Minivan Drivers

[Caravan_Sport]

Hope I'm not the only one. We are on Chrysler minivan #5. Our current ride is an '02 Dodge Caravan Sport with the "H" package. Very nice!

Drew:)

[McClane]

My mom owns a 1995 Caravan with the Mitsu 3.0L (not very reliable) and my dad owns a 1998 Voyager with the 3.3L (pretty decent engine).

[angldrkns9]

How's it going?
I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan Sport with a few mods. McClane, autolite 3923 for the front blinkers right? and tell me about the Mopar M1 Intake Manifold, will that fit on a 2000 Dodge Caravan?

Jason

[Caravan_Sport]

I've had the Mitsu 3.0L V6 in three different vehicles over the years--'89 Grand Caravan, '94 Dodge Spirit & '96 Voyager. It did a pretty good job performance-wise, especially in the lightweight Spirit. I also got decent fuel economy with all three vehicles.

In the case of the '94 Spirit however, the 3.0L was quite a "leaker"; seems like many of these engines wind up leaking oil around the cam cover gaskets & seals. Our '96 Voyager didn't leak at all, but the '89 Grand Caravan was starting to leak a little at 90,000 miles.

The big advantage to the Chrysler-built 3.3L engine is that it does not require a timing belt change as does the Mitsu engine (the 3.3L has a timing chain!). It also doesn't seem to experience chronic leaks like the Mitsu engine does. I've had the 3.3L in three different vehicles as well--'94 Voyager, '99 Voyager and now the '02 Caravan.

In both the '94 Spirit and the '96 Voyager, we had the dependable A670 3-speed auto trans hooked up to the 3.0L V6. That's a nice combo. Of course, the 3.3L V6 has only been available with the more troublesome A604/41TE 4-speed auto trans. I always wished there had been a 3.3L/3-speed ATX combo available. This would be almost bullet-proof!

Drew

[McClane]

angldrkns9
Ooops, I should point out I own a Dakota, the Autolite 3923s are spark plugs and the M1 2bbl intake manifold is only available for 5.2/5.9L magnum engines. My parents own a Caravan and a Voyager.

Caravan_Sport
Since my dad's old 84 Reliant with the Mitsu 2.6L, I've never been a big fan of Mitsu engines for Chrysler. They are very problematic and not very reliable. I've often felt sorry for my dad because he poured alot of money into that 2.6 to make it run half decent. In -10 degree weather, even with a brand new battery and a few month old rebuilt starter, the motor would crank but not start. It is embarrassing in -5 degree to be plugging in the car.

On my mom's Caravan with the 3.0L, the transmission was overhauled twice. Once when the vehicle was brand new (roughly 3000 km) and the second time at 66 000 km. My mom was not impressed the second time around. The first time it was still under warranty so it didn't cost us anything, the second time it cost well over $1100.00 (ouch !:( ) Both times the transmission was slow to engage into gear until the engine fully warmed up. After the second overhaul, the transmission engages immediately.

Being a mopar fan, I have to admit that is rather disappointing.

Now that you mentioned it, the valve cover gaskets were leaking, and that had to replaced as well.

I agree, the nice thing about the 3.3L is it has a timing chain, rather than a belt. At around 71 000 km, the dealership replaced the timing belt on her Caravan.

When we were looking for a minivan for my dad, we test drove two Voyagers, one with the 3.3L and the other had the 3.8L, and we liked the 3.8L much better because it had much more power. Alas, the Voyager that had the 3.8L had well over 100 000km, while the 3.3L Voyager had only 70 000km.

Hey, what mods do you have in your Caravan ?

[Caravan_Sport]

Mods? Heh heh! Unless you count multiple french fries in the cushion of my daughter's seat or some bugs in the radiator, I don't have any mods. :) The Caravan only has 1800 miles on it now; we got it at the end of February. My '00 Neon still has a month to go under the factory warranty so I haven't touched it either.

I'm getting to be such an old fart :(

Drew

[angldrkns9]

hehe.. mods? if i could find some for my car, i'd put them on...

but i have to say... putting on a supercharger or a turbo doesn't seem to far away... i can make custom exhuast manifolds for my minivan, fit in an intercooler, do some moving around, and i should be able to put a turbo on... but i still have to learn how to weld before i make the exhuast manifolds...

doesn't anybody know of a cone air intake that will work?

