Hello-

I have a 97 GV that does not want to shift into drive or reverse when cold. I warm it up for 5 minutes and all is well.

I received feedback that a trans pan filter and fluid change would remedy this. First off, can you confirm thast this is the right thing to do?

Also, I was planning on drpping the pan, putting a new filter in and putting it back together, and add 4 qts of mopar atf 4.

Do i need to do anything else?

Hello-

I have a 97 GV that does not want to shift into drive or reverse when cold. I warm it up for 5 minutes and all is well.

I received feedback that a trans pan filter and fluid change would remedy this. First off, can you confirm thast this is the right thing to do?

Also, I was planning on drpping the pan, putting a new filter in and putting it back together, and add 4 qts of mopar atf 4.

Do i need to do anything else?

Yes buy another quart you usually squeeze more than 4 quarts when draining and the black silicone for the gasket forming, unless you can get a cork gastket for the oil pan, I just did mine and believe me I used to put every once in a while any tranny oil, NOT anymore, when I changed to ATF +4, again Chrysler friendly dealer , It changed my whole driving life, no more limps or sticking gears or else.

I did it and it resolved all of my transmission issues. I put 4 quarts and that brought it right up to full.

I wish other car issues were this cut and dried.

I imagine that this routine would also apply to 1996 Grand Caravans as well, yes?

I've changed the tran fluid on my 96 GC twice. I learned the hard way the first time to make sure to use a SEALER (I used red RTV) instead of the supplied cork gasket. After the test drive I pulled the van back in the driveway and was shocked to see a trail of fluid, not just drops but, a trail. I pulled the Haynes manual out of the pile and was amazed to read, "Apply a bead of sealant around the edge of the pan then reinstall". No mention of a gasket. I applied sealant ever since without a hint of a leak. Use it sparingly though. You don't want a glob of sealant in the tranny. Make sure you torque the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the correct torque. Use ATF-3 on a 96.

I imagine that this routine would also apply to 1996 Grand Caravans as well, yes?

Yes, as I believe they have the same 4 Spd Tranny and a 3.8 engine?

I have 220,000 miles on my '97 t&c, 3.8l w/ 4 speed. I replaced the transmission at 134,000, and now have about 86,000 miles on this one...a chrysler rebuild. I change the fluid and filter a lot. Last month (Merry Christmas!) it started going into limp mode off and on. Went to the dealer, no codes but had them do a complete flush and fill. Over $200, but she streightened up and has flown right since. (Used ATF+4)

I've thought about taking the pan to a machine shop and having them drill a hole and fit it with a drain plug. Using a MoPar factory filter, I could skip every other full pan removal by only draining and refilling the fluid using the plug. Is the filter replacement so necessary?

I don't think so.

draining the pan is a drop in the bucket. its only about 1/3 of the fluid in your trans. as for filter replacement, 15-20k isnt a bad idea and the plug WOULD help out since you can drain the pan before you remove it. but a good tranny flush every 25-30k is essential.

Mopar makes a number of re-usable silicone pan gaskets. Coat them with a little ATF and correctly torque them down and no leaks.
5011113AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 31TH**
5011114AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 42LE**
5011115AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 41TE/AE

i've seen the reusable gaskets leak before. so even if you use the reusable ones, use some RTV anyway