. It has just under 19,000 miles. It is an V-6 automatic with fuel injection, power steering and cruise control. I purchased it in September 2002 with 16,000 miles on it. I've been struggling with the dealer to have problems with the rear brakes and emergency brake cabling repaired since I purchased it. It's been in the shop six times already.

But I've just recently had something new come up. Twice (once about three weeks ago and again this morning) when I started the car, I heard what sounded like compressed air coming from right around the steering column. The sound lasted for about 3 or 4 seconds, not long enough for me to really identify where it came from.

The noise was about as loud as having the air conditioning fan on a medium setting. I've only heard it twice so I'm hesitant to take the car back to the dealer (AGAIN!) unless I have a better idea of what the noise is.

I know Grand Caravans had a problem with the driver's side airbag in previous models. Could this sound be something to do with the air bag? Any ideas or advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert

A. The only noise the air bag system makes is when the air bag itself deploys. It sounds like a shotgun blast so it would be a little difficult to miss.

The air type sound you're hearing could be the heating and air conditioning system building up vacuum. There is a check valve in the vacuum supply hose that's supposed to maintain vacuum in the system. But if it is sticking, it may let the vacuum escape until you start the engine again. Another possibility is the brake vacuum booster doing the same thing. It too has a check valve in the vacuum line to keep it filled(?) with vacuum.

As for the other problems you are having you should give up on the dealer. He makes more money selling work that he does doing warranty work. So he is not real eager to do anything under warranty. I would call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 and file a grievance and request a meeting with the Factory Representative.

Talk to him about it and he will do everything he can to resolve the situation. His incentive is to make you happy so you will come back and buy another Chrysler product. Be firm but polite and you should get this resolved pretty quickly.