[McClane]

This rather puzzles me, one of the most popular vehicles on the road (Caravan/Voyager) and it is a real chore to find any aftermarket mods for the vehicle.

I know a cone filter will fit, but in allpar.com, I read something interesting for the 3.0L. The computer is located in the same area as the air inlet, because it uses that air rushing in to cool the computer down. If you dismantle that airlet, then you have to construct a fan (like a cpu fan on a computer) to cool the computer down.

I wouldn't mind doing some cheap mods (if my parents let me touch their vehicles !! :) :) ), like installing cooler spark plugs, cone filter, and when their exhaust needs to be replaced, a decent cat back.

[Caravan_Sport]

I think it's kind of the nature of the beast...there are a few people doing modifications to their minivans, especially older models, but the vast majority of minivan drivers are probably a lot more like me--get in, turn the key and go. For people like me, your biggest concern is getting all of your kid's stuff into the rear area so the hatch will close. :)

I probably plant my foot to the floor about twice per year in the minivan, and that's for a very short duration to get around some slow-moving Honda Civic or whatever :)

There are a couple of groups on Yahoo that deal with minivans. There are some hotrodders within those groups so you might want to check out what they've been up to:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chryslers_MiniVans/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dcminivanclub/

You have seen the two websites dedicated to turbo minivans, haven't you? Both these guys have figured out how to get their Caravans down into the 13-second bracket for the 1/4 mile (do a search for Gus's "mean Mini" or Paul Smith's Caravan). Also, here's a couple of guys who are doing some big things with 3.0L-powered minivans:

http://www.geocities.com/t115_2000/

http://robskorner.freehomepage.com/

Drew

[McClane]

I'll definitely check out those websites. I usually head over to Donovan's garage (www.thedodgegarage.com) for info on Mopar fwd vehicles.

You're right about slow moving Hon-duhs (Hold On Not Done Accelerating = honda) !!! In my Dakota, I am tempted to just run them off the road !

Before I owned a Dakota, I used to drive a 87 Horizon and a 98 Breeze. I would never mod them at all, and I was content to just get in, turn the key, and go. I guess once bitten by the mod bug, you are hooked.

[angldrkns9]

lol... HONDA... hey, i'm an import fan here =P

Mini-vans are defintely underrated cars. They are consider some of the safeest cars on the road today. In a safe car you want weight and a low center of mass. In an SUV, you have weight, but a high center of mass. In a sports cars, you have a low center of mass, but you have no weight. And with the mini-van, you have a low center of mass and weigth. =P

Yeah, in terms of modiciation, on the interior side, I've found plenty because it's mostly universal parts... but for the engine, i'm defintely having a hard time. For the cone filter that you said would work, does that work witha 3.3L??

Also, does anybody know if a high performance brake kit for a dakota or a durango or a neon would work for a caravan? I know Dodge often re-use their designs and stuff between different models (same rear lights between a caravan and a durango)... etc...

[Caravan_Sport]

I didn't really mean to single out Hondas in my earlier post...as a Mopar fan, I can still admit that Honda puts out some darned fine automobiles. My cousin has a Civic Si that can really romp. I wouldn't take him on with my Neon (especially since my Neon is bone-stock & has an auto trans; his Civic is highly modified and has some special 5-speed stick in it). As the old saying goes, "To each his own...".

Drew

[McClane]

I apologize for the import slam; whenever I see guys slap stickers, coffee can exhaust, lowered incorrectly, and that stupid park bench they call a spoiler, I just have to wonder why they take a decent looking car and ruin it.

On one of the links that Caravan_Sport posted, it showed a picture of a Caravan with the 3.0L with a cone filter attached.

I'm pretty sure you can probablly do the same thing to the 3.3L.

What I would do is dismantle the box airfilter setup, but leave the accordian tube that connects the TB to the air filter box. Measure the outside diameter of the accordian tube, then go to www.knfilters.com, under universal air filters, and find a cone filter with an inside diameter that matches the measurements.

Just wondering, on my dad's Voyager, how in the world do you take the airbox apart to check the air filter ? I've disconnected the two bolts connecting to the vehicle's frame, but I can't find any levers or attachments to loosen to gain access to the air filter.

As for brakes, I'm not sure. I doubt a Neon brake would work in a Caravan, perhaps it is too small. A Dakota or Durango may work, but I'm not sure.

I've read on a few links from www.thedodgegarage.com, that some guys have installed a 180 t-stat + cooler spark plugs. I'm having a difficult time in finding out what brand and model # of spark plugs work best in the 3.0 and 3.3 engines.

