Reverse problems

[justuswood]

We are having trouble engaging reverse. The drive shaft shifts fine but we cannot move when shifted into reverse. We have a 2001 Grand Caravan front wheel drive with about 80,000 miles on it. About 8 months ago we had the transmission rebuilt in California (we are now located in New Hampshire). Upon inspection (here in New Hampshire), a dealer said it needed to be rebuilt (is this a standard response to ALL transmission woes?), I then informed said dealer of our plight last year and that the transmission has been rebuilt already. He of course was a bit flustered and surprised. My question is this: does rebuilding seem to be the only option? Can we try other avenues? I do have a warranty for one year on the rebuilt tranny but not sure how to go about forcing such an issue at this distance. I would appreciate any and all responses. Thanks

P.s. Will continuation of driving cause further damage? Since it drives forward just fine I would like to continue using my van, of course staying away from situations that require reversing.

[slantsixness]

Contact the shop that rebuilt the trans, they may have a nationwide warranty, and it won't be too difficult from there.

Alternatively, Needing another complete rebuild does seem strange, but it is a standard answer from a trans shop. Brings to thought that maybe it wasn't totally rebuilt in the first place?
Sounds like the reverse band has trouble engaging (servo,solenoids), or just went bad.

Just from a non-commited (and not seeing it!) point of view, I would probably give you the same "rebuild it" recommendation at first glance.

Be sure to use only ATF+3 fluid, as standard Dexron ATF will ruin the transmission (this is what could have happened?)
There's a whole stream of threads here about the ATF+3 and the various Transmission woes for caravans and voyagers, browse through them just for info.

Your best luck will be the CA trans shop reimbursing you for the present needed repairs.

Good luck!

Slantsixness

[justuswood]

Thanks Slantsixness! I have read thru some of the threads with various opinion. I am not sure if I want to try changing the fluid/filter at $120 or simply go with the rebuild if that is what the final outcome will be anyway. I have given great thought to the solenoid option and think that might be a very reasonable request. What is a ball park figure to have the solenoid pack replaced? I believe I will be hard pressed to push the warranty at this distance. It was a small, small, small town. I do have a friend there who is going to go in person so we will see. Maybe after the fact I can submit paperwork and receive some sort of compensation. Will driving cause any further harm? Thanks again

[RexNfx400]

The dealer drives it around the block, charges $90. and "you need a tranny"
Try a "tranny" shop where other peeps have had difficult problems diagnosed. But it may have an inferior rebuild on it. 99% of the time when a tranny isn't acting right, it will damage other components.