Elliot--

I've had a good deal of experience dealing with Chrysler
customers--particularly those having had problems with "new" (post-95)
body-style minivans.

First off, is your van's engine 3.0 or 3.3 litre?  If it's 3.3, then most
likely you have the Chrysler-designed engine and 4-speed transmission.
These are "relatively" reliable and have not had problems, statistically.
Being that you have the Grand Caravan, most likely you have this drivetrain
combo.  If, however, yours is the 3.0 litre, then you have the Mitsubishi
engine and 3-speed transmission.  This is bad.  There have been many, many
service bulletins written on this tranny, most having to do with a faulty
PCM (powertrain control module).  I have one myself with 150K miles and have
never had a transmission problem, but I consider myself fortunate in that
respect (three total A/C failures in as many years, though).

Anyway, what happens is that the PCM allows the internal hydraulic pressure
to go overspec at low speed/high gear (30 MPH would fall right in this
ballpark) causing stress on seals, etc.  This sometimes can be felt as a
"surging" sensation even though throttle inputs remain the same.

Now,  what can you do about the repair issue?  Because the van was used when
purchased, your bargaining position is weakened--even with a service
contract (read the fine print on powertrain coverage exceptions).  If the
van was purchased at that dealership then ask if they are a "five-star"
dealership.  If so, then they have a vested financial interest in preserving
that rating.  Speak to the service manager and franchise owner directly.
Let them know that you are aware that issues like this could cause them to
lose five-star status (and Chrysler Corp. bonuses).

If they don't give you satisfaction, contact the MA. Attorney General's
Office for information on the state's Lemon Law (each state is different)
and also contact the Chrysler District Service Rep. (dealership will provide
name and #).  Explain your situation to the DSR and see if they will help.
If not, your next step is arbitration through the AG's office.  You will
have a meeting between a 3rd-party arbitrator, the dealer and yourself.  In
Ohio, the arbitrator's findings are binding on the dealer but not the
customer.  It was my experience, in this state at least, that the arbitrator
will generally find for the customer if their demand's are not outrageous.

Re: the ADA.  That would be a tough go in a civil suit.  The dealer has no
obligation to reduce his/her flat-rate based on customer needs.


Hope this helps

-Kyle
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>From: Eliot Kagan <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Wheelchair accessible vans
>Date: Tue, Jul 18, 2000, 11:15 PM