The civic si is lighter than the neon, which gives him an advantage. Weight of the vehicle makes a huge difference. Even a difference of 500 pounds is noticable.

I know my Dakota has much more hp and torque than the civic si,
but my vehicle probablly outweights a civic by 4x, which gives the civic a weight advantage.

[McClane]

Hey guys, I thought I would share this article with you :

http://www.cadvision.com/sihlisl/caravan.htm

Hmmm, go anywhere Caravan ?

[angldrkns9]

hehe.. are we the only 3 people in this forum? lol..

for the air intake.. is it good to use a cone filter in the engine compartment, as in intake hot engine air... or is it better to use the stock air box and use a K/N stock air filter replacement, and get cool air from the bottom of the car?

"Just wondering, on my dad's Voyager, how in the world do you take the airbox apart to check the air filter ? I've disconnected the two bolts connecting to the vehicle's frame, but I can't find any levers or attachments to loosen to gain access to the air filter. "

Strangly enough, the air filter is acutally BELOW the airbox... it's not the box that's on the top of the engine compartment... it's the one BELOW it...

For the spark plugs... i replaced my stock ones with Bosche 4+ plug and wires... they seem to work fine.. what are the 180 t-stats ones? Do they work well?

I'm really curiouse about the brakes.. If the brakes on the Durango or Dakota are the same as the brakes on the Caravan, I'm sure companies make high performance brakes for the Durango that would work for the caravan..

[McClane]

There's got to be other Caravan owners out there !

I don't know if the mods for a Dakota can be crossed referenced to a Caravan, but the stock air intake is very restrictive. Yes, if you put a cone filter in, you'll be sucking in more hot air than if you put in a KN drop in, but wouldn't it be better to suck in lots of hot air rather than a smidgeon of cold ? With the cone, you are getting air from all around the filter. With a drop in, all you're getting is whatever the size of the air box opening is.

For Dakotas, many enthusiasts have pointed out to stay away from platinum plugs. They cost more and don't give you the performance you'd expect from a higher costing spark plug. I'm not sure if the same can be said for Caravans.

I believe Chrysler put in a 195 degree thermostat for the Caravans. For Dakotas, that is too hot, and Daks make their best power at 183 degrees, thus the need for a 180 degree thermostat. Besides, running the engine abit cooler will help the engine last longer. Just wondering, can the same be said of the 3.0 and 3.3L engines ? Will running it a tad cooler trip any codes ?

Go to www.speedtweaks.ca or www.speedtweaks.net

They sell high performance parts for Dakotas. There is a link on the websites that refer to brakes, and kits to convert rear drum to discs. Check it out, they may have the information you're looking for regarding brakes on a Caravan.

[angldrkns9]

Thanks for the site. Well, i guess with a STOCK engine, maybe a smidgeon of cold air will be enough? beats me... i'm acutally going to try to make a custom air intake with metal tubing and stick a k/N cone filter at the end... summer project =P

[McClane]

I'm sure the Dakota engines react the same way to cold air like the Caravan engines, positively !

Good idea in constructing your own cold air intake. I would just stuck a KN cone filter at the end, but removing the stock plastic hose and using a metal one is also a good.

[KJRich]

I'm probably going to be purchasing a minivan soon, since our first child was born April 26. However, my brand loyalty runs more true with rear wheel drive 80's and earlier Mopars and Dodge trucks. I'm definitely considering the Chrysler and Dodges, but if I get a better deal on one of the others I may go for it. Unless, of course, you guys talk me into buying a Mopar minivan!:D

[Caravan_Sport]

We drove all of them when we went looking for another minivan earlier this year. And I think I can safely say that there isn't a bad one on the market now. They are all at least capable. Some have some really nice strengths but I have to say that the Chrysler/Dodge models still combine all of the best features into one vehicle, and they are now very competitive in price too. Sure, the Honda Odyssey can probably out accelerate our Dodge Caravan (ours has the smaller 3.3L V6) and the rear seat folds into a recess in the floor in the Honda--but after driving the Honda, it just didn't seem worth $6000 more than what we paid for the Caravan. Interestingly, the Caravan sure feels like it handles better than the Odyssey, in spite of the fact that the Honda has an independent rear suspension (which is a liability if you frequently haul heavy loads or tow).

