1998 Chrysler T & C Automatic Transmission

[Steve Baker]

I have a 1998 Chrysler Town & Country, bought used with 111,000 miles on it. It has been a great car since I bought it 6
months ago and has rarely been any cause for concern.

Two months ago, the transmission started acting up, sometimes shuddering a bit. It was spurious and never gave me too
much concern. A month ago, I had the car inspected and was told that the transmission was leaking and should be rebuilt
to replace the gasket. I never had the work done.

Last Friday, 28 May, 2004 the car stopped going forward and backward. I checked the tran fluid level and it seemed ok, adding
a quart had no impact. When shifting to reverse it clunks, but does not go into gear. Same with forward. Several times, by giving
gas I got it to lurch forward and backward, but only for a second before it stopped.

Is there any way to know for certain whether it is the transmission, oil pressure, air pressure, or some other problem? Do you have
any kind of instructions for debugging this kind of a problem? Should I just take it to a Transmission place and have them look at it?

thanks for any suggestions you can give,

[mishalah]

If the fluid level is ok, it's shot. Get it rebuilt or replaced asap before you get stranded.

[GTP Dad]

I agree that the transmission will need replaced. This appears to be a common problem with Chrysler Minivans. The transmissions in some hold up very well but others regardless of the maintenance they get drop dead between 90 and 120k miles. I was fortunate and got 130k out of mine. Will probably cost around $1700 to replace or rebuild.

[mishalah]

My '96 LXi had 90,000 mi. and seemed to be operating perfectly. With no warning other than some of the symptoms (right at the last moment) that you describe) it just quit engaging. The first serious warning is when it locks into 2nd gear. After that all kinds of symptoms will show. I had mine rebuilt by a very good mechanic at a local Auto Tech that has done other repairs for me. Even after the rebuild, they take a while to reprogram and settle down, but since that initial period mine seems very strong. Cost was about $1700 (dealer wanted over $3000), but there is another common, but little known, problem that had to be fixed.

All the main wiring harness connections sit right under the battery box. Over time, acid will drain down right onto those connectors. They are very hard to see until the tranny is removed. The corrosion of those connectors affects your tranny and many other important systems. The harness costs over $1000 from Chrysler, but a competent tech can slice and reconnect the wires for about $300. It's mandatory for any more longevity if they have been affected. If they haven't, count your blessings and clean them all with brake cleaner spray, and after thorough drying, coat them with Plastikote rubber spray. Make sure your battery never leaks or overflows onto these connections.

A word to the wise: My tranny failed within two weeks of a fluid and filter change. I used a big brand name fluid with the +3 additive in it. After reading many reports, and losing my tranny, I would suggest using NOTHING but the Chrysler +3 or the newer +4 fluid. I don't care what the retailer or shop says about ANY other brand of fluid, get the Chrysler +3/4, AND the correct filter. For a few extra bucks it is well worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rebuilder]

the transmission probaly had a planetary failure and will have to be rebuilt.Please not you can add atf4 to a transmission with atf3 but not the other way.
Doing a trans service should not hava any side effects with a transmission failure unless the trans service was done due to a noted trans problem to start with.If clutches are shot adding new trans fluid with more detergent will destroy them completely.

[Allamand]

Just a thought here, is it wise to change the Tranny fluid at all? The manual says it is not needed. I had a 86 Caravan that had 110k when I sold it, never changed My 96 Winstar with 98K and just traded my 01 Windstar with 62K on it for a 04 T&C. None of these have ever had the tranny fluid changed.

I can see why one would change the fluid, but then the manual even says it's not needed as well.. I never change the Brake or power steering fluids...

[romanchirva]

Make sure that you have the right level because high is bad as low the in the same way, and use atf-3.