More Caravan trouble...


  #1  
Old 02-09-07, 04:11 PM
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More Caravan trouble...

Today we had another problem with our 90/91 Dodge Caravan. Lately it has seemed sluggish to pick up and maintain speed. Also, say we accelerate to 40 kms. If we let go of the gas it will come to a COMPLETE stop by itself, with no brake, and it will not move...

Anyway, we were driving when it got even more sluggish, and an awful burning smell filled the cabin. We stopped and the person driving at the time said it seemed like it wasn't going to stop. In park, it sounded like it was moving a bit, but we're not sure. Smoke was coming out of the wheel wells, but we're not sure if from the wheels or engine.

Could this be locked up brakes? It sat for about an hour and it was driven again and was fine.. Any input?
 
  #2  
Old 02-09-07, 05:23 PM
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would probably check the brakes if you dont know which brakes are causing the problem might take it for a short drive and then compare wheel temperature as they can get noticably warmer when a brake is sticking.
 
  #3  
Old 02-09-07, 06:00 PM
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I would suspect seized brakes as bejay was saying, or a seized transmission. Check your tranny fluid. It should be red and not smell burnt.
 
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Old 02-09-07, 08:43 PM
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So the lack of power and everything could be caused by seized brakes/tranny? The only odd piece is how it seemed it did not want to stop, and wanted to move in park once it was smoking from the wheel well area and smelling like it was burning.

In any case, I guess we should take it in and get the brakes checked to make sure there is no fluid problem or related to the master cylinder and hoses?

Just an extra note - It's been very cold here, with extreme -40 windchills. Could that have contributed?
 

Last edited by Codyy; 02-09-07 at 08:58 PM.
  #5  
Old 02-09-07, 09:13 PM
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once brakes get so hot you can experience brake fade to where braking performance will be dimished and it may take longer to stop.
while that is cold it probably has nothing to due with the problem as it is designed to still work in those conditions.
 
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Old 02-09-07, 09:22 PM
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Question now is what caused this and will it happen again... After this happened the emergency brake was pumped with the pedal to try and "Release" it. (By friend not mechanic). As well, it sat for awhile cooling. At this point they are un - seized but is it probably going to happen again, and any idea why? Same friend drove it and said it won't come to a stop without brake like I mentioned in my first post.. Time to take it to a brake shop?
 
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Old 02-09-07, 10:21 PM
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yes it will happen again you should get it checked out its not uncommon for calipers or hoses to cause a brake to stick meaning you may be able to drive a little ways after its set for awhile without the problem occuring but if your drive it for very long its bound to happen again and if the smoke was coming from one of the front wheel wells its not going to be related to the emergency brake, if it was coming from one of the rear wheel wells it could be related to the emergency brake but at any rate it should be checked out.
 
  #8  
Old 02-10-07, 02:21 AM
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Definitely sounds like a sticking piston in a front brake caliper. If so, the heat can ruin the caliper and rotor, which can cost hundreds of dollars to get repaired. So, my advise if to get your front brakes inspected immediately.
 
 

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