Besides the Dodge/Chrysler models, the minivan that impressed me the most was the Mazda MPV. It's a nice size, smaller than the current Dodge Caravan but about the same as the original generation Caravan. It handles well, has some nifty interior features and they've FINALLY put in a decent engine--3.0L V6 with 200 HP, compared to the puny 2.5L they've had in there for the past couple of years. But the Mazda seemed a little pricey for what you got, plus the tranny seemed to shift kind of harshly for my tastes.

The GM models have great powertrains but are starting to seem a little dated compared to the rest of the competition. There's some great pricing available on the GM models too.

I guess I'd rate the minivans with Dodge/Chrysler on top, the Mazda MPV and Chevy Venture tied for second, and the Ford Windstar third (nice, powerful engine in the Ford). The Toyota Sienna is a nice van, but wow, is it ever pricey!

Drew

[angldrkns9]

congrats on your kid.

If you want VALUE get a Dodge Caravan. If you want GOOD stuff, get a Honda Odyssey.

[McClane]

From what I've read on allpar.com regarding the Caravans, the 3.3L and 3.8L engines are a safe bet. After my dad purchase a used 98 Voyager with the 3.3L with 71 000 km, the vehicle still shows no sign of any problems.

Based on personal experience only, the Mitsu 3.0L is something I'd shy away from. My mom's 95 Caravan with the 3.0L was somewhat problematic.

I agree, my aunt owns a MPV (can't remember the year), and when we helped them move, I got to drive the vehicle. The MPV does shift hard (almost lose your dentures !), and handling wasn't as precise as the Caravans. It also feels more like a cargo van than a minivan. Another thing I didn't like was unlike the Caravans with a sliding rear door, the MPVs have doors that swing out. These doors aren't exactly small either, so imagine being in a tight parking spot; you'll most likely ding the guy next do you !

[Caravan_Sport]

I'll give Mazda credit for greatly improving the MPV from its previous iteration to the current model (when was that, 2000 model year?). Whatever the case, the new MPV, which is front wheel drive, is a huge leap forward from previous models--no longer the "cargo van" feeling. But for the money, I think the Caravan offers a lot more vehicle--plus it is now quieter and roomier.

I liked the Honda Odyssey, but was told right up front that there's no dealing on the sticker price--in fact, some dealers are still getting premiums on them. There's also at least a six week wait. Our loaded Caravan Sport came out to be almost $6000 less than an Odyssey, after the incentives & "dickering". I also was surprised that the tires made so much noise on the Odyssey--but to be fair, I drove an '01 model. The '02s may be quieter.

Drew

[McClane]

I can't remember the model year of my aunt's MPV, I believe 1995-1996 ?? She had the 4wd model.

I'm more of a truck person, but if my girlfriend and I ever did need a second vehicle, a Caravan would be my first choice (still having a tough time convincing her that another Dakota would be ideal !).

I would probablly look at the older style Caravans, 1992-1995 model year. The newer styling is better looking, on the other hand, the engine seems crammed into the engine bay, while the older styles have abit more room to work in.

The dual sliding doors are handy though.

[Caravan_Sport]

No doubt about that engine cramming bit. Thank goodness the newer vans are using platinum tip plugs! I certainly pity the poor rube who has to pull those plugs out after many years and 100,000 miles of driving--they will be: 1. inaccessible and 2. VERY hard to persuade to come out of their nesting spots, even if the rube could manage to access them somehow... :(

The newer minivans seem to handle a little better & perhaps ride more quietly than earlier versions...but they are also a LOT porkier & more difficult to work on. I'd love to be able to buy a "new" Caravan/Voyager that's got the size, weight & serviceability of the '88-'95 models but would also ride & handle like the current models. I really like our '02 Caravan, but I wish it weighed about 500 lbs. less...(oh, and a torquey, direct-injected turbo diesel engine good for 33 MPG would be nice too!).

Drew

[KJRich]

Thanks for the info about minivans!

[McClane]

I agree with Caravan_Sport, the newer ones look much more stylish and is much quieter than the older models. Unfortunately, the engine is really crammed into the newer models, while on the older ones doing some work (ie. changing spark plugs) is doable.

I like the newer ones because they have dual sliding doors, but the older ones have a more open engine bay.

