98 grand caravan going into limp mode

[fireman3400]

My '98 grand caravan is going into limp mode.It works find all day then all of the sudden it goes into limp mode.But before it does that when your come to a stop the transmission seems to bangs or jumps/jerks into 2nd gear.I changed the fluid/filter but it still does this?why is it doing these things?The vehicle has 179000 on it.The motor was replaced and so was the main computer.The computer was brought new and install by a dodge dealer.Any help on this would be great..

[dewaynep]

You need to check the ground and power to the TCM. These vans are known for bad splices in the grounds and the TCMs going out. You could get a transmission capable scanner on it and see what the transmission codes are. That would head you in the right direction.

[CaravanParking]

- I had this problem with my 99 Plymouth Breeze. It turned out to be corrosion on one of the transmission connectors, the one on the front bottom.
- Initially to fix it I had the transmission rebuilt and that only solved it for a week. I would then disconnect the battery to reset the transmission control module, and it would drive fine for the day and then back to the same problem until I would reset the TCM. One day I found the corroded connector and cleaned the contact on the switch and the ran a small drill bit in and out of the connector by HAND. After I cleaned it I've never had the problem again.
It could also be one of the sensors or intermitant wiring associated with the transmission sensors. Good luck.

[stlrj]

My 99 grand caravan had the same problem. New input and output speed sensors fixed it.

[Vats]

try removing the input and output speed sensors and cleaning them. Every so often mine does the dsame thing. Because the sensors are magnetic, they pickup metal debris and it sticks to them. Seems to stop them from giving proper readings.

[trannyman52]

The sensor at the bell,,tells computer engine rpm,,,,sensor at gear train end tells computer van speed,,,if either sensor is not working,,,,computer interpits van is not running,,,or not moving,,thus a fault condition exsists....sensors can be tested at auto zone at no charge...do this first,,,then other advice applies..this trans is sensitive to shift timing,,if there is a slip or shutter between shifts,,,chances a rebuild is in your future

[riquet]

Hello,

I went through all that with my 1997 Grand Caravan. Unfortunately it
caught us by surprise on an uphill freeway. Once we noticed there was
a shifting problem, the engine overheated and we barely were able
to return back home "downhill" and directly to the shop, resulting in an
engine replacement. The next trip up it started behaving the same,
but this time we took it easy, slowly and monitored that it was a transmission problem that only appeared going uphil after a transmission
overheat.

The transmission was in limping mode, so there it goes, to the specialized
transmission place, where they diagnosed that the transmission needed
to be rebuilt. So, there goes a $1,200 dlls, including an accessory
transmission ratiator that is commonly used in hot cities.

A couple of trips uphill and the problem happened again, with the newly
rebuilt engine + newly rebuilt transmission. The transmission guy
drove it around and did not find any problem. Though, we knew
the problem repeats when going uphill. I had to shut off the engine
and then restart it so the transmission would momentarily reset and
make the correct shifts.

So, there I go back to the transmission place, and the guy suggests... "try changing the TRANSMISSION COMPUTER, that will do it, and bring
it back to me so I reset the 'service engine' indicator". I was
able to locate a used transmission computer at a junk yard for $30
bucks, and even installed it myself - total: 4 screws.

Once i replaced it, the problem was solved for good, the "Service
Engine" dissappeared, and the entire problem was solved for $30 dlls.

PLUS $1,200 Transmission, PLUS $1500 Engine (materials + labor).

So, if this happens to you, you better start testing the transmission
computer.

Best regards,