1998 Dodge Caravan ticking noise

1998 DODGE CARAVAN
70,500 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CHASITY82
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My Dodge Caravan started making a light ticking sound that is sporadic about 6 months ago. Over time it has gotten a little louder but comes and goes. (It gets louder and quiets down) but it never goes away now like it used too. When I start the van now in the morning, the ticking sound is REALLY loud and then quiets to almost non existent. I dont have much money so I cant take it to a mechanic. Can you help me?
Nov 11, 2010 at 11:35 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is the sound coming from the engine?
Nov 13, 2010 at 5:50 AM
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CHASITY82
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no, my husband says it sounds like its coming from down by the timing belt area not the engine.
Nov 16, 2010 at 2:01 PM
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SATGENIUS
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The serpentine belt sometimes is a problem but in most cases it is the belt that drives the air conditioner pump. The mileage on your car subjects it to some wear. It sounds like you need some maintenance. Check the belts for wear like cracking or just worn out. There is a list of things that needs to be look at with that kind of mileage. Look at your owners manual for that list.
Dec 31, 2010 at 8:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The serp belt and the timing belt are next to each other. One is covered on the front of the engine and the other is exposed in front of the engine.
Jan 1, 2011 at 8:29 PM
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SATGENIUS
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There are 3 belts to look at. The easiest is the serpentine belt, that is the longest one. The other belt is a somewhat short and drives the A/C pump. Those two belts are external. The other one is a timing belt and it is internal. With the mileage on your car, you should consider changing that one too. Timing belts should be changed approx. every 50,000 miles.
Jan 2, 2011 at 7:27 PM