I finally figured out how to replace the air filter on my dad's 98 Voyager with the 3.3L. Like angldrkns9 said, it is underneath the plastic box which is labelled "remove to service air filter". I had to disconnect the accordian tube from the TB and the accordian tube from underneath to gain access to the air filter. It is mounted sideways. I've always liked Chrysler because they made their engines easily servicable, but the newer ones are becoming more and more difficult for do-it-yourselfers.

Diesels for the Caravans would be nice, I just can't understand why Chrysler markets diesels only in Europe and in N. America they only give us gasoline engines as an option.

[Caravan_Sport]

My thought is that there wouldn't be much of a market for the diesel engine options here in North America--they have a negative image as slow & smoky. People's perceptions have also been soured as a result of the Olds diesel V8 fiasco of the 1970s/80s. Of course, our low gasoline prices (relative to the rest of the world) don't provide much incentive to switch to a more fuel-efficient mode either.

Personally, I'd much rather have a torquey, long-lived turbo diesel under the hood rather than one of these new hybrid setups. I'm just not convinced that the hybrids will be reliable over the long run. Hopefully, I'll be proven wrong though...

Drew

[McClane]

Don't forget noisy !! About a year and a half ago, a group of us went up to Ft. McMurray, Alberta (about a 5-6 hour drive from Calgary) in a rental 15 passenger Ford van. The vehicle had a 7.3L V8 diesel engine. The biggest complaint was the typical diesel sound. Didn't bother me, but others who weren't used to the noise found it loud.

To tell you the truth, one of the reasons I went with a Dakota vs. a Cummins Diesel Ram was the high cost; a 1995 Dakota was around $15 000 CDN, while a used 1995 Ram diesel would run easily $25 000 - 30 000 (with over 150 000 km on the clock).

Another reason I prefer diesels, like you mentioned torque, and they can hear you coming and (if smart enough) move out of the way for you (esp. in the Rams) !

[Caravan_Sport]

Those Powerstroke diesels used in Ford trucks *are* noisy. I don't know exactly what it is, but they've got a sound frequency that I find to be almost annoying. We've got a bunch of Ford medium-duty trucks with that engine in our fleet at work and I get weary from listening to them for very long. Neither the GM Duramax nor the Cummins 5.9L diesels have that effect on me.

Friend of ours has an '01 VW Golf TDI. That thing is amazingly quiet--much more civilized than earlier VW diesels. The old ones always sounded like a bunch of spray paint cans being shaken to me...but the new one is almost indistinguishable from a petrol-burning model, at least from a sound standpoint. It's also quite quick!

Drew

[KJRich]

Diesel technology really has come a long way, as evidenced by the VW passenger car diesels, in this case. The seem quiet and non-smoky.

[McClane]

Someone from dodgetrucks.org posted an article regarding the new Cummins 5.9L engine, and the article stated that the engine was really quiet, even when compared to gas engines. As well, the new diesel starts up much easier in cold weather, just like a gas engine.

I agree, diesel engines have come a long way. They are no longer belch black smoke or sound like you have a bad timing chain.

Regarding the Ford van we rented, it wasn't too bad on fuel. When I drove from Edmonton to Calgary (a distance of roughly 310 km) at a speed of 110km/h, I used up $30.00 of fuel, that is about $10.00/100 km, not bad for a full size van.

When my friend drove, he exceeded 110km/h, I think he was going at 140-150 km/h (guessing), and did we ever expend fuel at an alarming rate. It seemed like every 200 km, we were filling up at least $26.00-30.00 worth of diesel.

I would love to test drive a Duramax or Cummins diesel, so I can compare that to the Ford diesel.

[angldrkns9]

i guess you can always try putting sound insulating materials in to deal with the sound. I'm planning on doing that when i upgarde the sound system on my Caravan. Lots of sound insulating material to get rid of the road noise and such.

Does a 2000 Dodge Caravan have an active alarm system? I know there is a panic button. But is there an alarm system to breaking windows... blah blah blah?

[McClane]

I'm not sure if a Caravan has an active alarm system. The alarm you described for your 2000 Caravan sounds similiar to my dad's 98 Voyager, there is a panic button, along with unlock/lock buttons.

I don't believe there is an active alarm system, I think the alarm is if someone breaks into your van.

