EveryOne with Transmission problems... Read This...!
A Chrysler Secret...!

well good morning everyone...

first post here... and I have been busy...

our 97 Dodge Caravan SE Sport with a 3.3 and the a604/41te transmission...

The tranni just Stopped working from a red light... "Limp Mode" 200miles away from
home, with No warning...
-1st gear, 2nd gear, reverse, neutral, and park... Only...

it shifts through 1st to 2nd fine... but when it attempts to shift into 3rd...
it Jumps to Neutral... until the engine and road speed get close together, then it Locks
2nd gear...
Then the computer pops up code #45 -EATX Controller has sent a DTC

it is the TCM (Transmission Control Module) on the passenger sidewall that controls
the Seloenoid Pack on the transmission so it will shift...
this is also called the EATX Controller...

ALL the Garages state i Need a new transmission, or a rebuilt one...
ALL the Dealers state the same thing...
"2000.00 Dollars" on average...!

ALL the manual's claim it is a direct fault that is emissions related...

So... i would not accept the mechanics or the dealers thought's...
This can't be right... Everything was Fine... and we All know transmissions will
give you some indication of internal fault... Prior to going out on you...

when Everyone is telling you it is slipping... they are Wrong...!
Neutral is not an engagement of the clutches....

When a tranni slips... you can still go forward... just have to gas it more as the
bands/clutches slip...
You still have forward motion...

NO Tranni will start to slip, and go right to being gone instantly...!
it is physically impossible, with normal daily driving...

So I replace the Solenoid pack on the side of the tranni... thinking, maybe the fluid
is Not flowing through the channels correctly... the Solenoid Pack is what physically
shifts this tranni...
Nope... that was Not the problem...

So I replace the input and output speed sensors...
Nope... that was not the problem...

hmmm...
So I replace the EATX Controller... because this controls the Solenoid Pack...
Nope... that was not the problem...
Still code #45

I noticed that a piece of folded paper was wrapped up with the EATX Controller I bought...
and what do you know... it Also states that this is an Emissions related fault...

So... I call the 1-800 hotline... 1-800-866-6727 then press 1 then press 4 to speak with Miguell...
M-F 8am-5pm eastern time... he will tell you... this guy talks...!

the guy tells me a little secret that Chrysler has...

on ALL a604 transmissions... there is a splice point... to make these transmission work properly...
that splices together a red wire from the Solenoid Pack, a red wire from the TCM/EATX, and a wire from
where the EATX Relay is plugged in...
The TSB Addendum was sent out to the production line...
Because they where having the Same problem... Right from the Get Go...
they spliced the three wires together, capping off the remaining wire... and electrical taped the
wires together and pushed them into the wire loom...

What the Hell kind of B.S. is that...

The guy tells me to clean the spliced wires, and reconnect them...
then tells me... also... check the Ground Strap to the transmission...

well... guess what everyone...

Before I called the hotline... I car dolly the van home...
and ended up taking it to a tranni place...
we have a terminally disabled child here, and need this vehicle for medical purposes...

the tranni place told me that the Clutch Packs are Fine... 89 CVI /Clutch Volume Index...
Always ask the person that is hooking a scan tool up to your computer, to check your CVI...!
the Clutch Volume Index runs from the 70's on upward as they wear...
if One gear is bad... the Volume Index will shoot right up near 100 or so...

anyway... he replaced the tranni with one that he re-built… old… JB welded trans pan...
Guess what.... I was able to get this out of him...
it Still did Not Work...!
He states "but it worked when we got all done didn’t it"
Yeah... After putting a brand New shiny ground strap I noticed on...!

I just did not know where the ground strap was with this EATX/TCM Selenoid Pack wire issue...
I paid 1700 of my son's school money, because we do not have any, for a new ground strap...! and an Old transmission...

So... Now you ALL know the Truth…!

Watch it..!
EveryOne will Rip you OFF...!
including the Dealer...

