changed the plugs and everything falls apart

[Hatedodges]

I seem to be having some new problems not sure if anything is caused do to changing the spark plugs but something has caused my new problems... any info on this would be appreciated... my Van is a 1997 Dodge GC SE with the 3.8L v6 AWD....

first off I changed the spark plugs.. they where in very bad shape.. I just got the van 3 weeks before I got time to check them out.. someone from the looks of it, never changed the back plugs.. the front plugs where in ok shape but you could tell its been a while since they where changed.. and to top it off different brands of plugs in the back.. lol cant believe someone would do that.. but what ever....

any ways after I got it all back together the next day I noticed kind of a miss when I first start the van... it lasted just a few secs.. and it stopped almost like one of the plug wires was arcing off....

the next day after siting all night it did it again.. after a 30 secs or so it stopped and runs fine again... now I started driving down town I quickly noticed my trany isn't wanting to shift... out of second... after a few mins of warming up the tranny shifts fine.. so that my 2 main problems as of now.. my van has to warm up for a few mins or the tranny doesn't want to shift right.. and when I first start the thing it acts like its missing but I don't see anything sparking off now or hear that sound.. but still acts like it is.. even smokes like crazy for a sec or to.. but after a few sec's... it quits..... sounds to me like something electrical on the missing maybe wires.. or the coil pack.. don't see how changing the plugs can do all this but that's where I am now.. I am thinking of changing the fluid... and filter in the tranny for it.,. but still kind of in shock over it all...

[Stretch58]

If only half of the plugs had been changed, I would also put a new set of good wires on it, equal to or better than the Mopar ones, making sure you use the dielectric grease. On the transmission, I would start by draining it and putting in Mopar fluid and a filter, then you know at least it has good stuff in it. Then see where you are on the problems.

[vipergg]

i would agree get new plug wires first and work from there , it is likely you damaged them getting them off if they are the original ones . The dealer damaged mine doing a tuneup then they diagnosed the problem as a fuel pump problem , $300 later the problem was still there . They said the first pump was faulty , replaced again . problem still there , finally "I" said replace the wires cap and rotor and guess what never had another problem .

[Hatedodges]

thanks for the replys, I will give this a shot and post an update in a day or 2.. hopefully with good news...

[bigoldchevytoo]

I agree with changing the wires for a first step. As for not going past 2nd gear, the computer may be sensing some kind of problem and the van goes into 'limp' mode. The idea is that it will keep moving to get to a garage, but not fast enough for you to ignore the problem.
Don't know if 97's had this mode but my 2002 went into limp over a loose wire