1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager

Introduction: Introduced in 1998, the Plymouth Grand Voyager is a popular minivan offered in a wide range of configurations. It features a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and a variety of engine and transmission options, including the 3.3L V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 3.8L V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.0L V6 with a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Voyager boasts a maximum towing capacity of 2,800 lbs and receives praise for its practicality and affordability. However, it has also faced criticism for its fuel economy and reliability issues.

Engine

• 3.3L V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and engine misfires. The solution involves replacing the intake manifold gasket, costing around $400 - $600+.
  • Camshaft Position Sensor Failure: Symptoms include engine stalling, rough idling, and poor acceleration. The fix requires replacing the camshaft position sensor, costing approximately $150 - $300+.
  • Fuel Pump Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling, and a lack of fuel pressure. The solution involves replacing the fuel pump, with costs ranging from $300 - $600+.
• 3.8L V6
  • Timing Chain Failure: Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, difficulty starting, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the timing chain and related components, costing around $800 - $1,200+.
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Symptoms include oil leaks around the valve cover. The solution involves replacing the valve cover gasket, costing approximately $200 - $350+.
  • Water Pump Failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and a loss of coolant. The solution requires replacing the water pump, costing around $300 - $500+.
• 3.0L V6
  • Oil Filter Adapter O-Ring Failure: Symptoms include oil leaks from the oil filter adapter. The solution involves replacing the O-ring, costing approximately $50 - $150+.
  • Distributor Cap and Rotor Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, rough idling, and a lack of power. The solution requires replacing the distributor cap and rotor, costing around $100 - $200+.

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Clutch Failure: Symptoms include slipping gears, shuddering, and difficulty shifting. The fix involves replacing the torque converter clutch, costing approximately $800 - $1,200+.
  • Valve Body Failure: Symptoms include transmission slipping, delayed shifting, and harsh shifts. The solution requires replacing the valve body, costing around $600 - $800+.
• 3-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Band Failure: Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and a loss of power. The solution involves replacing the bands, costing approximately $500 - $700+.
  • Output Shaft Seal Failure: Symptoms include transmission fluid leaks. The solution involves replacing the output shaft seal, costing around $200 - $400+.

Suspension

• Front Suspension:
  • Ball Joint Failure: Symptoms include clunking or creaking noises when turning the steering wheel, uneven tire wear, and a loose steering wheel. The solution requires replacing the ball joints, costing approximately $300 - $500+ per side.
  • Strut Failure: Symptoms include a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and a loss of handling. The solution involves replacing the struts, costing around $500 - $800+ per side.
• Rear Suspension:
  • Leaf Spring Failure: Symptoms include a sagging rear end, uneven tire wear, and a loss of handling. The solution requires replacing the leaf springs, costing approximately $400 - $600+ per side.

Electrical

• Battery Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, dimming headlights, and a loss of electrical power. The solution involves replacing the battery, costing around $100 - $200+.
• Alternator Failure: Symptoms include dimming headlights, a loss of electrical power, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution requires replacing the alternator, costing approximately $300 - $500+.
• Starter Failure: Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle or a grinding noise when starting. The solution involves replacing the starter, costing around $200 - $400+.

Exterior

• Power Window Failure: Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the windows, or windows that do not operate at all. The solution requires replacing the power window motor or switch, costing approximately $200 - $400+ per window.
• Door Lock Failure: Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the doors, or doors that do not open or close properly. The solution involves replacing the door lock actuator or switch, costing around $150 - $300+ per door.

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: Symptoms include cracks forming on the dashboard. The solution involves replacing the dashboard, costing approximately $500 - $800+.
• Climate Control Malfunction: Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the temperature or airflow, or the system not working at all. The solution involves replacing the climate control module or related components, costing around $300 - $500+.

Summary: The 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager is a spacious and practical minivan that has received mixed reviews regarding its reliability. While it offers a variety of engine and transmission options, it has faced numerous issues, including intake manifold gasket failure, transmission slipping, and suspension problems. The severity and cost of repairs can vary depending on the issue and the specific components involved.