A financially Broken family...

and "ONLY USE ATF +3 FLUID IN THESE THINGS" PERIOD...!

Man...That don't sound like a very good experience :( Can I instill some insights here? First, I got barrels of parts that fail on these with no warning what so ever. The clutch packs do not fail(unless ran low on ATF, or pre '93)These always have hard part failure(plantary gears, 2/4 hub and others. Unfortunatly its sounds like there are some people in your area that don't know electronics very well. The code #45 came from the ECM and all that code means is its stating there is a code in the TCM(Transmission control mudule). So there must of been codes stored in the TCM.

Throwing parts at it because some code reader gave a code is such a waste of money.

There are so many different ways a transmission can fail. Every trasnmssion has its own type of problem. Also, if you were in the area of 100,000 miles on your transmission, you better hope that $1700 got you new planet kit, 2/4 hub and rev hub. And, hopefully they aren't using "white box" parts.

If you have to guess, better make it an educated guess.
Have a good day

well... No other codes found...

even in the tranni menu... nothing...
Just 45 at the main PCM...

two seperate parts here folks...

One computer talking to the next...

PCM Drivers side wall

TCM Passenger side wall

Even the dealer stated per quote, "hugh... that's funny"
and proceeded with a smile, stating we needed a new transmission...

it's the damn 3 wire splice, and the ground strap...!

it seems as though the error was an open circuit... shutting the TCM
off...
and the main system picks that as code 45... EATX Controller fault...

if the TCM does not have any power going to it, how the Beeep can the
thing control the Selenoid pack to shift...

at least this is what I am gathering...

although, as a test... I removed the EATX relay for a test run...
and it was Instantly in 2nd gear, from 0mph..

put the relay back in, and I got 1st and 2nd.. then a dump to neutral
and then 2nd gear lock...

I am going to test the whole thing out tomarrow, by removing the
ground strap... see if this old rebuild will dump to Limp Mode...

I'll let ya's know...

hi...im having the same problem with my caravan. It only happens on highways with me. It switches into neutral then when i slow down it switches to second and stays there...I wuz wondering if it is simple for anyone to find the 3 wires and the ground themselves..I'm a bit tight on money right now. Can u please tell me how? Thanks

This is EXACTLY what my van is doing!! Can you tell me where this splice would be?? and where is the ground strap on the tranny? Haven't had a physical look yet but would like to know ehat I'm looking for..

Thanks again! This is SOME hope that this repaire won't cost me 3000!

Tim.

I am having the same problems as all of you and I will try what you have said. One other thing I found out here on the web is to take off the battery for 10 minutes and the tranny will come out of limp mode. I will be trying this tomorrow. My 96 3.3 will barely move and only if you rev the engine. Then as it is coming down it suddenly will engage for a short time, but disengages when you come to a stop. I also do not have reverse. I do have one question. Does anyone here a high pitched whine with all of this? Tx Will be on again soon

my tranny on my 97 voyager slipped into neutral going 60 on the freeway.my fluid was a little low but,it still will not shift passed 2nd gear about 40 mph.I agree that it must be problem with the sensors.

Did you ever get the problem fixed? I have a 96 Plymth Grnd Vyr with a 3.3 and it will disengage at a stop or will not engage going from rev to fwd unless you rev up the engine and it will then slam into gear.

You know i wrote chrysler a letter telling them about the problems on our 97 voyager the transmission was slipping and asked them if there was any thing they can do to help beeing that so many people where having problems with trannys and they said there was nothing they could do. You know i will never buy another chrysler vehicle. We should all write to chrysler cause one person cant do it alone so if you all get together and pass the word i would appreciate it lets all do something here maybe some of you with newer vehicles might get something back even half of what you spend on a tranny would be nice. good luck FrankC

I was thinking a list of names would be suficient since we all are complaining about the same tranny issues. But Chrysler is not listening... check this guy out http://www.aei.ca/~gregoire/claude.html
And this one is the best... I would be ashamed to be a Chrysler worker with all this allegations http://www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com/