[Ratler9782]

Hi all.....
I just got my van last December. A Grey 2000 Grand Caravan Sport that is modified to fit a wheelcair driver. I get plenty of good remarks about how nice it looks. I love this minivan so much! Wish it had more power though.....with all the mods it's a little heavy so I really have to work the engine. I also wanna fix up the body a little.....I have side cladding from the conversion but the back end sticks up kinda high (from modified suspension) so I wanna add some cladding on the sides of the rear bumper so it doesn't look so bad. I also wanna get some new 17s to give it a more muscular look. As for the engine, it seems like there isn't much to do.......maybe when I win the lottery I'll shoehorn in a V10 and make my car run 13s or something....

[McClane]

Ratler9782
I'm sure you can do some basic mods on the engine like cold air intake, better exhaust, different types of spark plugs, ...

Unfortunately, I've searched the web and could not find any one making mods of the Caravans at all. Most mods are home made.

I'm sure if you can open up the intake and exhaust, you can squeeze abit more out of the engine.

[Vengance]

mods?

Like this?

Functional hood scoop w/ K&N cylinder filter, 56mm bored TB, solid polyurethane motor mounts (not inserts), Jensen CD/Cass. player, and a winch, as soon as I get it wired up!

http://www.dmasinc.com/images/hoodscoop-1.jpg

[angldrkns9]

Hello.
I’m making an custom Air Intake system for my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport. I’m using the instructions from this website: http://teamdelsol.com/howto/coldair/diycoldair.htm I was wondering if anybody had tried making a custom air intake for their car before. From previous posts, I’ve learned the TB is 52mm. I have a couple of questions. If my TB is 52mm, what size tubing do I use? Do I use the 3’’ diameter of 2.5’’ diameter tubing? What is the conversion from mm to inches? Some people have told me to simply just stick a cone filter onto TB and remove the entire stock air box setup. However, if I do that, what should I do about the black tube that runs from the air box into what seems to be the oil case? From the website, it had mentioned something about an intake air temperature sensor. Does the Caravan have one? Do I have to take that into consideration while making my custom cold air intake? What type of cone air intake should I use? K/N? Some other type? If I’ve missed anything, please tell me or if anybody has ever tired this and would like to help me, please do so. Does anybody know of any other websites for custom cold air intakes? Thanks in advance.

How did you setup the hood scoop and K/N intake system? And how hard was it to install a 56mm TB? Thanks

[Vengance]

All the work on our van is done by Deyeme Racing.

They have a website, and can be found posting on various MoPar related message forums.

[McClane]

Vengance
Nice setup ! Do you have any pics of your cold air intake handy ? Finally, someone has done something for the Caravans !

angldrkns9
I am in the process of building a home made cold air intake for my Dakota. All that is missing is the KN cone filter.

To choose the correct KN filter, what you will have to do is measure the OUTSIDE DIAMETER of the pipe/tubing that you will be attaching the filter to. Then go to the KN website, under universal air filters, under cone/tapered filters, and look for a filter with an INSIDE DIAMETER that is slightly smaller or exactly the same size you're looking for.

For example, on my home made intake, the ABS piping's outside diameter is 90 mm. Since KN doesn't have anything exactly 90 mm, I am going with a cone filter of 89 mm. The rubber flange will stretch that extra mm.

As for connection in between, I am unsure as to what to do. I was able to assemble the cold air intake for Dakotas because there is lots of pics around, but for Caravans none can be found.

For the Dakota, the IAT (intake air temperature sensor) is not on the air inlet tube as described on the website link but rather on the intake manifold. I am sure the Caravans are the same way.

I believe what the website was describing is relocating the IAT to the air intake tube. Thus, the sensor will sense the air coming in is cooler, tell the computer to run the engine a little bit richer, and hence you get a little bit more HP out of the engine (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

[riverman]

I know on my 99 it just has a keyless entry system. There is an easy way to see if you have an alarm. First Roll down the drivers window. Now using the power lock switch on the door lock the van and close the door. At this point you should see a light blinking if you have an alarm. If you want to go further wait about 60 seconds. Reach in and manually unlock the door. DO NOT UNLOCK WITH THE POWER LOCK SWITCH!!!! When you open the door it is as if someone reached in a broken window and got access to the van. The alarm should be honking. If it is not chances are you just have a keyless entry with panic just like me!!!! Hope this helps.
Originally posted by angldrkns9
i guess you can always try putting sound insulating materials in to deal with the sound. I'm planning on doing that when i upgarde the sound system on my Caravan. Lots of sound insulating material to get rid of the road noise and such.

Does a 2000 Dodge Caravan have an active alarm system? I know there is a panic button. But is there an alarm system to breaking windows... blah blah blah?