The 1993 Dodge Caravan has 10 recalls on the vehicle, but none of these recalls deal with any of the radiator and cooling problems experienced by some Caravan owners. The manufacturer has published several technical service bulletins (TSB) on cooling problems on the Caravan.
Radiator Leak
Tthe 1993 Dodge Caravan develops a leak in the radiator causing the loss of coolant, water or antifreeze. The radiator in the Caravan is made to circulate fluids through the system to keep those fluids cool, and to cool the engine so it does not overheat. According to Edmunds.com, TSB number 26, published by the manufacturer, concerns coolant usage of the Caravan. When a radiator leak develops, there is not enough coolant running through the engine and being cooled by the radiator, and the engine overheats. The radiator leak needs to be repaired or the overheating will cause serious engine problems, including eventually complete engine failure.
Radiator Clogged
The radiator in the 1993 Dodge Caravan becomes clogged because of debris building up. Edmunds.com reports that TSB number 30, published by the manufacturer, explains this radiator problem in the Dodge Caravan. The Caravan radiator is made up of small narrow tubing through which the coolants pass while blowing air penetrating the grille cools these fluids before they are pushed back into the engine. Rust, road chemicals, engine debris and other materials build up in the radiator creating a clog, which reduces coolant circulation through the radiator and engine. The engine overheats when this occurs. The Caravan owner needs to flush the radiator annually and replace the coolant fluids to prevent this clogging.
Radiator Hose Problems
The hoses on the radiator begin to leak on the 1993 Dodge Caravan. Edmunds.com adds that manufacturer-published TSB number 30 details several reasons why the engine will sag or hesitate at start-up, along with rough idling. One of these reasons is that the radiator components wear out over time. The heated coolant and debris that flow through the hoses of the radiator eventually deteriorate the hoses and create a leak. This leak in a hose also negatively affects coolant flow, causing an overheat situation. The Caravan owner needs to inspect the radiator hoses annually and replace them if any doubt at all arises about their reliability.