If you want more horror stories just do a www.google.com (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Chrysler+problems) search for "Chrysler problems" and grab a confy chair, you'll be in for a long ride!

thanks ed i will be bugging them till somethings done and getting as many people that i can to join me and just letting people know these vehicles are not just lemons but also unsafe. Like i said i will never buy another chrysler, Plymouth or Dodge vehicle as long as i live. Thanks FrankC

I posted this here a couple months back. I just reposted it again with the word transmission in the title so it is easy to search out.
Before you do anything else...Disconnect your battery! Clean the + and the - posts and the cables that attach to them. Check the chassis ground that goes from your batteies - post to the frame(chassis) and clean that too. Shiny metal to shiny metal is good. Rust and corrosion is not your friend.
I've followed alot of posts here that have transmissions in limp mode problems. Crawl under the vehicle with a haynes book in hand if need be, and check the solenoid connections to the trans. Clean the grounds for the solenoid! Check the wires for the solenoid! Too many trannys are rebuilt or replaced for big bucks because of a loose wire that was inadvertantly repaired during reinstall or a ground wire that was rusted.
get yourself an electrical diagram for your vehicle(www.alldata.com) and learn how to read it and save yourself alot of money. These diagrams tell you where the grounds are for all the components. Clean them. If you can't decipher the diagrams, copy and paste them into word and email it to me and I'll be happy to help. I hate to see people spend big bucks for parts swapping when the real problem is a loose or bad connection. "Never under estimate the value of a good visual inspection".
Remember all the battery voltage travels out the -(neg) post of your battery, through the frame(chassis), into the load(motor, light, coil of a relay, or switch, through a fuse, and back to you battery +. (pos) post.

I am newcome to this forum, but old timer regarding 89 dodge B250 with 4speed tranny. The hulk has 275000 on it, orig untouched engine and tranny. But recently am getting buck and jump occasionally when in 4th gear. If I lock out overdrive it stops. It is worst when accelerating.

I am suspicious that the solenoid which engages the overdrive is going bad, but after reading all these posts, think maybe now it is bad or corroded connection. Just got through putting vacuum modulator in wife's 93 Regal which cured similar problem (got suggestion from Buick forum expert) and thus managed to translate the Haynes manual.

Have being running synthetic oil since got this vehicle at 71000 miles several years ago and it has been one of the most dependable faithful hardworking vehicles I have owned in the past 60 years. I admit it's only the third chrysler product I have had (the others: a 39 Dodge business coupe; a 62 Fury wagon). Before I crawl under the SOB (which is increasingly difficult for me) I will appreciate any ideas, thoughts, suggestions.

well... No other codes found...

even in the tranni menu... nothing...
Just 45 at the main PCM...

two seperate parts here folks...

One computer talking to the next...

PCM Drivers side wall

TCM Passenger side wall

Even the dealer stated per quote, "hugh... that's funny"
and proceeded with a smile, stating we needed a new transmission...

it's the damn 3 wire splice, and the ground strap...!

it seems as though the error was an open circuit... shutting the TCM
off...
and the main system picks that as code 45... EATX Controller fault...

if the TCM does not have any power going to it, how the Beeep can the
thing control the Selenoid pack to shift...

at least this is what I am gathering...

although, as a test... I removed the EATX relay for a test run...
and it was Instantly in 2nd gear, from 0mph..

put the relay back in, and I got 1st and 2nd.. then a dump to neutral
and then 2nd gear lock...

I am going to test the whole thing out tomarrow, by removing the
ground strap... see if this old rebuild will dump to Limp Mode...

