Seems there is a plethora of info on some of the mini vans and the issue of the serpentine belt slipping off when it rains or even the slightest bit of moisture.
I can't find any information if there is a recall for this issue. I see that there are kits and I can certainly have that installed but why should I have to pay out of my pocket when this seems to be a larger problem the Chrysler should take care of.
Will just having the washer and new belt put on resolve this? If so this seems to be the cheapest way.
The belt can come off for various reasons. The tensioner or idler pullies can have bad bearings causing them to wobble and toss the belt.
Since you mention about the rain, it is very common for the hose that drains the wiper tray to come off. That hose connects to the tray right above the belt. When it rains, the water is basically funneled onto the belt causing issues. I would check to see if the hose is still attached.
Another recommendation is not to hit refresh next time you create a post lol.
If your tensioner is just slightly worn the belt will slip off in a inch of rain. This Dorman part is a easy inexpensive fix. About $15.00. I installed one a few months back and have gone through many puddles without a problem.
Part # 82570
There was a fix from Chrysler for about $250.00 that I paid for which didn't work. I doubt you will get anywhere with them now since they are losing so much money and your vehicle is 10 years old.
Seems there is a plethora of info on some of the mini vans and the issue of the serpentine belt slipping off when it rains or even the slightest bit of moisture.
I can't find any information if there is a recall for this issue. I see that there are kits and I can certainly have that installed but why should I have to pay out of my pocket when this seems to be a larger problem the Chrysler should take care of.
For the same reason Chrysler has not recalled the vans for:
-the lack of a shift park interlock
-strut tower rust
-cracking flex plates
-transmission failures
-heated seat fires
-transmission cooler line leaks
-bad wiring in gauge clusters
-rear heater hose failures
-pealing chrome trim
This is the same Chrysler that just got bailed out by our government. They save a buck today at the expense of a repeat customer tomorrow.
Sorry no recall ever likely on this issue as stated.
As the 3rd generation vans aged this issue became more prevalent.
Pulley misalignment and cheap serpentine belts didn't help but the tensioner
is ridiculous.
Do as "Philip" suggests and get the Dorman part and be done with it.
You'll be able to drive through all sorts of pot holes and puddles after the remedy.
Mine fell off once when the van was maybe 2 years old. Never again since. The tensioner itself is original but both pulleys have gone bad over time. I think making sure the pulleys are good is the main thing.
All you have to do is remove the bolt that holds the tensioner pulley on. Open the kit and put the washer on the bolt included with it and screw it onto the tensioner pulley. It takes a minute and you don't even have to remove the belt. This photo is before installing the kit.
I think the wording on the package says power steering pulley, but it will not fit there.
(Cross-post):
I have a 2000 Voyager that had the same problem. Despite several warranty "fixes", the belt came off a half a dozen times in wet weather / puddles. The installation of a Goodyear "Gaterback" belt stopped the problem entirely - well worth the extra 10 bucks! I suspect it's treaded backside prevents "hydroplaning" against the smooth idler belt in wet weather.
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