2005 T&C help. Clutch Volume Index

Took my 2005 T&C in for once over just before my husband deployed not really expecting anything, but found that there was a big something.

My husband had noticed that on very rare occasion the van would have a tiny 'jump' while slowly accelerating from 35 to 40 mph. This only happens while in town and never while accelerating on the highway through those speeds.


He asked the mechanic to check it out. At first the mechanic could not replicate the problem so they hooked up the van and ran diagnostics. That is when they found that the Clutch Volume Index is at 101 and they said they want it at 89. They said this means the transmission is going and I need a new one.

Can someone please tell me how imperative this is. How soon do I need to get a new transmission. Will there be any warning sign that my transmission is gone? I have no indicator light on, and the van is running fine with no rough idling or rough driving. This is my only vehicle and with my husband now deployed, I really need to know that it is safe to drive. Any help is greatly appreciated.

First off, a big thank you to both you and your husband for serving our country. I shouldn't have to say this but dependant wives are the consistant unsung heroes in this equation. Without your support at home, your husband would have a much harder time defending our way of life. We've been there.

Wish I could be more definitive but I just don't have the experience. Looks like you want the answer to "how bad is bad"? Your transmission has 4 clutches. If you know which of the 4 clutches is effected post it here. It could help someone help you. "101" sounds high but it would take a technician with a good bit of experience to say how bad that is and how long the tranny might last.

In the mean time, I would think if you grandma'd it when pulling away from a stop until you got up to speed you may increase the tranny's longevity. You might also consider having the tranmsmission fluid and filter changed if you haven't lately. Check the fluid level now and then. My gut feeling is your transmission will last quite a while. I'd bet you want more to go on.

If you don't get your answer here try www.chryslerminivan.net. It's another great website for van info and of late much more active than this forum. Have you checked with your base's Family Services office or your husband's First Seargant or other type of unit liason? They may be able to get the info for you or if need be find a good place to have your tranny rebuilt at the right price.

it's hard to determine. you need to ask which circuit was at 101 cvi..UD, OD, 2-4 or LR..all these different circuits have different cvi's....The cvi's is the amount of time it takes the clutche to fill the circuit and make the shift...the longer is take usally means a leaking seal or worn clutches...

Thank you RIP for your support of the troops. It means a lot to them and to the families at home missing them.

I also want to thank you for your advice about the transmission. If we do 'granny' the start, that is when we have to trouble. As long as we drive under 38 we have no trouble, and as long as we accelerate through 42 we have no problem.

Can't quite afford to replace the transmission right now, so hoping it will hold out a few months. You actually did help and reassure me that I am not going to be out a van tomorrow!

The fluids have not been changed, or the filter, but the levels are good, and the fluid doesn't look bad. Should I still go have it changed.

Also.. would just repairing be an option, or should I replace the whole thing? I am a bit skiddish about going in by myself. The few times I have I usually come out with a huge list of things I 'really should replace or I might not make it home'..

Thank you hundahunta. I will have to ask which one. Should I just repair the one, or replace the entire transmission?

We lived at Schofield for awhile... really did like it there.

mocox4:

How many miles on your T and C? Are you the original or 2nd owner?

From what you are saying, it sounds like the issue is a minor one at this point.

2005 Chrysler vehicles also came with a 7 year 70k powertrain warranty that applied to the 1st owner as well as the 2nd owner IF they pay the transfer fee.

Possibly this mechanic is trying to generate income based on one point out of many that should be considered.

Don

mocox4 - I posted your transmission issue on the other forum mentioned. It does get off track but there are some useful points including N8ech's warranty advice above. Go here: http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/showthread.php/17772-Husband-deployed-wife-looking-for-a-transmission-EXPERT

Here's a little info on the subject I found in an article from Motor Magazine:

"A low CVI number indicates a short shift, while a higher number indicates a longer shift. When wear or leaks occur to the point where the shifts are too long and the TCM can no longer compensate by adjusting the pulse width modulation of the solenoids for increased flow, a gear ratio error code is produced and the TCM initiates the fail-safe function.

It’s not uncommon to see CVI values above or below the ideal parameters with the transmission shifting fine. This means that the computer is still capable of controlling the shifts to within an acceptable period of time without any malfunction in shift overlap. But there are times when you may see a CVI value below minimum specifications and the shift is very harsh. This is a problem."

> TCM = transmission control module and it's just the computer the transmission uses for all of its functions.

> When they say "a gear ratio error code is produced and the TCM initiates the fail-safe function", for you that means if it ever gets bad enough the transmission will shift to second gear or won't shift above second gear and your Service Engine Soon (SES) light will come on indicating a fault code has been saved in the TCM. This "fail-safe function" is called the "Limp Mode" and is designed to keep the transmission at lower speeds to prevent further damage until you can get it repaired.

> This is all worst case scenario stuff. Don't think this IS going to happen.