1996 villager van slipping while driving....

[Fitztex40]

hi I was wondering if any one esle has this problem.........I have noticed all week now that when I drive my 96 villager----it seems to be slipping and making a sound underneath and the rpm gauge is going up and down to 3 & back down to 1. I wonder if I can just change the transmission fluid in it could it be the transmission going out? I feel that it is the transmission because the way it trys to jerk like it is having a time changing gears......any answers would be apprecitated........

[dzus]

A bad thottle postion sensor may be a possibility, it will definately effect the tranny shifting.

[inafogg]

hello if the idle is rising to 3k & back while just sitting in drive i'd try to fix idle problem first.check for vacuum leaks ect.

[Fitztex40]

ok I changed the trans filter and trans oil. I drove it for 11 miles and on the way back home It stated acting up again. After I parked it, I was going to drive to store and it would not go into reverse but will go into drive. THE Engine light came on now. Managed to drive it to autozone this morning and put on computer machine......the machine said
Definiton:
incorrect 1st gear ratio condition.
Explanation:
transmission in 1st gear and the ecm detected and incorrect gear ration.
Possible Causes:
1. poor connection at transmission
2. internal transmission problem

the question is -------DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION? OR CAN IT JUST BE A SENSOR?

[Fitztex40]

Ok I put in the new thottle postion sensor and still no reverse or 1st gear. The engine light did go off but what is the problem now? NEW TRANSMISSION? Any help would be appreciated!

[dzus]

Van not going into reverse is something new after changing the fluid sounds like tranny rebuild time. A TPS shouldn't effect reverse gear.

[Fitztex40]

YEP! that is where it is now.......between $1300.00-$2100.00. The guy said problem is clutch or gears or something like that.