92 dodge caravan tranny speed sensor

[pumkndoodle]

I have been having the same problem as most of the tranny problems on this site. My van will downshift while driving and about a week ago it went into neutral while driving. I know all about "limp mode". I am becoming an expert on shutting off the van while driving to reset everything. My husband and I read about changing the tranny fluid which he did...no help. We read about dissconnecting the battery which he did for the weekend...no help. Then we read about the additive for the tranny fluid...helped for 1 1/2 days. Now we are seeing that most everyone says it is the speed sensors...this is our next step. Are they easy to change, how long does it take and where are they located. My husband is a pretty good mechanic but he has never changed them before. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me on this.

[gforster]

The best advice for you is to spend 1 hr shop labour and have the tranny scanned for live data. This combined with stored cvi's (Clutch Volume Indexes) will help determine exactly what the trouble is before you waste countless dollars trying to pepper it with new parts $$$$$. Trust me it will be worth it in money and frustration to know for sure....

Geoff

[RexNfx400]

LOL. I like that term "pepper"

Stay cool

[pumkndoodle]

My husband took the van to autozone today because I had called on Friday and they said they could test the tranny and give us the codes...either this was a lie or the guy just didn't have a clue they could do it. So after he came home he turned on and off the ignition and got a code 45...does this help anyone know what my problem is or is this not enough to go on?

[gforster]

Code 45 is simply a code stored in the engine computer when it knows there is a DTC set in the Transmission Controller. I don't know if a place like autozone would have the type of scanner required for reading the trans data. A simple code reader won't do it. I use a Snap on mt2500 and works great on these trannys. I still recommend small amount of shop time to scan it and know for sure. Too bad I can't hook mine up to your van through the internet eh? LOL

Geoff

[pumkndoodle]

I wish things were that easy at this point. I am about to the point where I am ready to throw it in a ditch. I am tired of putting money into it and not getting results yet I do not want to stick a bunch of money into a new tranny. Just want it to run well so I can sell it...more of a headache than it is worth at this point. Thanks for the info.

[pumkndoodle]

UPDATE...My husband took it to the garrage and got two codes off of it...41 low reverse solinoid circuit and 56 turbine speed sensor. The guy at the garrage said he thought one of the connectors was loose on the speed sensor so we need to check that out. They erased my computer hoping that would help too. It did drive much better today but still went into limp mode once. Looks like we are getting a solinoid. Also...before the test I called a dodge dealership and told them my story and he started to say it was some sort of computer thing then asked how many miles it had and when I told him 117,000 he said "oh, well then you need a new tranny"...like all old people need new hearts just cuz they are old. Frustrated that even the dealership wouldn't really try and find out what was wrong but they did offer me a discount on a new tranny...wooo hoooo!!!! I am thinking $150 for a solinoid is better than $1,100 for a tranny that isn't broke.

[gforster]

Okay here is the full technical jumbo of your codes....
Code 41 thru 44 - Solenoid Circuit Error
41 = Low/Rev Solenoid Circuit Error
42 = 2/4 Solenoid Circuit Error
43 = O/D Solenoid Circuit Error
44 = Underdrive Solenoid Circuit Error

Background

Four Solenoids are used to control the friction elements (clutches). The continuity of the solenoids are tested periodically. Each solenoid is turned off and an inductive spike should be detected. When no spike is detected, the solenoids circuits are tested a second time to verify the failure. In addition to periodic testing, solenoid circuits are tested when a speed or pressure switch circuit error occurs. In this case, one failure will result in setting the appropriate code.

Conditions to Set Code

-Transaxle in gear
-Solenoid circuits fail the test

When checked

-After reset, then periodically thereafter.
-When speed error or pressure switch mismatch is detected.

Effect

-Transaxle limp-in (2nd gear).

Probable Causes

-Open/shorted Solenoid circuits
-Open J9 circuit
-8 way connector problem (cavities 4,5,6,7,8)
-60 way connector problem (cavities 16,17,19,20,57,58,59,60)
-Solenoid pack internal problem
-Internal controller failure

__________________________________________________ ___________

Code 56 Speed Error

This is a really long and complex one so I'll take out the Highlights

56 = Turbine Speed Sensor Error
An Excessive change in turbine(input) rpm in any gear.

Checked continuously when transaxle is in gear

Effect = Transaxle limp in
Note - Errors in speed data are tolerated for some time before going into limp in. However once an error has been detected, this sequence of events will be followed:
-shifts are inhibited
-lockup operation is inhibited
-Solenoid circuits are tested and, if they fail, are blamed for the speeds error.
-Limp in

Here are the probable causes:
1) Defective Output Speed sensor
2) Output Sensor connector problem
3) Cavity 13 or 52 in the 60 way connector
4) Defective Turbine Sensor
5) Turbine Sensor Connector problem
6) Internal Controller failure

Now I am almost certain that the complex code 56 has been set because of the solenoid circuit problem. I am pretty sure it is your solenoid circuit. Don't be to hasty and replace the solenoids before you take a long hard look at the associated wiring. Look closely at the solenoid pigtail and check the transaxle ground. You could even go as far as replace the wiring pigtail on the solenoids (Chrysler sells repair kits) and then if still not good go on to replace the solenois pack.

Please let me know how you make out and I hope this made some sense out of the codes and didn't confuse you even more ...

Geoff