'88 Grand Caravan - transmission problem, reverse doesn't catch

[immersionroom]

Howdy,

Has anyone experienced a problem with their Caravan where the reverse gear no longer catches? I put it in reverse and all the engine does is rev as though it was in neutral. Does this point to a shot transmission?

I know that these transmissions are notoriously bad, but the two mechanics (well people who know more about cars than I do) I've had take a look at the car weren't 100% sure it was the transmission but that it could be the engaging lever or there being too much fluid in the transmission.

The problem is worsened by the fact I'm stuck in Guatemala, just outside Guatemala city so the chances of finding a new tranmission are difficult though a heck load cheaper to replace than in North America.

Hit me up if anyone has some thoughts or suggestions.

For the record it's the 3.3L V6 1988 model.

Cheers

[neon_rt]

I didn't know the 3.3l came in a Caravan in '88, what trans do you have and are you sure you have a 3.3l?

[immersionroom]

Perhaps it's a 3.0L then? I know it's the bigger of the two options.

[neon_rt]

I assume the trans is the 3-speed auto and not the "UltraDrive" 4-speed auto w/overdrive?

[immersionroom]

Thanks for the reply. It is the 3 speed transmission. I had a play around this afternoon with the lever that is connected to the accelerator cable and goes into the transmission - sorry don't know correct terminology. It was the lever the two pseudo mechanics I had take a look at the car were fiddling with.

I tried manually moving the lever while the car was in reverse and low and behold reverse engaged and she rolled backwards. Now it seems to be fine - perhaps the lever had come loose and the mechanics hadn't pushed it in enough perhaps.

So looks like it might be a happy ending, though we haven't give it a full road test yet, but my fingers are crossed!

[C. Cleve]

Hi, Do yourself a BIG favor and lube the shift cable and corresponding linkgage at the trans, These also get corroded at the shaft where it goes DOWN into the trans...GOOD LUCK, Clay..