Hello,

I have a 2001 Town and Country with the AWD package. The vehicle runs well, AWD system does great in the snow, etc...

The issue I am running into is that it seems to always engage the AWD system resulting in "crow hopping" on sharp turns. (worse after it's been driven a distance) From what I've read, the vehicle should essentially run as a 2wd unless additional traction is needed.

I opened the plug on the PTU, and the fluid looks good and is at the appropriate level. I had my wife move the vehicle forward and back while looking underneath. The rear driveshaft is engaging (is it supposed to run as a front wheel drive unless additional traction is needed?)

The best information I am able to find online points towards the need for new tires. Apparently if all the tires dont have exactly the same wear, it can cause the vehicle to "think" there's slippage and keep the awd system on as well as causing heat buildup and overheating of the PTU?

This makes sense as when the vehicle is first started, it turns well on hard turns, however, once it's been driven for a distance, tight turns receive resistance and crow hopping.

Any insight is much appreciated as I would really like to be more certain than a quick web search before spending money on tires (when the ones on there have about 1/2 tread left)

Thanks!

Paul

 

from what I know, T&C has full time all wheel drive system.
meaning, there are three diffrentials, one central and one on each axle. driver has no effect on power distribution, it is distributed automatically.

it also means that you do not drive on 2WD in normal conditions. for that you would need a viscous coupling, and T&C don't have that.

when your wife was moving the car, it is perfectly normal that the rear propeller shaft was running, becouse there is a fixed mechanical connection between wheels and prop shaft.

now, what you refer to as "crow hopping".
I don't know the expression, but I think I know what it is. and that may come becouse of limited slip differential (LSD).
it's a device which makes both wheels on one axle turning, even if one of wheels is on ice. that is, if T&C has that device.
in that case, crow hopping is normal when you are cornering, expecially noticable at low speed. slipping in diferential is varying with diff oil temperature and that's why you feel a difference.

I would really like to get a real information from one of the chrysler mechanics if above is true or false, becouse I was unable to find real info about chrysler AWD system.