I'll let ya's know...

my tranni went into a limp mode. my computer gave me code41 (selenoid and or TCM problems). i changed the Selenoid pack with a new one. still have the same problem.
after reading your input. i would like to try this to locate and change them my self.

i hope you can help.
thanks

Ttt

Hey all, I have a 92 Dodge Caravan 3.3 with the 4-speed transmission,
and is limp mode,Trasmission has been flushed and there are no codes at
all. I have unhooked the battery waited about 10 minutes and tried it and had all 4 gears and shifted like a dream,shut it off and went into limp mode ever since. Its been posted about a 3 wire splice point,a Chrysler
Secret,can someone tell me where this splice might be???


:banghead:

I have called Miguel and he sent me information that helped me fix my car.

although Miguel told me to check the Grounding wires 53 & 57, which i did. i found that these wires were ok but wire #20 which is connected to the TCM had a .2 Ohms (it suppose to be + 5.0 Ohms). I connected a new wire from wire #20 to wire # 7 at the L-R Solenoid.
the problem was fixed. but i still have the Service Engine soon (I also have an O2 Sensor Problem).

your problem is electrical.

it cost me about $390 because i changed the shift solenoid ($165 before) and the guy had to check some other wires before he listen to me and follow the diagrams i showed him.

i am very happy with the results. i hope it helps you too.

thanks for this ideas how do i know where the ground strap is or where to put it please let me know

bump:banghead:

:2cents: Chrysler has had problems with their lock up torque convertors,especially the first generation shelby dakotas. They have poor lubrication thru the duel shaftsin the convertorI am having the same problems as all of you and I will try what you have said. One other thing I found out here on the web is to take off the battery for 10 minutes and the tranny will come out of limp mode. I will be trying this tomorrow. My 96 3.3 will barely move and only if you rev the engine. Then as it is coming down it suddenly will engage for a short time, but disengages when you come to a stop. I also do not have reverse. I do have one question. Does anyone here a high pitched whine with all of this? Tx Will be on again soon

this has been asked before but i can not find the answer
Where the hell is the splice I cant find it please help goig nuts
t

Hey guys lets do a survay how many ppl have changed the output sensor and fix the problems or the input sensor.... intresting to see what goes bad more often Im on the output sensor and ok so far 2 days
t

where is the grounding strap? where is the other wires you all are talking about? #20? and so on?

Ok the latest... If the van is cold in he morning the tranny works perfect but after work when i am going home it will not work at all out of limp mode no matter what i do..
any ideas

T

I started having transmission problem two days ago on my 97 Grand Voyager. Like the rest of you, it goes into "limp mode," with one difference: Now it won't shift out of first. I disconnected the battery for thirty minutes or so and reconnected it. It seemed to fix the problem for a couple of miles, then it started doing the same thing again. Worse, now the door ajar chime keeps ringing and all the park and instrument panel lights flash. ARRRGH!

that one sounds electrical let us know what you find
T

Just a note too all on here
IF you have a fix for us all to try why would up not give the locations of said fix so the rest of us can find them, Telling us all about a ground strap or splice that you have fixed but not telling us where the hell it is doesnt help all that much it just makes the rest of us trying your fix looking all over the dam place
T

So where exactly is this ground strap and those wires that are taped together. How do you get to them. I just spent a couple of hours looking on my 98 Voyager.

So where exactly is this ground strap and those wires that are taped together. How do you get to them. I just spent a couple of hours looking on my 98 Voyager.

as i said above I too am looking for this info and have asked on a few postes but no one seems to want to tell us this little tidbit, SO again it anyone knows the answer PLEASE tell us
:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead: :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead: :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead: :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead: :banghead:

I have a 99 GC Sport w/ 3.8L engine. So far I've been lucky and haven't had any tranny problems yet.
But I've just checked alldata for the wires and ground locations but there are too many diagrams to look through. Can anyone tell me which specific wires and ground diagrams I'm looking for? Thanks

Check your relays on the fire wall as well as the pass. side inner fender I changed mine and what the hell do do you know it worked SO FAR only time will tell
T

ADDED that works better but still have problems

after codes read they tell me that the tcm and the ecm are not connected so i can not get a reading of codes but it still works proper sometimes HELLLLLLLLLP

:uhoh: Why will not someone answer the simple question...
Where is the splice and ground strap?!?!?!?:banghead:
I have a 1997 Grand Voyager.
Was travelling at 60 MPH when it shifted into neutral. Been in limp mode ever since. I would love to be able to check these things before paying big bucks for a new grounding strap.

