2002 Town and Country - automatic transmission shifting problem

[modasrar]

I have a 2002 Town and Country LX with the 3.3L V6. Recently the check engine light went on and later the transmission stopped shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. All the gears work properly except for 4th. It doesn't seem like anything is wrong with the transmission, would this be a sensor problem? If so which sensor would need to be replaced?

[modasrar]

I also forgot to mention that I got the codes off the vehicle that were tripping the check engine light. The codes that were tripped were "P0700" and "P0888"

[RIP]

Can't say much beyond P0700 is a Transmission Control System circuit failure and the P0888 is a Transmission Control Module power relay sense circuit malfunction. I did read of an EATX relay fixing the later. Pretty good bet you fix one you'll fix both. How's the fluid level?

[modasrar]

Originally Posted by RIP

Can't say much beyond P0700 is a Transmission Control System circuit failure and the P0888 is a Transmission Control Module power relay sense circuit malfunction. I did read of an EATX relay fixing the later. Pretty good bet you fix one you'll fix both. How's the fluid level?

The fluid level is fine. That was the first thing I checked. Do you know where the EATX relay is located and is there only one EATX relay or multiple ones?

[RIP]

Not positive about a 4th generation 02 but, I believe there is one and it's in the PDC (fuse box next to the battery). Check for an identicle relay near it you could swap it with.

[modasrar]

New EATX Sensor. No difference shifting pattern is the same. I did find this on automotiveforums.com... http://www.automotiveforums.com/t196775.html ...it talks about how there is a flaw in the Chrysler splicing of wires...I can't seem to find the wires that this person is referring to in the vehicle. I am also unsure where to look for the ground strap on the transmission. Any thoughts anyone???

[RIP]

I read the same thing but, believe it applies to early gen 3 vans 96-2000. Could be wrong.

[Cntrysthbst]

Another thing that might help is just taking it to the dealer. They can hook there machine up to it and find out if your shifting pattern is out of wack. I had the dealer look at it and they said it was way out. They flashed it, reset it, and it just amazed me, I watched the whole thing. Sometimes when something goes bad as in a sensor, etc., the shift pattern can change, and if you don't drive the same way every time then this can happen too. It's somewhat normal from what I understand. There is alot of technical stuff involved with these transmissions. I just found out that my PCM needs to be replaced again because they did not install the upgraded one, and on top of that they have to do 12 software updates/upgrades to the new PCM, 7 are for communications between the PCM and the transmission computer. I would surely check into the dealer if you go and find one your comfortable with. I've gone through 4 and finally found a really good.


The grounds are to the left of the left side speed sensor, there are 2 grounds. Kinda hard to see from the top. The bolt that the grounds are attached to is the bolt that holds the transmission to the engine, one of them of course. I had to replace one of mine because the wire was falling out the eyelit, it wasn't soldered into the eyelit.

[modasrar]

I took it to the dealer and they replaced the power distribution center.

[RIP]

Thanks for returning with the fix. Seems PDCs are failing more often. I've read they are easily corroded and it seems mainly on gen 4 vans.

[Cntrysthbst]

If you don't mind me asking, what is the power distribution center? Is it the one by the battery? And did this fix the shifting issues?

[zukdj]

I have a 2002 T&C that is shifting weird too, I checked the fluid, not burnt and full. The problem is there is no specific time this happens, some days it shifts perfectly and other days it bucks going from 1st to 2nd and shifts all over the place. When coming to a light when its not shifting correctly it will stall, other times its fine when shifting correctly, My issue is there is no check engine light on at all so it is hard to diagnose. I think it sounds like some sort of snesor failing but have no idea where to start, anyone ever seen this? Any help is appreciated.

[Cntrysthbst]

got one to and all tested fine and have same issue..have done everything just about..was reading into this and learned it may be engine management causing it to..so far no luck..the last thing leaft is cam and crank sensors that may cause this even though they are not putting off a code..dont know why or if its true but seems like the more I replace or have replaced it gets better..the crank sensor is located on the transmission side but dont know where..hopefully RIP will reply to this with better info..

does it act up more in wet weather?

[zukdj]

I'm in NY, it's cold, damp and snowy and has been since it happened so I can guess yes but its only a guess. I can get back to you when Spring emerges, LOL! I am so ready for Spring, it has been way too long of a Winter in the Northeast! Anyhow, what is Engine Management, and what have you done so far?

[zukdj]

It threw a code today, I'm going to Pep Boys to get the code, I'll let you know what I find out.