1994 trans slipping

I have been reading the threads about the sensors, here. My 1994 slips in drive, but not reverse- only after we changed filter out, etc. Aamco says "interna;' But then wanted 450. to begin to do the 1200. to fix it! My questions are - adjusting the bands??
CAn it help?
Not a bad slip and not all the time, but grinds pretty bad at times.
Goes and runs fine alot of the time. Internal problem- Does that mean , never mind the sensors, bands and cheap things - need overhauled??
Do not want to waste Mon ey - already into this car way too much and it is not mine. Want to sell, it - it is GREAT excpet this .
Thanks. husband is ready to try bands, etc, but i do not want to put more intoit if not going to help.

Nope band adjustment will not fix the problem. AAmco is most likely correct and the only real fix will be a rebuild. Don't feel bad there alot of other people out there too that has had to do the same. Hay I like Dodge but they can crappy trans.

If your transmission problems started after the oil and filter change, make sure that you have the correct oil in the transmission.

Once again I am unimpressed with Aamco, assuming we are talking about the chain. I've never heard of any auto repair place asking for $450 deposit on a $1200 auto repair job - not even body shops. If it is the big chain, why is it the little local repair guys don't need a deposit but the big chain store does? Hmmm...

I agree that if there is a problem with the transmission that no 'band adjustment' is going to solve your problem. I also concur that if this problem started after the fluid change the wrong fluid may have been used. Unfortunately if that's the case and it has gotten to this point the damage may already have been done, but it's worth investigating and correcting if that is the case. You might get lucky.

I am less inclined to paint all Dodge transmissions with the broad 'they're a POS' brush. Issues? Yes, but a lot of misdiagnosis and incorrect fluids lead to premature replacement.

Not sure what your specific issue is, if it is indeed "slipping" that may be serious, but I've had a lot of people say it's slipping when really it is dropping into limp mode. Limp mode can be caused by a lot of other things besides internal transmission failure.

Bottom line from where I stand based on the limited information I have available, if the van is driveable I’d try to ask around for a reputable transmission shop in your area. Try asking your best mechanic for a good transmission shop recommendation….

Once again I am unimpressed with Aamco, assuming we are talking about the chain. I've never heard of any auto repair place asking for $450 deposit on a $1200 auto repair job - not even body shops. If it is the big chain, why is it the little local repair guys don't need a deposit but the big chain store does? Hmmm...

I agree that if there is a problem with the transmission that no 'band adjustment' is going to solve your problem. I also concur that if this problem started after the fluid change the wrong fluid may have been used. Unfortunately if that's the case and it has gotten to this point the damage may already have been done, but it's worth investigating and correcting if that is the case. You might get lucky.

I am less inclined to paint all Dodge transmissions with the broad 'they're a POS' brush. Issues? Yes, but a lot of misdiagnosis and incorrect fluids lead to premature replacement.

Not sure what your specific issue is, if it is indeed "slipping" that may be serious, but I've had a lot of people say it's slipping when really it is dropping into limp mode. Limp mode can be caused by a lot of other things besides internal transmission failure.

Bottom line from where I stand based on the limited information I have available, if the van is driveable I’d try to ask around for a reputable transmission shop in your area. Try asking your best mechanic for a good transmission shop recommendation….


Good morning. Goes into reverse nice and smoothly and if you start out into drive slowly, shifts fine. But taking off from a stopped position it Stumbles,grinds and takes off. Same into 2 and 1 gear, but not as bad.
Runs GOOD once going. Husband chnged out fluid and filter - correct fluid and it is not as bad , but there. Do not know who did change before, etc. Fluid was filthy but no chunks, etc.
He wants to put $ into "speed sensors" , etc and i think it is past that point! Thanks for the post.

Without knowing just what trans is in the van can make a difference. Some trans today are computer control. Dodge has one that has it's own trans computer. This trans work great until it wears out. The trans computer will make changes to solenoid to keep trans shifting the same always as time goes on. Hay not trying to knock Dodge. I started my career with Dodge and believe me I have change many transmisson for Dodge , Chry, Ply for years. I have seen thier failure rate. All makes has thier problems. Dodge has it's share of trans problem. But heck they have Ac problems too. Juat for info, I have been working on car and trucks for 31 years now and I have had my own shop for 16 years now. Oh yea with things as tough as they are today, with the bad checks etc. I to ask for deposits on big jobs. I ask for half up front. If they are serious about the repair they have no problem with that. When you own and run a business you begin to understand suck things. And yea you are most likely right, doubt speed sensor will fix it too. Good luck