96 Gr Caravan Transmission Leak

[ecfune]

Thanks for the post. I also have a problem with my '96 Grand Caravan. I should have read these posts before fixing my problem. I have replaced the front pump seal twice (where torque coverter shaft goes in) and it is still leaking. I have to wait until it warms to take the transmission down again to replace the O-ring and other seals. Hope I can follow your instructions to get it fixed. Thank you.

[darlenestar]

Hello RIP,

Came across this old post. My 1996 GC 3.8 is leaking transmission fluid and going up the rear door, as well as, some fluid in the case upper grids. The problem has not been diagnosed as of yet but does sound similar to the one posted above. Did you perform the diagnosis and repair for $688 or was that all done at a shop?

Thank you for time.

Darlene

[RIP]

Originally Posted by darlenestar

Hello RIP,

Came across this old post. My 1996 GC 3.8 is leaking transmission fluid and going up the rear door, as well as, some fluid in the case upper grids. The problem has not been diagnosed as of yet but does sound similar to the one posted above. Did you perform the diagnosis and repair for $688 or was that all done at a shop?

Thank you for time.

Darlene

Wow. Talk about a ghost from the past. This might have been the first thread I posted on this forum - 8 years ago. Good Lord.

No, that was one of the few things I haven't done myself over the years. As I recall I poked around the web to get an idea of what it could be and a ball park cost to fix it. I then went down and talked it over at my local shop. They agreed it was probably the front pump seal but couldn't be sure till they tore into it. They removed the tranny, took it to a well known rebuilder in the area that replaced the parts, then the shop reinstalled it. Turned out it was a common problem and they used an available kit to fix it. The rebuilder said other than the seal the tranny looked new on the inside so only had to change the seal and the bushing that came in the kit. Oh and RexNfx400 was spot on.

[ecfune]

It seems like we have a similar problem with the transmission leak. I replaced the shaft oil seal twice and it still leaked. I noticed that the cam sensor was wet also. I ended up replacing the front pump seal (big o-ring and other stuff) which I got from the dealership for about $14. It was not hard to do at all. I had to pull the tranny out of the housing and replaced the seal and the problem was solved.

[darlenestar]

Thank you RIP and ecfune for the quick responses. It does sound like the possible answer to my problem since it was a known common problem. Will have it diagnosed when possible and keep the tranny fluid level full in the meantime. Need to read up on tranny removal/repair. Not sure if it would be feasible for a minor shade tree mechanic who has no fwd transmission experience. The van has 110k miles and some other issues. I don't need a transmission repair bill that would exceed the vehicle value ratio.

[ecfune]

Darlenestar - taking the transmission out is not too hard. If you are a shade tree mechanic, put the front of the van on jackstands and bring down the transmission with a floor jack with the help of a second person. It is easier with a transmission jack but if you do not have it, a floor jack will do. Just be careful.

[ecfune]

I enclosed a picture of the transmission fluid pooling on top of the transmission. The fluid leaked out of the crankshaft position sensor opening. The other picture is of the bell housing and the front of the transmission pump. The big o-ring was deteriorated and allowed the fluid to leak out. It was not coming out of the shaft like what the picture is showing. Hope this helps.