Hello,
I am new to the Dodge forum here and know zilch about any vehicle including a Dodge. I just purchased a used 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE from a private dealer. This is the same person we have bought our 4 previous vehicles from (all used as well) over the past 15 years and the performance from all the cars the gentleman has sold us has been outstanding. In fact of the previous vehicles purchased - two we still own and they run like a dream, one we resold after using it approximately 7 years and it still runs like a dream w/ the 3rd owner and the one that isn't running likely would be if we hadn't wrecked it - so case in point - the gentleman deals in reliable vehicles.

On to this 5th vehicle, shortly before purchase - I pulled into the lot and it was making a crazy squealing sound when I turned on the A/C - they said the compressor had just happened to go out - no problem they fixed it free of charge - new compressor and the works and sent me on my way. I purchased the vehicle and took it out of town a few days later for a two day trip - on the way home - whenever the A/C is on the brakes begin to make a squeaking noise and it seems like power is being lost as we drive. If we turn the A/C off - the vehicle is fine which leads me to believe it's something w/ the new A/C system. The A/C itself is also making a noise - not a squealing as before but kind of a stuck whirring.

On an unrelated note whenever we drive the vehicle the engine seems to have a rhythmic ticking or clicking that fades in and out. I am not sure what the noise could be and it absolutely does not impact performance in any way. In fact, the vehicle rides smooth as silk and gives all appearances of being great as every other vehicle purchased from this particular individual has been for us. I have been told the ticking is just the way these motors sound - is this true?

Oh also - not sure if this part is important - I am the 3rd owner of the vehicle. It was purchased from auction by the dealer and had one previous owner. He then sold it to his nephew to use for equipment hauling and trips but the nephew never used it so he took it back to his lot to try to find a buyer which is where I came into play. The vehicle had 66,600+ miles on it when I purchased it.

 

I don't know about A/C systems; however, check the pully and clutch on compressor when at a stand still. Auto stores may sell stethascopes that are designed to let you hear where the sound is coming from. As far as the brakes squealing,it doesn't have anything to do with the A/C system. Check the pads for wear (inside and out). Good luck...

 

How could it not be the A/C if the brakes only make the sound when the A/C is on? That doesn't make any sense. If the A/C is not on the brakes don't squeal - it's like water or moisture or condensation is somehow coming from the new A/C system onto the breaks which leads me to think something is loose maybe if that is even possible. If I leave the A/C off the brakes make no sound at all. I'm not trying to be contradictory - it just doesn't make sense that I would have a problem w/ the brakes only when the A/C is on and it not have something to do w/ the A/C. Even when the A/C is on the brakes don't go out - they just make the sound. It is the engine itself that loses power slightly when the A/C is on but ONLY after the A/C begins to make the noise.

 

If your engine looses power when the A/C is on and the squealing happens, then its the compressor or the belt. When the A/C is on it uses (If i remember right) about 10% of the engines power to run it. So the reason you feel like you loose power, is because you are, that part is normal. The squealing is not normal and could be the beltsliping due to wear or a weak tensioner (Assuming the compressor is good).