1990 caravan A/T trans. shifting troubles

when driving trans. shifts fine until I come to a stop.
the trans. will downshift, but will not shift back thru the gearbox
and will stay in first gear. I have to shut the ignition off and restart.
the car will shift until the next stop.
this is about a 90% of the time problem. the trans will not downshift
while maintaining speed. to clarify downshifting at a stop the trans shifts normally into first gear for take off. Engine 3.0l V-6
Trans. 3speed w/O.D.

here's what you can do:
1. Have your transmission fluid changed out to Mopar ATF +3, the ONLY fluid that is supposed to be in your van.

2. Go back to Chrysler and get your TCM flash programmed to update its operating parameters.

Do those two things and you should fix your problem.

What type of transmission? Try a fluid change at least.

I beleive the 4-speed trannys have a controller module (TCM) too that can get screwed up.

I just got my '02 3spd auto back after a similar problem. Sometimes it would get stuck in 1st gear, sometimes in 2nd. If it was in 2nd I would really have to mash the pedal to get it into 1st if it would go in at all. Then it would be stuck there. Dealer said the kickdown linkage was frozen. They freed it and cleaned it up then did the tranny service and it works like new now.

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Any time I hear something like "I have to shut the ignition off and restart." that's when I suspect the ECM (Engine Control Module), but I tend to check the less expensive parts first. Good news is I doubt it is an internal transmission problem (ie need a rebuild).

Hope this helps!
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