After a couple of years' worth of hearing what can best be described as a dog with laryngitis barking --- "Woof, woof, woof, woof . . ." from our '02 Town & Country's 3.3L engine (most prominent at idle and made louder by engaging the tranny and even louder by engaging the A/C), I couldn't believe that I had overlooked the simple solution that was right in front of my nose! Two days ago, the tensioner pulley spring broke. After installing a new pulley but before putting the serpentine belt back in position, my son and I decided to rotate every pulley that's powered by the belt. We got to the alternator and couldn't believe our eyes --- the pulley wobbled considerably. One rebuilt alternator installation later, we started the engine, engaged the tranny and the A/C, and heard nothing but quiet. Thought I'd pass the news on to those who've been plagued by that annoying "Woof, woof, woof" sound.

 

THANK YOU Dan!! Just bought 2001 T & C and been hearing this noise. Running A/C cause 101 outside. Engine runs great just sounds like it wants to jump out from under the hood!

 

Glad to know that my posting was helpful, Robert. I realize that I may be off the mark from an expert's view (I'm strictly an amateur weekend mechanic), but based on personal experience, it may be advisable that you make an appointment with yourself to get under your T&C as soon as possible to take tension off the serpentine belt and rotate all the pulleys to see which one is the "offender." In my mini's case, it was the alternator, and frankly, based on the harmonic rhythm that results in the "Woof, woof, woof," it's likely that the alternator is the culprit in your case, too. (The alternator has the smallest diameter pulley -- even smaller than the idler and tensioner pulleys.) However, to be on the safe side, look for wobble in ALL the pulleys: crankshaft, power steering, tensioner, idler, alternator and A/C.

 

wish I was a weekend mechanic like you...I couldn't even begin to do what you said to do...I have to rely on a hometown mechanic who is good and fair in pricing! I will pass the info on to him. Thank you again!

 

Mine sounds like you are twisting a cats tail!