Caravan reverses when gear in drive

Hi guys,

I own a 2005 Dodge Caravan SE...bought it in November 2004. Currently has 14,000 Km on it. Recently, I would put the van in drive but it wouldn't go anywhere...it was almost like it was on neutral. This happened intermittently, and I just moved the gear in and out of drive again and it worked.

Then a few days ago, I put the van in drive, and it reversed! I made sure I wasn't going crazy, and that I wasn't on a slope of some kind. The van was in D, but it was moving backwards, as if I really had it in reverse. I could definitely tell the difference between a van rolling back due to a slope, and a van actually in reverse gear.

I took it into the dealership this morning and the guy said they'll look into it, but he's never heard of that before...but I can vaguely remember seeing such a problem posted somewhere before, but couldn't find it.

Any suggestions from you guys?

Thanks, Ash

It sounds like the cable for the gear selection that connects to the transmission is out of adjustment.

It sounds like the cable for the gear selection that connects to the transmission is out of adjustment.

The dealership kept my van for about 6 hours, said they "tested it 3 times, set fluid level and inspected operation of transmission" but could not duplicate the problem. Somehow I knew they wouldn't be able to.

I guess I'll have to wait until my van reverses when in drive, and then reverse my way to the dealership so they can see it.

Thanks for your help! I'll mention your suggestion if this problem recurs.

- Ashram