transmission issues

[chad millett]

I have a 98 Voyager with the three speed transmission. (3.0 V6)
The torque converter shutters sometimes when its kickin in or out. Its when I am light on the throttle but accelerating slightly. If I let up or step on it, it stops shuttering because it kicks off the torque converter the way it should.
Can this be fixed by a simple fluid and filter change? The tranny shifts fine.
Also I can hear the transmission whine slightly. Is this the sound of death? I think it may be the pump in the tranny. You can hear it at an idle. It increases with the engine RPM. It seems louder in park but it does it in gear too. Its not easy to hear it while driving but sometimes I think I can.
Any ideas?

[chad millett]

Does anyone have any ideas? Will a fluid and filter change help?

[RIP]

I don't know squat about the 3 speed but, if I were in your shoes I'd try a new filter and fluid change. It's the first basic step in troubleshooting a tranny - besides checking the fluid level. It will give you a chance to check for debrie in the fluid pan too. Use only ATF-4 fluid.

Thinking on it, I remember a TSB/recall (?) on late 90s vans for transmission shudders. The fix involved reprogramming the transmission control module (TCM). Might check with a dealership. Might have been for the 4 speed but not sure.

[chad millett]

I could be wrong but I dont think the three speed has a control module. I dont think its controlled by the computer.