96 Grand Caravan Tranny Problems

Transmission wont come out of first gear. Fluid is fine and it smells ok. It's been doing it on and of for a while and I would just shut the engine off and turn it back on while driving and it would work fine. Now it won't come out of first at all.
Any ideas?

where is the pcm and tcm located?
Please and thank you.

Also, how long can I drive in limp mode before I tear something up?

Sounds like it may be the solenoid pack. The silenoid pack controls the shifts.

FYI - Limp mode uses the second gear range, not first, although it revs so high, you might think its first.

I read about a possible loose wire on the pcm or tcm. Does that have anything to do with the solenoid pack ?
where is this stuff located on the vehicle ?

Kind of sounds like a trans lock problem. The sencer is not working properly. Thats what i think.

WHAT TRANS and WHAT MOTOR?

if it's a 3.0L 3 speed automatic, the solenoid pack could be the cause, but so could just the fluid. If the main Trans pump goes bad, the 3 speed will stay in frist, if it goes in gear at all.. usually.

If it's a 3.3/3.8 and 4 speed trans, then the TCM,wiring, speed sensor, bad fluid, wiring to the trans or just a burnt transmission, but the fluid would smell bad, and be brown.

Try resetting (disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, reconnect) then drive it.
Does it shift now? Then you likely have bad or "expired" fluid, and you will need to "relearn" PCM (There's a process for this that's free).

IF it still stays in limp mode, then you'll have to have the TCM, Trans and ECM diagnosed...


Using the WRONG transmission fluid will cause some of these symptoms!
NEVER USE DEXRON in a Chrysler. If you did, then you have the answer!
There are 50 or more threads here on AF about ATF+3, ATF+4 and mopar 7176 trans fluid.... look at 'em!

Tom

The PCM is under the hood on the right side next to the Power Distribution Center (PDC) or fuse/relay panel. It's silver. The TCM is under the hood on the left side just forward of the power steering fluid reservoir. It's silver and black.

Take serious note of what slantsixness says about resetting and the correct fluid and don't forget to check the shift linkage. You should be getting codes galore. Take it to an Autozone or the like and have them read the codes with a scanner. It's usually free. You can get codes without a scanner but you get more specific codes with it.

Help.... 89 voyager stuck in limp mode...Changed all sensors on tranny, changed solenoid assembly after changing tranny fluid/filter. Took it to trans guy - he says it might be the govenor ??? Is this an internal problem ? Love driving it but need to fix this fast ..Bratt:banghead:

The speed gove is built into the ecu. Nothing can change that except for the dealer. it limits how fat your car will go. mph.

the first thing you have to know ,,,to give advice ,,,3-speed or 4-speed!!!!!!
one is a hydraulic valve body {3-speed} ,,,the other {4-speed}is electronic.....DIFFERENT CURES FOR DIFFERENT ILLS!!!!!!gbaum@email.com

the first thing you have to know ,,,to give advice ,,,3-speed or 4-speed!!!!!!
one is a hydraulic valve body {3-speed} ,,,the other {4-speed}is electronic.....DIFFERENT CURES FOR DIFFERENT ILLS!!!!!!gbaum@email.com
Are you talking to me? If so, you will not talk to me in that way! Understand???!!!!

I don't think you are getting much help here. Let me know the engine size in your van. If its a 3.0L it will most likely be a 3 speed tranny.

Is the check engine light on? And what kind of RPM is the van doing around 60Kmph?