No reverse on my 93 Caravan

[Art Riley]

My 1993 Dodge Caravan suddenly stopped engaging the reverse gear. It goes forward fine but there is no reverse. Any idea what could be causing this problem. For awhile, after the tranny heated up, it wouldn't shift from first to second without my putting it in second. I don't know if this gives you a clue.

[kegs55]

My 94' Caravan has also stopped going in reverse. Yesterday, we checked the fluid and it was fine and dandy, yet no engagement of reverse whatsoever. Any comments or tips would be greatly appreciated as I am getting quotes for $1000 to rebuild the transmission that has already been previously rebuilt..

Thanks

[slantsixness]

try changing the fluid and filter, if you haven't already.

Only use ATF+3 (I mean REALLY don't use one drop of dexron or type "F", even if it says it's compatible)

Otherwise, you both could have a solenoid problem, instead of a whole trans rebuild. Get some good fluid in it first, or be sure that it is, and consider having a shop put in a new solenoid pack (or do it yourself) before rebuilding the whole trans.

The fluid is a famous cause of the "bump-shift", "no kickdown" "shaking" "No upshift" and "no reverse" problems, and the second most likely cause is the solenoids, which you can clean up and they'll work again, but it's a pain in the rear to do it, and Dodge says not to: "they cannot be properly realigned to work within spec" but I've done it, and, being careful, the '94 van still drives fine after 240K miles (broke at 110K).

As for my own van, I've always kept the right fluid in it and changed it every 40K, so, at 120Kmiles, it runs and shifts like new.

Hope I helped (and I hope I'm not just telling you something you've already heard in these forums..!)


Slantsixness

[RexNfx400]

One needs to know if this is a 3 speed model or 4 speed (overdrive). Just to be on the right path...

[LonnieD]

A few months ago my daughter blew her tranmission. I wnet into the closest tranny shop and every single lift had a Dodge caravan waiting for a tranny. They blow way too often. I bought a re-built for 1200...the first thing it did was no reverse and flet like a slipping clutch. Found the the axles seals had blown and all the seals and pump...good luck

[RexNfx400]

Indeed the shops are full of em. But then again, the roads are full of em too. It goes hand in hand.
You sell more, you break more.

[LonnieD]

That sounds good to raise the flag for Dodge, but ask the local trasmissions shops and they will tell you most of their business is from Dodge/Plymouth mini van transmissions. Maybe in the past three years they have improved but they still have a ways to go.

[mrrob]

I had the same problem, I was lucky it was just the plate for the reverse band, when I removed the trans pan it was sitting right there.

If your problem is the same it shouldn't cost to much to repair, about $100.

Good Luck...