Minivans/ Transmissons

[rick31797]

I have a 1990 Dynasty, bought it when it was a year old..Lucky for me i had the power train warrenty because 2 weeks before it was done. the transmission went in it..At 70,000 KM or about 35,000 miles.
It now has 190,000km or 115,000 miles and it might be going again..
It was serge into 2 gear hard once and awhile..I will change the trans fluid and filter and if that dont help then it is probably something more serious., like clutch plate adjustment.

I had learnt that the big problem in the 1990 for the Dynasty and the mini van was the transmission...

My question is, I am thinking about buying a 2000 Chry Sport mini van and does anybody know if the Transmissons are any good...This Mini van has about 70,000KM or 35,000 miles and a 30 day warrenty..\

I am wondering if Chry got there act together and was able to make a better transmisson, that will last longer than 35,000 miles.

If you have no information maybe you can direct me to another web sight ..
Thanks Rick

[calgary_redneck]

The transmissions in 2000 are the 604 which have been used since the mid to early 90's. Now as for them being good well in a word no they aren't. I have seen many need replacing in under 100 000k and they are fairly pricey to rebuilt

[rodeo02]

I think the problem with mini-van trannies is they pretty much are the same units used in cars. They do OK for cars, but are overworked a bit in a minivan. As with any auto tranny, if you keep a light foot & do regular ATF changeouts every 20-30Kmi + a filter change every 50-60Kmi (if so equiped), the tranny should outlast the car.
G/luck
Joel

[stickman47]

Originally Posted by rick31797

I have a 1990 Dynasty, bought it when it was a year old..Lucky for me i had the power train warrenty because 2 weeks before it was done. the transmission went in it..At 70,000 KM or about 35,000 miles.
It now has 190,000km or 115,000 miles and it might be going again..
It was serge into 2 gear hard once and awhile..I will change the trans fluid and filter and if that dont help then it is probably something more serious., like clutch plate adjustment.

I had learnt that the big problem in the 1990 for the Dynasty and the mini van was the transmission...

My question is, I am thinking about buying a 2000 Chry Sport mini van and does anybody know if the Transmissons are any good...This Mini van has about 70,000KM or 35,000 miles and a 30 day warrenty..\

I am wondering if Chry got there act together and was able to make a better transmisson, that will last longer than 35,000 miles.

If you have no information maybe you can direct me to another web sight ..
Thanks Rick

Rick,

As far as I know Chrysler is still using the A-604 FWD transmission. It's a dog. If you read the owners manual it says you can use ATF+3 instead of the Chrysler fluid. THIS IS NOT TRUE!! The clutch linings they use will break down with ATF+3 and the transmission will fail ! If you are not sure what fluid has been used I would pass on this one. The mileage is just about at the point when these dogs crap out. Chrysler even put in a "limp" mode in the PCM to lock the transmission in 2nd gear so you can "limp" to a transmission shop. After market clutch plates use a lining that is compatible with ATF+3 so a rebuild is the only alternative. Be carefull!!!!