96 Grand Caravan. Transmission slipping

[paulf717]

I have a 96' GC . Today, the tranny started whining really bad, I told my wife I would check the fluid reservoir when I got home. It was very low. Anyway, I added 2 quarts of fluid and know its a wait and see. I don't think the tranny system has ever been changed since I bought it. I purchased it from a one owner with 55000 on it now it has 125000. Could this be the problem? Please help, I can't afford another vehicle right now. I know I can change the fluid and filter if need be.

[Anthony MPM]

I wouldnt recommend servicing it now at that mileage, most of the time it will kill a trans. that has trouble, a flush or service will not fix a slip no matter what the shop tells you they normally last a week. I personally wouldnt take the risk of it. How does it run with the fluid full? and do you see and debris on the dipstick?

[paulf717]

Originally Posted by Anthony MPM

I wouldnt recommend servicing it now at that mileage, most of the time it will kill a trans. that has trouble, a flush or service will not fix a slip no matter what the shop tells you they normally last a week. I personally wouldnt take the risk of it. How does it run with the fluid full? and do you see and debris on the dipstick?

I added 1 quart, I did have some debris on the dip stick, so I added another quart. I still think it needs another. It goes into reverse no problem, but when I put in drive I don't know if it is low< Because the dash board indicator stays lit, so u don't know what gear your in. I just don't want another huge repair bill. The van is is still in good shape, for a second car. also I 'm getting a shimmy in the stearing wheel. Causing the tires to wear on the outside.

[Anthony MPM]

I would make sure it is full, there should be a mark on the stick for hot or cold when you check it. I would fill it to the proper level and see how long it lasts, debris is not good. A service would kill it now. When do you get the vibration? If is at highway speeds more than likely the balance is bad on the front tires. As for the wear could be an alignment issue or lack of rotation, improper inflation.

[paulf717]

Originally Posted by Anthony MPM

I would make sure it is full, there should be a mark on the stick for hot or cold when you check it. I would fill it to the proper level and see how long it lasts, debris is not good. A service would kill it now. When do you get the vibration? If is at highway speeds more than likely the balance is bad on the front tires. As for the wear could be an alignment issue or lack of rotation, improper inflation.

The stairing wheel just wiggles alittle at low speeds, I check the pressure and rotate the tires, but it still does it. Could it be the sway bar , ball joints, it just sloppy in the front end. When u say "it will Kill It" does that mean I will be needing a tranny???? Thanks for all the advice

[tempfixit]

For the wobble check the inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides.

Good luck with tranny, check for leak in tranny if you are that low in fluid. These tranny's call for ATF+4 fluid only. Does the fluid look or smell burnt? I would do like stated make sure it is full at normal operating temp. If it works properly, drive for a few miles to make sure then drop the pan and see if there is material in the pan and magnet. Then install new filter and fluid and see what happens. A tranny rebuild may be in order.

[Anthony MPM]

I would get the front end checked on the wiggle, but as for the trans. I would try and run it as long as it lasts. What I meant by kill it is it will get worse and need replacement or rebuilding. Trans fluid has a high detegent content and doing a service causes more harm that good at this point.

[paulf717]

Originally Posted by Anthony MPM

I would get the front end checked on the wiggle, but as for the trans. I would try and run it as long as it lasts. What I meant by kill it is it will get worse and need replacement or rebuilding. Trans fluid has a high detegent content and doing a service causes more harm that good at this point.

The fluid level is fine, when I start the van up, I hear a continous whinning noise, I put it in reverse and goes but after a few seconds I get a large vibration. I have to play with the shifter to get it to go forward. When I stop at a red light it takes awhile for it to get in gear. SHould I change the fluid and filter or should I just take to a mechanic. Thanks Again.

[tempfixit]

In my opinion I would pull the tranny pan and look for foreign material on the pan and magnet. Change the filter and add ATF+4 fluid only. You can get it at Wal mart, Carquest also handles the fluid for about the same price and you can get the filter there at the same time. Other parts stores should carry the fluid also. At this point it is worth a shot if not then a rebuild will probably be in order.

If no difference then you may want to have a reputable tranny shop check for codes in the tranny and check the vitals in the tranny.

In my opinion the filter is plugged and the tranny oil pump is starving for fluid causing the whinning and delayed shifts, or another possibility is a faulty solenoid pack.

good luck