Another thing is with the spider gear pin breaking and will ruin the case.This is also a common problem too.If you have the transmission out,pull the cover for diff and weld the ends of the spider gear pin to the housing and not the spider gears.

Fast927 - Post a new thread and ask the question. Many more will see it. Also check Chryslerminivan.net

You know i wrote chrysler a letter telling them about the problems on our 97 voyager the transmission was slipping and asked them if there was any thing they can do to help beeing that so many people where having problems with trannys and they said there was nothing they could do. You know i will never buy another chrysler vehicle. We should all write to chrysler cause one person cant do it alone so if you all get together and pass the word i would appreciate it lets all do something here maybe some of you with newer vehicles might get something back even half of what you spend on a tranny would be nice. good luck FrankC

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon8.gif ITS HIGH TIME CHRYSLER CORP. IS HELD RESPONSABLE!!


I too find myself among the many Thousands of consumers shafted by Chryslers poorly designed transmissions and the external componants used in their Mini Vans.
We purchased a 1996 in 1997 with 24K miles. At 51K with no warning the tranny died! Since the first time the tranny blew up the van now has 108K miles and has been Replaced or Repaired 4 (Four) MORE TIMES!!!!



I also wrote Chrysler Corp. a stern letter informing them about the constant (and well documented) problems with our 1996 Grand Caravans transmission issues and my empty wallet. Did they show any concern???? NO!!! They could care less.
I believe a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT should be filed against them. Chrysler has known about this problem from the beginning and has done little to rectify it. They have also shown no care or concern for the public safety of people driving their van when it dies with no warning


on highways, intersections etc. Think of all the consumers who have lost money that most of us don’t have to throw away, on their negligence to rectify a well known crap%#y product.


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif If anyone out there has the resources, contacts or avaiable information to explore the possibility of filing a Class Action Suit against them, I myself would give a 110% in fighting this justifiable cause !!

hello, i am having the same problem!!! simply put i bought this 93 concorde w/ 187k, did a simple tune up and worked great. so i decided with all these miles its a good idea to do a fluid change. well i changed it w. the dextron mercon...bad idea PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. as soon as i put it into gear she didnt respond acted like it was coughing, slipping and studdering...so i read on the allpar.com site about using the 7176 (atf4 fluid) and did a flush immediately...SAME PROBLEM..limp mode!!! arrgh. shops tell me its full rebuild time and i refuse to believe that. changed the input/output sensors same problem..bought a solenoid pack and looks to be like on my 93 the pack is integrated...theres a connector but it goes right into the case..no bolts.

about the 'splicing' problem guys, i found the ground strap...its on the starter...starter bolts on driver side to tranny..starter shares ground strap w. tranny...hope this helps..for the splice..i think it mite be some bs, i found the red wires, just look on the tcm and pcm connectors its about a 20 gauge red wire. and i have a funny feeling it fools the pcm/tcm out of limp mode...wary to try though..i can drive now afraid if i connect them together ill be going 0mph :shakehead also i get code 21 on the cel (check engine light), says its an 02 oxygen sensor issue..CAN AN O2 ISSUE MAKE LIMP MODE OCCUR?? PLEASE RESPOND BACK. best regards guys w. our limp mode issues

so i put in the 02 sensor w. no prevail...i got mad and starting driving like a 16 year old with it and got it to bump shift and get in and out of limp mode...torque converter shakes and studders..im guessing (and hoping) the tcm needs to be reflashed. i read on a few sites including allpar you need to reflash or reprogram the tcm after a fluid change..stealership says $95, thats my next investment...and i found a really good site for more struggling with the damn limp mode...http://www.robskorner.org/faqs/Trans/A604codes.html very helpful..and http://www.diyforums.net/forums/cars/37821-92-dodge-grand-caravan-shakes.html

if anyone knows if flashing the tcm helps before i waste a benjamin let me know...regards -mustangiifrk

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon8.gif ITS HIGH TIME CHRYSLER CORP. IS HELD RESPONSABLE!!


