Running fluid noise

[rtelles]

Hi everyone:

I do not know if this is normal in all Caravans, but since I bought mine 2 years ago (brand new) I noticed there was a noise whenever you hit on the gas pedal .. it sounds like someone open a faucet and fluid is running... I am having a hard time locating the noise... I am almost sure this must be normal since I got it has always been there, but could someone explain to me what this noise is and why does it happens when you hit the gas pedal?

Thanks,

Rafael

[Jmw132001]

is the noise coming from the dash area? if so it is probably the coolant running through the heater core..good luck

[rtelles]

Thanks for the reply jmw132001... It makes sense that it is the coolant running through the heater core... It just made me wonder because I have owned many cars before and none of them had that noise, so I guess the Dodge Caravans all make this noise...

To be more exact the noise happens almost all the time but it gets louder when I hit the gas , but it sounds all the time since I start the engine; obviously while I am driving I cannot hear it since the engine noise mask it, but in idle or slow speeds I can hear it... Like I said I have a hard time locating the noise (I am deaf on one ear so locating in space its hard for me), but my guess its coming from the engine, probably the dash...

Anyone, other suggestions?

[vipergg]

You normally would not hear fluid going thru the heater core unless the coolant level is really low or has air in it . Make sure level is ok . Really don't know what that would be specially on a new one like yours.

[acton mike]

check to see if the air cleaner housing and the duct from the air cleaner to the throttle body is intact and secure

you might have induction noise normally muffled by the air cleaner and ducting

[Jmw132001]

yeah i would say to check the anti-freeze and make sure it is full. other then that i cannot think of anything else at the moment. if i think of something else i will let you know..good luck

[rtelles]

Thanks for the tips guys.. I will check the coolant level and let you know if it makes any difference.. BTW it is really hard to see the coolant level on the minivan ... it is so far below, compared to my Honda Civic :o( ...

[rtelles]

I just wanted to update this topic.. Indeed I checked the coolant level and it was right on the LOW line, so I bought some MOPAR Coolant from the dealer and refilled it to MAX line... The noise improved a lot but I can still hear the fluid running (sounds weird...like sand running) when starting the car and hitting on the gas... It's definetly related to the coolant since the noise got reduced by filling it... It's a weird noise, but may be it's normal on all Caravans....

[Jmw132001]

i still say that it is probably the heater core where the fluid is going through. it may be that the water pump is not keeping up and when u give it the gas it throws more pressure. just guessing here..good luck

[boomboy64]

Hi everyone:

..it sounds like someone open a faucet and fluid is running... I am having a hard time locating the noise...

Rafael

Could the sound he hears be the tranny fluid through the solenoid pack? I've got a base model '98 and given that it has no sound insulation to speak of, it took me a while to understand all of the weird noises emanating when I hit the gas pedal.

Just a thought...

Boomboy64
in Winnipeg

[bigmacdak]

Could be a stuck thermostat, (stuck open) that would allow the coolant to flow continuously through the heater core??

Is the van running at the correct temps??

Just an idea...

[shelbydodgeimp]

btw you should be able to use just about any 50/50 coolant mix ;)

These vans do have their own noises- the 3.3 is known to make a tic tic tic tic tic that you can hear with the hood up, the a604 makes wierd noises as the solenoids do their thing etc.

I wonder, could the noise be the air moving through the intake as you accelerate?

[rtelles]

Thanks for all the answers, well let me try to answer them all:

- Heater core might be the cause, but how can I tell for sure?
- As for the transmission fluid thru the solenoid pack.. well the solenoid will probably be replaced next week, so we'll see it that was the cause?
- The temperature is always below 50% on the indicator, and like I said before the noise is louder when I just start the van, so when it's colder...
- I doubt the noise is coming from the intake air... And again this noise has always been there since the van was 75kms and I took it out of the dealership. It was my first minivan so I thought it was a normal noise..

Thanks

[bigmacdak]

Well, good luck!!

[ade]

would coolant flow thru the heater core if the venilation control was in the off position and also if the temp contol was in the cold position???? since this person has had this vehicle for a couple of years and thru summer and winter, he has used all positions of the heater/ac controls, and hears this sound, then coolant must flow at all times?????

[Jmw132001]

would coolant flow thru the heater core if the venilation control was in the off position and also if the temp contol was in the cold position???? since this person has had this vehicle for a couple of years and thru summer and winter, he has used all positions of the heater/ac controls, and hears this sound, then coolant must flow at all times?????

coolant flows through the heater core at all times. does not matter if you have anything turned on or not the coolant still goes through the heater core.

[rtelles]

An update on this issue:

Two days ago I took the minivan to the dealership for a transmission fluid change however the mechanic found a coolant leak as well, check the water pump and determined it was not working properly so he replaced it (all under warranty :o) ).. After this water pump change was done the noise is almost gone, you can hardly hear it when accelerating but may be only 10% of the original noise, so I am 90% sure this had something to do... Now since this noise has always been there since I bought the minivan Brand New 2 years ago, could it mean the Water Pump was malfunctioning right from the beggining??? How come the minivan never overheated before ??

Weird...