1999 T&C AWD coolant leaking

The 1999 T&C starts leaking coolant on floor since last month. Took it to
dealer and they diagnosed as pressure switch problem and replaced it.
Luckily/unluckily the pressure switch was just replaced few months ago and
still under warranty.

For one or two weeks, the coolant stopped leaking. Now it is losing it
again. What else could be wrong? Since my wife is driving it mostly, I
have no way to monitor if it ever overheat. At least from my short 15miles
test, I did not see that overheat from instrument panel.

This car also becomes pretty slow to pick up speed. It took much longer
time to shift gear from one to two and two to three. Stepped hard on
accelerator will noticeably speed up the gear shift, so I guess the tranny
is still OK. I just feel the gasoline does not go through as fast and
smooth as before.

It is now at 101k miles. Started from around 95k, I noticed this problem
especially when the van is fully loaded and AC is on in hot weather. Is it
possible that AC system is "dragging" the performance?

I have spent almost $3k so far this year and I still can not see where is
the destination...I heard that Chrysler engine is pretty durable, that's why
I decided to spend so much trying to keep it longer. It seems the local
dealer did not plan to keep me as a proud American car owner. Should I look
for a new Japanese or another skillful/trustful place in my area? I am
located in Fairfax, Virginia.
The philosophy of the dealer is they never recommended any scheduled
maintenance since "not all parts will go bad at the suggested time". They
do not suggest customers to check anything even when the schedule/mileage is
up as their excuse. This may work for people who knows car pretty well and
knowing when and what to check. For my wife, she does not even remember
when to change oil until I remind her...

Thank you for any input.

harry wrote:
> The 1999 T&C starts leaking coolant on floor since last month. Took it to
> dealer and they diagnosed as pressure switch problem and replaced it.
> Luckily/unluckily the pressure switch was just replaced few months ago and
> still under warranty.

For your edification, I think by "pressure switch" you maybe mean
"thermostat"?

> For one or two weeks, the coolant stopped leaking. Now it is losing it
> again. What else could be wrong? Since my wife is driving it mostly, I
> have no way to monitor if it ever overheat. At least from my short 15miles
> test, I did not see that overheat from instrument panel.

You're sure it is coolant (water with antifreeze) and not just plain
water on the floor?

> This car also becomes pretty slow to pick up speed. It took much longer
> time to shift gear from one to two and two to three. Stepped hard on
> accelerator will noticeably speed up the gear shift, so I guess the tranny
> is still OK. I just feel the gasoline does not go through as fast and
> smooth as before.
>
> It is now at 101k miles. Started from around 95k, I noticed this problem
> especially when the van is fully loaded and AC is on in hot weather. Is it
> possible that AC system is "dragging" the performance?

A coupls of possibilities come to mind:
(1) Needs new spark plugs (time for them at that mileage)?
(2) Fuel filter needs replacing?

Check for any codes?

> I have spent almost $3k so far this year and I still can not see where is
> the destination...I heard that Chrysler engine is pretty durable, that's why
> I decided to spend so much trying to keep it longer. It seems the local
> dealer did not plan to keep me as a proud American car owner. Should I look
> for a new Japanese or another skillful/trustful place in my area? I am
> located in Fairfax, Virginia.

Perhaps someone here can recommend a good dealer or independent mechanic
in your area. I'm thinking the D.C. area may not be the best for
dealerships.

> The philosophy of the dealer is they never recommended any scheduled
> maintenance since "not all parts will go bad at the suggested time". They
> do not suggest customers to check anything even when the schedule/mileage is
> up as their excuse. This may work for people who knows car pretty well and
> knowing when and what to check. For my wife, she does not even remember
> when to change oil until I remind her...
>
> Thank you for any input.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

Check where the coolant is coming from. At that age and mileage, if it is
the passenger side behind the front tire, then it is likely the water pump.
(I just did my 1999 3.8L and it had just 65K miles...) You can remove the
front wheel and plastic inner fender pretty easily to see the pump and
confirm the diagnosis. At 100K, you need a lot of PM service that should
also be done. If you do the pump, replace the serpentine belt and check the
tensioner and idler.

PS I have no idea what a "coolant pressure switch" is on this vehicle.
Possibly the radiator cap or the thermostat?

Bob

"harry" > wrote in message
news:qPzMe.614$5U2.170@lakeread07...
> The 1999 T&C starts leaking coolant on floor since last month. Took it to
> dealer and they diagnosed as pressure switch problem and replaced it.
> Luckily/unluckily the pressure switch was just replaced few months ago and
> still under warranty.

Check where the coolant is coming from. At that age and mileage, if it is
the passenger side behind the front tire, then it is likely the water pump.
(I just did my 1999 3.8L and it had just 65K miles...) You can remove the
front wheel and plastic inner fender pretty easily to see the pump and
confirm the diagnosis. At 100K, you need a lot of PM service that should
also be done. If you do the pump, replace the serpentine belt and check the
tensioner and idler.

PS I have no idea what a "coolant pressure switch" is on this vehicle.
Possibly the radiator cap or the thermostat?

Bob

"harry" > wrote in message
news:qPzMe.614$5U2.170@lakeread07...
> The 1999 T&C starts leaking coolant on floor since last month. Took it to
> dealer and they diagnosed as pressure switch problem and replaced it.
> Luckily/unluckily the pressure switch was just replaced few months ago and
> still under warranty.

> For your edification, I think by "pressure switch" you maybe mean
> "thermostat"?
I guessyou are right.
>
> You're sure it is coolant (water with antifreeze) and not just plain water
> on the floor?
It is colored water, I have to refill the coolant several times.
>
> A coupls of possibilities come to mind:
> (1) Needs new spark plugs (time for them at that mileage)?
I did.
> (2) Fuel filter needs replacing?
Wii try this.
>
> Check for any codes?
Dealer reported no code found at this moment.
>