I too find myself among the many Thousands of consumers shafted by Chryslers poorly designed transmissions and the external componants used in their Mini Vans.
We purchased a 1996 in 1997 with 24K miles. At 51K with no warning the tranny died! Since the first time the tranny blew up the van now has 108K miles and has been Replaced or Repaired 4 (Four) MORE TIMES!!!!



I also wrote Chrysler Corp. a stern letter informing them about the constant (and well documented) problems with our 1996 Grand Caravans transmission issues and my empty wallet. Did they show any concern???? NO!!! They could care less.
I believe a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT should be filed against them. Chrysler has known about this problem from the beginning and has done little to rectify it. They have also shown no care or concern for the public safety of people driving their van when it dies with no warning


on highways, intersections etc. Think of all the consumers who have lost money that most of us don’t have to throw away, on their negligence to rectify a well known crap%#y product.


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif If anyone out there has the resources, contacts or avaiable information to explore the possibility of filing a Class Action Suit against them, I myself would give a 110% in fighting this justifiable cause !!



you speak with your dollars. Don't buy another Chrysler product, and get rid of the one you have, unless you ensure that you purchase ONLY aftermarket parts, and don't buy anything from the dealer themselves.

I have purchased my last Chrysler product, and told them so after back to back deductible payments on my drivetrain warranty on a 2005 Gr. Caravan that blew a head gasket, then the water pump!

I called Chrysler corporation and asked them to refund me one of the 2 deductibles, and I read to them every transcript of every conversation I had with the stealership.

I told them "for $100, you are willing to lose my business forever?". He stated that Chrysler cannot get involved with dealer disputes. I informed him of his crappy product that sent me there in the first place (38,000 miles...blown head gasket).

well guys im back sorry to disappoint but ive sold the concorde for $200..front end damage, wheel bearing and damn limp mode issue..88k on the dash as well...a steal just for the motor its worth more than that. luckily im a huge mopar fan so i found a 95 neon ill be working on...to everyone suffering with the acursed limp mode, best of luck :)

:uhoh: Why will not someone answer the simple question...
Where is the splice and ground strap?!?!?!?:banghead:
I have a 1997 Grand Voyager.
Was travelling at 60 MPH when it shifted into neutral. Been in limp mode ever since. I would love to be able to check these things before paying big bucks for a new grounding strap.
On the 3.3 the ground strap if you are under the hood is right in front of where the passanger sets and goes behind the alternator. On the 4 cyl it is connected to the valve cover. Buy a 24 inch battery cable and a 40 inch cable both with open ends for putting on bolts. Put the 24 on battery bolt then under the breather there is a ground point on the engine put the other end of 24 and one end of the 40. Put the other end of the 40 on firewall where the main ground strap is. The 3 red wires is really 1 red flow through with another red kind of glued to it. This is located in the main wiring harness comming from the trans. Get under the car follow the wires from the connectors cut open loom and follow about 14 to 16 inches into the loom.This will probably not be your problem (red wires) the main issues are regrounding the engine and firewall and the connectors at the solenoid on the transmission.

well guys im back sorry to disappoint but ive sold the concorde for $200..front end damage, wheel bearing and damn limp mode issue..88k on the dash as well...a steal just for the motor its worth more than that. luckily im a huge mopar fan so i found a 95 neon ill be working on...to everyone suffering with the acursed limp mode, best of luck :)
what all are you going to do ??