2001 Grand Caravan Stuck in 2nd gear

I am reading past threads and seeing my problem is most likely the solenoid. Same situation stuck in 2nd gear, have reverse and neutral and nothing else. Will I be able to drive about 20 miles to a garage or will it cause worse problems in trans? If the solenoid is the actual problem what should it cost to fix? Thanks for any help you might have. If more info is needed please ask and I will answer to the best of my ability.

Which engine?
How many miles?
Is fluid level OK?
When was the last fluid and filter change?
Does speedometer work?

In my opinion if you can drive it without running at higher speeds so the RPM's are not excessive you should be able to get to the shop.

Driving your van in limp mode will not cause further damage to the transmission. It is just like driving around in second gear. Just don't over-rev the engine when you do it.

Turning off the ignition and restarting usually clears limp mode if the problem causing it is intermittent. But I assume it yours van is jumping into limp mode immediately each time you start, so the problem is continuous.

These electronic transmissions have a computer that stores fault codes. The codes should tell the mechanic what is wrong and what to replace. Be leary of any mechanic who will try to talk you into a full rebuild without investigating the problem.

Good Luck!

It is the 3.3L engine with 180k miles. The transmission was rebuilt 2 1/2 years ago. The fluid level is good and has always been since I have been checking it. This is my new wifes vehicle and to my knowledge it has not had filter or fluids changed since the rebuild. Any idea what it will cost to have the solenoid replaced?

It is the 3.3L engine with 180k miles. The transmission was rebuilt 2 1/2 years ago. The fluid level is good and has always been since I have been checking it. This is my new wifes vehicle and to my knowledge it has not had filter or fluids changed since the rebuild. Any idea what it will cost to have the solenoid replaced?

Just a quess but I would think about $250.00. Seems to me the solenoids are about $150.00, rest Labor. Like Kmanic says there should be codes for the tranny but a regular code scanner for the engine will not read tranny codes, a reputable tranny shop should be able to do this for you.

Check the wiring connectors to the input and output sensors, solenoid pack connector and make sure there is not any moisture in the solenoid pack connector (you need to remove to check). Also check connection to TCM to make sure none are corroded.

I would check all these area's before installing a new solenoid.

Good Luck

One problem is just pulling off the connector to the solenoid can loosen the pin connectors enough to cause intermitent failures!

While 2001 would have all the factory hard part fixes, I hope the rebuilder threw in every aftermarket update/upgrade they could, for a number of things can cause limp mode, even just flaky accumulator seals.

Knowning which code(s) will help a great deal with fixing this. Some shops will scan for free.

Also, if you do work on it yourself, you will need to the trans to relearn how to shift. This is done by an option of "relearn shifts" on a scanner.

Use ATF+4 fluid only.