I thought my car problems were over

[Towncrier]

The 1998 leased van is history. Apparently it had some conversations with the 2002 van that replaced it because I noticed a puddle of oil on the garage floor this morning. And another oil spot in the driveway. The van must realize that it's about to embark on an 1100 mile journey to WDW next week. So it's sprung a leak.

The part to repair it will be in Monday afternoon. The repairs will be done Tuesday. And at 5AM on Thursday, we leave for WDW.

Our 1998 van sprung two leaks prior to my trip down to DIScon 2002. That time, the transmission repair was finished the day before I left for Florida.

I take good care of my cars. I change the oil regularly. I rotate the tires occasionally. And I have been known to wash them annually. And I own plenty of car wax. Unopened of course. Argh.

 

[glo]

Oh John, me thinks it may be cheaper for you guys to start flying down. I sure hope you guys have a great time!!! Safe trip and make sure that van knows what is expected of it on this trip!!!

 

[nativetxn]

John, you sure face a lot of frustrations and challenges with your vans. I hope you don't have any trouble during the drive down.

 

[Towncrier]

One problem that I won't have to face is James participating in the driving. He doesn't have enough hours behind the wheel for me to be comfortable with him driving at 70MPH on the interstate highway.

Perhaps if I tell the van that he won't be driving, it might stop misbehaving.

 

[Kissimmee JP]

See...this is why you need a Kia Sedona with the 10 yr. 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. I have 10k on mine, and thankfully haven't had to use it yet....knock on wood.

 

[helenabear]

Originally posted by Towncrier
One problem that I won't have to face is James participating in the driving. He doesn't have enough hours behind the wheel for me to be comfortable with him driving at 70MPH on the interstate highway.

Perhaps if I tell the van that he won't be driving, it might stop misbehaving.

I hope that the van gives you no troubles on your trip

 

[Cindy B]

Of course the vans had to have a conversation before the trip.. that is how it always works!!!


We had to replace a transmission right before our drive in 2000, so I know your pain!

 

[Fire14]

are you sure it's not just somethung in ohio air? i got car issues too. mine are wheel weights. WSishing you good luck on trip down

 

[browneyes]

This van isn't a Dodge or a Ford van is it?

 

[Towncrier]

2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport. We bought it used and, thanks to Robinrs and her carfax account, I know that our van started life as a rental vehicle in, of all places, FLORIDA!!!

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

have you ever heard of "MURPHYS LAW"?
there is a ritual to stop it! ask an expert.

 

[browneyes]

Are you sure it's oil that's leaking instead of transmission fluid? Everyone I know that has ever had a Caravan has had transmission troubles.

 

[kejoda]

I think Caravans are made so the transmission breaks down. They are a great van once the trans. is replaced.

 

[Towncrier]

It's definitely oil. They found the source of the leak and have ordered the parts to repair it. I'm going to have to take some time off Monday morning so that they can effect the repair.

I know what you mean about Dodge/Chrysler vans and transmissions (and Murphy's Law). For those of you who don't know the story, we just turned in a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan that we had been leasing for 5 years. About two weeks before I was supposed to drive the van to Florida for DIScon 2002, I noticed oil on the garage floor. It turns out that the engine had a leaky head gasket. Thankfully we had purchased the extended warranty, so the repair only cost $100. One week before the trip (right after the head gasket was repaired), I noticed red transmission fluid on the garage floor. Seems that the transmission seal was leaking. So back to the garage and another $100 repair. The completed the repair the day before I was to drive to WDW.

Let's just hope that our new baby didn't "learn" any tricks from the 98 van.