1994 Caravan Tranny Problems -HELP-

[ZipperShrine]

I have recently acquired a '94 caravan. History follows:

Purchased by Grandpa in 1996 with <30K on it
Shipped to MN (from AZ) in 2004 with 98K on it.

Tranny replaced TWICE! (1st in 1998, 2nd - don't know)

Drove van approx 1000 miles since I recieved it... 400 miles hwy.

Tranny does not shift out of 1st gear now.

Any thoughts? I want to avoid the $1800 replacement if I can.

Please help!

-Z

[yogi_123rd]

The tranny sounds like it is in limp mode. This is where the computer sees a problem and disables shifting. Is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp lit on the console? If so, download the malfunction code.

[ZipperShrine]

Thanks for the help. There is no light illuminated on the dash. Any additional thoughts?

[JDW]

Originally Posted by ZipperShrine

Thanks for the help. There is no light illuminated on the dash. Any additional thoughts?

Might not do any good - but would be worth a try -
disconnect the battery terminal - it will clear the codes I believe - maybe it will reset and work. If not -all you have lost is the codes and if something is wrong, they will come back on.
If you do have to get a new transmission, make sure you go to someplace that puts all the updates on it and your computer, it will last a bit longer that way. On my third trans. on my old 89 - 225,000 miles on it and still going!
As I looked at other problems - Tranny limp mode - on 3/18/05 by si integra - has some ideas you might try.