[t_m_huber]

A few days ago my 96 Grand Caravan (3.3L; 110,000 miles) developed transmission problems. I was highway driving at 60 mph, and it suddenly went to neutral, and then into limp mode (2nd gear). In the past few days, it will not go into high gear, and also sometimes jerks when shifting from 1st to 2nd. The van runs fine when I put it into "3" (except I can't go faster than about 40 mph in 2nd gear). I purchased this used about 40,000 miles ago; I never changed the transmission fluid (a mistake, I realize now after reading more about this transmission). I have never lost any fluid, and it is not discolored when I check it on the dipstick. There are no unusual noises from the engine or transmission, and there have been no "warning signs" that there would be a sudden problem with the transmission (such as trouble getting it into gear, intermittent failures, loss of power)

I took it into a transmission shop, and they said that it came up with scanner codes 53 (Gear 3 fault) and 36 (Fault after shift). They said that this indicates that the problem is internal (third gear is out), and a rebuild is in order (much $$$).

I would greatly appreciate if anyone on this list has advice on whether these codes could indicate other, less costly problems. I have never had transmission problems on any previous car or van, so I am suspicious about a sudden mechanical failure like this that doesn't seem to have other symptoms (bad looking transmission fluid, noises, etc.) Maybe it is just wishful thinking, but it seems like there could be some sort of sensor, solenoid, electrical problem that could be the cause.

I would really appreciate any advice on how to proceed. We aren't thrilled about putting this kind of money into an 8 year old vehicle with over 100,000 miles.

Thanks a bunch!
Tom