2000 carivan transmission change

[cara-neveragain]

i need to replace the transmission in my 2000 caravan 2.4L to have it done is about $1900. unfortunatly money is a little tight right now.

i've changed a few transmissions before but never in a front wheel drive vehicle.

is it something i can do myself, someone told me the engine has to be pulled?

[mikaSA120]

What is milage on Your caravan.Check powertrain warranty? I think it is 6 years 75000 miles.
Coud be under factory warranty.

[cara-neveragain]

Originally Posted by mikaSA120

What is milage on Your caravan.Check powertrain warranty? I think it is 6 years 75000 miles.
Coud be under factory warranty.

it only has 45000 but it's not under warranty. in 2000 it was only 36000
the 6 yr 75000 started in 2001

[caravandrvr]

Originally Posted by cara-neveragain

i need to replace the transmission....

Just curious, why is the transmission bad? It amazes me how many of these transmissions get changed out needlessly because of an electrical problem or other misdiagnosis. In a vehicle with less than 100k and only 5 years old, I’m a bit suspect. But a lot of so called mechanics will go there quickly because you drove in with a Caravan!

[mrrob]

I agree, get a scan tool on the vehicle and make sure it's not something electrical causing the problem, I had a customer's van towed in, trans wouldn't shift, turned out to be a module.


Good Luck

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto, Truck, Trailer Ect..

[mikaSA120]

Is it 2.4L engine with 3 speed auto transs. in Your caravan?
Need more info?
Only 4 speed auto transs. have module located on left fender.
Any codes?
Maybe bad solenoid pack?

[cara-neveragain]

it's the 2.4 with 3 sp automatic.

it just don't shift right, you put in in gear and there is nothing, after about 30 seconds it will kick and move but don't shift correctly. the only time it shifts right is into 3rd

[jawss]

mmmmmmmmmm I would definitely check other probable causes too. Once you're in 3rd gear driving down the road, does it work alright?? There are several adjustments on these trannys that can affect the shifting. Have you had the pan dropped off to check for metal filings or any other sign of bad wear? Is the oil dark and smell burnt? Does it only act poorly when its warm or cold, or is it consistent at all time? If you find that you do need to replace it, it can be done without taking the motor out too. Some shops do it this way cuz they have the equipment to make it easy. I changed several of them in my back yard, dropping them all out the bottom. Good luck!

[yoji6365]

Try draining the fluid, put ATF +3 in (the correct fluid) and make sure you get it to the correct level.

[cara-neveragain]

thanks for all the suggestions BUT i'm sure the tranny is bad. when the pan was dropped there was atleast 1/2 inch of filings. all i was really looking for was some advice on changing it myself.

[jawss]

Originally Posted by cara-neveragain

thanks for all the suggestions BUT i'm sure the tranny is bad. when the pan was dropped there was atleast 1/2 inch of filings. all i was really looking for was some advice on changing it myself.

Ok well then if you're sure you want to do the change yourself, then buy the book. I prefer the Haynes manulas myself, Chiltons will do also. Make sure you have the right tools before you start though. Good luck!

[cara-neveragain]

Originally Posted by jawss

Ok well then if you're sure you want to do the change yourself, then buy the book. I prefer the Haynes manulas myself, Chiltons will do also. Make sure you have the right tools before you start though. Good luck!

thanks but it's already done. wasn't nearly as hard as people told me. actually was quite easy. only took about 2 hrs, and $400