From: tepper@ACF1.NYU.EDU
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Stalling in 1989 Dodge Caravans/Plymouth Voyagers
Date: 23 Nov 92 04:17:17 GMT
Reply-To: tepper@ACF1.NYU.EDU
Organization: New York University, NY, NY

My 1989 Dodge Caravan, with approximately 40,000 miles on it, has over the
period of its brief life, developed a stalling problem.  To be more specific,
a couple of summers ago, it would stall when we were using both the front and back air conditioners.  This would typically happen as we were decelerating.
Naturally, we experienced a loss of power to both the brakes and the steering.This made for a number of very scary experiences.  While it was frustrating,
we attempted to deal with it by using only the front a/c.  The car was
not as cool - but it ran.  This past summer, the problem became worse. 
The car would stall with only the front air conditioner going.  TODAY, 
the same problem developed despite the fact that neither of the a/c units
was operating.  What we did have on were the lights, some heat and the
wipers.  I no longer have any faith in the car.
	I brought this state of affairs to the attention of a number of
auto service centers - none of whom were able to either isolate the
problem in their shops or recommend an effective "fix".  What I did
learn from some of these mechanics is that they have heard of a 
number of folks with Caravans/Voyagers with these problems.

	With that in mind, I wrote to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and requested a print out of all reported stalling
problems in that model car.  The mechanics were right.  I was not
alone.  The print out reported approximately  -60- such complaints!
Chrysler has refused to acknowledge that anything is fundamentally 
wrong with the car.  I sent a letter to them indicating, very
specifically, when the stalling developed, what the driving 
conditions were like, etc.  The letter they sent back basically said
that, in THEIR humble opinion, it was nothing more than a service   
problem.  IMHO, they're trying to avoid responsibility for a major
glitch in one of their products.  

	Recognizing that, I have written to Mr. Jon White, the Chief
of the Technical Analysis Branch of the Office of Defects 
Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
While I wrote to him about two weeks ago, I have yet to receive a
response.  In addition, I also wrote to him today describing the
events that took place earlier today.  In the interest, not only of
1989 Caravan/Voyager owners, but of the folks that ride in their 
cars as well as that of other drivers on the road with them, I asked
Mr. White to: (1) call for Chrysler to aggressively investigate this
problem and develop an appropriate "fix"; (2) call for a recall by
Chrysler ASAP to implement the recommendations.

	Certainly, Mr. White, who is the individual with the ultimate
responsibility for deciding to seek a recall, will be more concerned
should he hear from an even greater number of 1989 Caravan/Voyager
owners.  He has heard from me and approximately 60 others about
their stalling experiences in these cars.  If YOU have had such an
experience, or know someone that has, and, if, like me, you value
safety in the cars you drive, please do TWO things.  First - write
to him and let him know that it is not just 60 incidents he has to
consider.  The more of us he hears from, the more likely it is he
will take action vis a vis Chrysler.  His address is as follows:

                    Mr. Jon White
                    Chief
                    Technical Analysis Branch
                    Office of Defects Investigation
                    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
                    U.S. Department of Transportation
                    400 Seventh Street, S.W.
                    Washington, D.C. 20590

	Recognizing that Chrysler products are sold all over the world, it
would be important to hear from Caravan/Voyager owners abroad as well as
those state-side.

	The second thing to do is to send me a copy of the letter you send
to Mr. White together with a statement clearly indicating that I may
share it with appropriate others.  By "appropriate others", I have in 
mind legislators at the federal level who we may find it necessary to 
contact in order to put an optimal amount of pressure on the Dept. of
Transportation to get Chrysler into gear in terms of our needs.  My
address is:

                           Jesse J. Tepper, Ph.D.
                           300 Central Park West
                           New York, N.Y., 10024-1513       
                           U.S.A.
	                
	My email address is: TEPPER@acfcluster.nyu.edu

	For $20,000 U.S., we may not be in a position to ask for class in
the auto we buy - but we have every right to expect safety.  Thanks for
your anticipated help.