Transmission not engaged - 98' 3.3L

[Amechanic]

Hi all,

My 98' Voyager just got towed this morning because the transmission was not engaged in all shifts. It happened suddenly right off the freeway at the stop light. I first heard some metal hitting noise, then I stopped the car at the curb. It never moved again. Engine runs. There's no engine service light on.

Thanks in advance for all comments/suggestions

[ronmar1]

Does the tranny hold in park? If not I'd bet on the differential cross pin.
Ron

[Amechanic]

Originally Posted by ronmar1

Does the tranny hold in park? If not I'd bet on the differential cross pin.
Ron

Thanks, Ron. I didn't check it. It seemed to work. Is it easy to replace the differential cross pin?

[ronmar1]

Originally Posted by Amechanic

Thanks, Ron. I didn't check it. It seemed to work. Is it easy to replace the differential cross pin?

If the rolled pin, that holds the cross shaft is broken, it will allow the cross shaft to slide in the spider gear housing. This will result in the shaft lodging against the differential housing and can and very often does, break a large hole in the transfer case.

There is now a modification available from Chrysler that replaces the rolled pin retainer with two brackets that bolt on with the ring gear bolts. One on each end of the cross shaft. It's not hard to add the modification. I wouldn't even suggest replacing the rolled pin. This design was a disaster looking for a place to happen, and oh, so often it does.

I've seen a number of transfer housings destroyed because of the $1.00 rolled pin retainer.

Ron