3.3L v6, 84k miles

the van runs absolutely perfectly, no noises, no rattling, no issues whatsoever, except for this tricky intermittent transmission issue...

i'll start the van, and immediately get the 'service engine soon' light, and when i take off, it will go no higher than second gear (my guess...we're talking 3500 rpms at 45mph). if i pull over, turn it off, wait a minute, restart, it runs perfect again, and the 'service engine soon' light will stay on for about another day, then go away.

so far, it seems to happen 1-2 times a week, and it always seems to be in the morning when it is first started up when it happens. i've taken it into the dealer 4 times now (today is the fourth), and they can't seem to figure it out. one of the solenoids was replaced, and the fluid and filter were replaced.

i'm getting real sick of having to keep taking this thing in, and the warranty is about to expire (3000 miles left).

any thoughts?

Something is causing the transmission to go into limp mode. When you turn the key off it resets itself and works for a while. There has to be an internal problem either in the transmission or with the computer causing this problem. Don't let the dealer snow you by trying to keep it together until the warranty runs out.

i think they are trying to snow me here...it's been in 4 times now, and they haven't resolved the issue...the last two times, they didn't do anything claiming that they couldn't pull a code from the computer.

how do i keep myself from getting snowed?

Don't let the dealer snow you by trying to keep it together until the warranty runs out.

Keep copies of all your receipts to prove you were having this problem while under warranty. Any dealer can do warranty work, perhaps you should find another one and leave the vehicle overnight.
When you find the problem please let us know what it is.

I agree with Mrbizness1, go to another dealer and see if they will help you out. The warranty is through Chrysler Corp. not the dealer. If you don't get satisfaction soon, call the regional office listed in your owners manual and request assistance due to the fact that the dealer is not helping you with the issue.

I loved the statement about not getting any code from the computer. That is typical technician jargon for "I don't know what is wrong and unless the computer helps me I'll never be able to fix it." Unfortunately there are not very many mechanics left they are all computer techs. (Feels good to vent sometimes!)

here's the problem...the warranty is through the dealer, and not the manufacturer. the original warranty is expired...

here's the problem...the warranty is through the dealer, and not the manufacturer. the original warranty is expired...


So you are saying the warranty states the only shop that can do any warranty work is the selling dealer. Please re read the warranty and call any phone numbers listed to make sure. Suppose you were traveling or moved to another state, this makes no sense and I can't see how it's legal. I used to sell warranty's and none ever had that restriction.