2000 Grand Caravan computer/transmission

[grandad]

Caravan died at end of 450 mile trip, in destination driveway (last mile was rough road, raining hard). Cranks, and will rev up, but stalls immediately when placed in any gear, forward or reverse. No engine trouble light, even when cranking, when it should light. ODB reader reads no codes whatsoever, even when artificial errors generated by unplugging sensors. Dealers phone advice was bad computer. Ordered, replaced, but no change whatsoever, and stiill no engine or service engine soon light on startup. Jacked front wheels off ground and they turn freely in neutral, but engine still stalls when placed in gear and wheels don't turn. 3.3L, 100K with rebuilt transmission 10K ago. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

[B33p3r]

Does it have to be in gear to stall? Or does it stall when your just idling, no gas pedal at all?

[grandad]

Originally Posted by B33p3r

Does it have to be in gear to stall? Or does it stall when your just idling, no gas pedal at all?

It idles and revs fine. Only stalls immediately and almost violently when put in any gear, forward or reverse, even before letting off the brake, and even when both front wheels jacked off the ground. Thanks for the reply. Planning to take it to a good Dodge dealer on the 5th, since replacing the main computer didn't help.
Grandad

[janandkyle]

is it possible that the tranny has somehow locked up? because this sounds like what happened to my freinds mustang whenhis tranny locked up. just a thot

[grandad]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm sure the tranny is locked up, but the absence of main computer indications makes me question whether the lockup is due to an electrical controls issue rather than a mechanical transmission failure that also took out the main computer? Don't sound logical, but I can't be sure of anything>

[Stretch58]

Originally Posted by grandad

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm sure the tranny is locked up, but the absence of main computer indications makes me question whether the lockup is due to an electrical controls issue rather than a mechanical transmission failure that also took out the main computer? Don't sound logical, but I can't be sure of anything>

Hello--Wonder if the torque converter lockup(overdrive)is engaged and won't release or somehow getting a signal to stay engaged?. I don't have a manual but is it possible there is a connector on the torque converter you could disconnect for a test?

[grandad]

I agree the symtoms point to the constant engagement oif overdrive, but I don't know if the torque converter has an electrical connection or not. I am only familiar with the old mechanical, speed triggered lockup, which should release or it's bad, but shouldn't disable main computer. Thanks for helping troubleshoot, it is headed for the dealer this morning.

[B33p3r]

This problem is out of my league but I will ask you to post the fix when it is determined. I'm real curious on this one! First time I ever heard or read about this problem!

[trannyman52]

Drop the pan ,,,,,look for metal chunks {broken gear train}
trans requires NO ecm commands or electrical components to move
foreward or reverse,,,,SHIFTING ,,,,,thats something that requires the ecm components.......P.S. a flush or tranny-in-a-can won't help this problem gbaum

[grandad]

Originally Posted by trannyman52

Drop the pan ,,,,,look for metal chunks {broken gear train}
trans requires NO ecm commands or electrical components to move
foreward or reverse,,,,SHIFTING ,,,,,thats something that requires the ecm components.......P.S. a flush or tranny-in-a-can won't help this problem gbaum

Thanks for all replies. The transmission required a total rebuild. The main computer and trans computer were Ok.
Grandad