Grand Caravan Transmission Problems

[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

[mprtech]

Take it to a reputable dealer, they know the best for your trans. Have them look at the speed sensors and other inputs. Did you notice if the speedometer still works? Also does it go into limp in right after you first put it in gear, or do you have to go to a 2-3 upshift for it to act up?

[t_m_huber]

Thanks for your quick reply. The speedometer works fine. It doesn't seem to go into limp mode right away - if I drive slowly in town it will shift from 1st to 2nd. However it sometimes drops out momentarilly (to neutral - high tach reading) when it shifts 1st->2nd or 2nd->1st, for example when you slow for a stop light or accelerate. It won't make the 2nd->3rd shift.

I don't know if they should be for a transmission fault, but none of the engine warning lights are on. Also, no unusual error codes come up when I do the flick the key on-off three times (only error 12 because the battery went dead about a year ago).

[mprtech]

Sounds like it could be an input speed sensor, I would still recommend a dealer though You would need a chrysler scanner to properly diagnose it.

[caravan]

You should check out aamco for their lifetime warranty on the transmission. I had the dealer fix mine and one year later it leaked. For the same price to have it fixed at a dealer you could probably get the lifetime warranty at aamco.

Check it out.

[digimon]

First not having it serviced bbbigg mistake. Dodge says to do it at 100k, guess what, you missed it. These tranies are very touchy and can fail very easily. But enough of the scolding. Back to issue at hand let's hope that your trany can still be saved. My 96 Town & Country was doing the same thing as yours. Here is what I did:

1.) Changed both speed sensors you may be able to do this yourself not too hard. They cost about $40.00 each. Dodge will change you $300.00 to do it.

2.) Have the trany serviced "change the fluid" at your Dodge dealership. I say this because they will use the right fluid, which is so important. Using the wrong fluid can cause your transmission to fail. That will cost about $130.00. I am never quite sure if the other transmission shops will in fact use the right fluid at Dodge you know they will.

This may not fix the trany it is still a big question mark. But it did for me. Or you can just replace your trany like the guy at the transmission shop says and pay him about $3000.00 By the way most local transmission shops don't know these tranies all they see is your $$$$$$.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=291143

By the way my trany is still going strong 5k since I did the above. You have a good chance of still saving your trany for a much smaller bill. I did.

When a speed sensor fails it acts just as you have described. Also a Dodge transmission that needs servicing will shift roughly.

Good Luck, Richard

[jgionet]

my 96 caravan has suddenly developed some "rough" shifting between gear 1 & 2 (i think) Could this be an indication that the trani needs servicing? The guy I bought the van off this year said it was rebuilt 3 years ago about. I checked the fluids and everything "seems" OK. I hope this ain't an indication that I'll have to bring it in to get rebuilt. It's got almost 200,000K on it now..

thxs

[who fan]

You can also go Allpar.com. They have an extensive article on these transmissions. They say that there is a selonoid pak that goes bad, which controls shifting on these transmissions. Also use only ATF+3 fluid. NO DEXTRON! This problem is often misdiagnosed for a rebuild.

This transmission does have a problem that requiers a rebuild when the spider gear pin in the differential slides loose and rips into the gear casing.