'99 grand caravan, service engine light, speedometer, odometer, tranny problems

[eldiablo1100]

I have a 1999 grand caravan sport. It was running fine this morning, but just a few hours ago, all the problems started.

problems:
the service engine soon light above the dash is lit.

the speedometer doesn't work, it stays at 0 all the time.

the odometer doesn't work, i drove well over 8 miles and the odometer still says 70367.

while driving on the highway, it sounded like the engine was in a low gear the whole time, and i was pushing 3200 RPM just to keep up with traffic.

when i shift into and out of reverse gear, the car shakes more violentlly then ever before.


it's late, so all the dealers and service centers around here are closed so i wasn't able to take it over to them. If someone could help me out with this, i would greatly appreciate it.

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by eldiablo1100

I have a 1999 grand caravan sport. It was running fine this morning, but just a few hours ago, all the problems started.

problems:
the service engine soon light above the dash is lit.

the speedometer doesn't work, it stays at 0 all the time.

the odometer doesn't work, i drove well over 8 miles and the odometer still says 70367.

while driving on the highway, it sounded like the engine was in a low gear the whole time, and i was pushing 3200 RPM just to keep up with traffic.

when i shift into and out of reverse gear, the car shakes more violentlly then ever before.


it's late, so all the dealers and service centers around here are closed so i wasn't able to take it over to them. If someone could help me out with this, i would greatly appreciate it.

Sounds like a faulty output or input speed sensor and or a loose or corroded connector to these sensors .

[RexNfx400]

The transmission is in "limp mode" The computer basically shuts power off to the transmission. There is a lot of different reasons for this. The simplest being one of the speed sensors has failed, as Viper says.

Or even more simple, but unlikely, an electrical connection has came unplugged.

If the CEL(Service/Check Engine Light) is on, then a trouble code is stored within the control module(computer) and if retrieved should point you in the right direction.

[eldiablo1100]

the error code was P0731 Ratio error in first

the guy who ran the codes said i would have to have my transmission rebuilt, that's not something i liked hearing, especially since it's going to cost over $1000

if anybody could help me out with some information, again, i would appreciate it.

i'm probablly going to take it to another shop to get a second opinion on what the mechanic said

[eldiablo1100]

I took it over to autozone and had them check the car. they found the the problem is a faulty output speed sensor (VSS), so i bought the part from them for $25. Now i want to replace it, but i can't seem to find it. Does anyone know where under the hood it's located? or if anyone knows a website with instructions, that would be very helpful.

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by eldiablo1100

I took it over to autozone and had them check the car. they found the the problem is a faulty output speed sensor (VSS), so i bought the part from them for $25. Now i want to replace it, but i can't seem to find it. Does anyone know where under the hood it's located? or if anyone knows a website with instructions, that would be very helpful.

Look at the front of the tranny and look for a shift left lever sort of on the right hand side and look right next and slightly below that lever you should see a connector , this is the output speed sensor . when you pull off the wire therei is a rubber weather seal make sure you keep it and it's not stuck to the old sensor.

[eldiablo1100]

can it be seen from the top or do i have to jack up the car first?

[eldiablo1100]

ok, nevermind, i found it.

it's on the front of the transmission, you have to remove the unit with the air filter to get at it.

[Tom Bertran]

I saw the same trouble. Last week, my '99 Grand Caravan Sport, with 4-speed automatic transmission, had the "Service Engine Soon" light come on. My speedometer was indicating 0 MPH no matter what speed and my car wouldn't go above second gear. My car's condition was permanent, and it would not "Reset" by turning the ignition key off and on.

The dealer used his diagnostic machine, then replaced the two vehicle speed sensors on the transmission (both the input and the output sensors), for $22 per sensor, parts cost. Next, he used the diagnostic machine, again, to calibrate and teach the transmission where to shift. Paying for his diagnosis, expertise, and calibration brought the bill to $280 total.

Maybe I could've done the calibration (or you can), because the manual also says,

"The electronically-controlled transaxle provides a precise shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self-calibrating; therefore the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles."

[onetrickpony]

I hope this helps. I love when some people want to suggest rebuilding without checking. Great job in getting a second opinion and saving your money!