Successful Transmission Fix

[4breezes]

The vehicle is a 1995 Grand Caravan, 3.3 engine.

Background: We replaced the transmission in August 2006, at 105340 miles, for all the normal reasons. The van was in Maine at the time, and pretty much sat for a year and a half after that. We drove it Maine to California without problem. Then we started with intermittent limp mode episodes. We finally took it into the dealer this week, after procrastinating as long as possible. Current mileage is 114065.

Customer complaint, from dealer intake paperwork:

"Customer states vehicle intermittently goes into limp mode, sometimes at first startup, other times on normal driving conditions. Have to turn off van and sit for a few minutes then works okay. Reman transmission replaced at 105340 miles 8/1/2006.
Trouble code set for input speed sensor
Removed and replaced input speed sensor.
Mopar warranty claim."

Part number 4800878, Sensor TR 8037155.

This was done under the warranty for the remanned transmission, at no cost. So far the transmission has worked as it is supposed to.

They also completed a recall repair. They listed "818 Airbag system wiring recall." Again no cost.

Strangely enough, the radio now works again. Before it went into the shop it was very difficult to tune, and would not hold a station. It was very irritating. Now it seems to work well. Maybe they diddled with the radio wiring while they were under the dash working on the airbag wiring.

So, everything seems to be working well for the time. Now we'll drive it and wait.

[allenprimo913]

good feedback but see my case is different, i got no code at all and everything runs normal except that lil jerk right before it goes to 3rd or after 2nd then everytime you go for a stop.

i was thiking it could be a play on the axles because i went thru all the remedy i can think of.

aside from reprogramming the TCM, maybe the solenoid pack, maybe TPS .. etc..
im close to sell it or trade it but if i can avoid it i will keep it. what else left to do.

maybe it will go away one of this day.

[4breezes]

Different, yes, but kind of the same. We were getting a thump and a jerk, sometimes at a standstill going into gear, and sometimes while slowing down to stop. But once we felt that thump and jerk, it was in limp mode.

You said your's doesn't show any codes. Was it tested at a good trandmission shop or a reliable dealer? The transmission test hookup is by the driver's right knee. The computer to test there is apparently restricted to only the dealer and maybe a good shop. It's not something we all might have at home.

The key on/key off, dash light test, is for the engine, I believe. Before our's had the remanned transmission installed, when it went into limp mode each and every time it moved, the key on/key off test showed no codes. So, be sure you're having the right test done.

[allenprimo913]

when you said limp mode means totally can not moved or turnover or dead?

i observed mine too that when it is cold it doesnt do it then when it gets hotter it does it all the time after you take off then when youre slowing down.

it doesnt seem mechanical because it runs fine after that lil jerk but does it all the time when already warmed up.

[4breezes]

Originally Posted by allenprimo913

when you said limp mode means totally can not moved or turnover or dead?

i observed mine too that when it is cold it doesnt do it then when it gets hotter it does it all the time after you take off then when youre slowing down.

it doesnt seem mechanical because it runs fine after that lil jerk but does it all the time when already warmed up.

Limp mode=drives and shifts 1st to 2nd, but will not shift higher than 2nd. They set this up so that maybe you can still get home or to a garage.

Engine and transmission temp seemed to not matter in my case. First startup in the morning was sometimes good, and sometimes would go immediately into limp mode following the thump/jerk. Other times it would start well, drive normally for a time, then do a thump/jerk as I slowed for a stop sign, and go into limp mode. It was very irritating.

It seems to be fixed now, so we'll keep driving it, test it some more.

[allenprimo913]

i dont think mine is doing the limp mode because after it does the jerk it runs fine and you can run it at 65- 80 mph with no problem. and sometimes i can feel a difference too on the way you accelerate the gas pedal, when i do it a lil faster or deeper taking off, i dont feel the jerk and if i go slower and wait till it revs up after the 2nd gear it does it.

mine does shift to 3rd gear and runs fine after that. i dont know maybe i will bring it to the shop and see if they can diagnose what is it.

a guy from edmunds.com suggested reflashing the TCM or Re-program the TCM.

any clue on this?

[4breezes]

Originally Posted by allenprimo913

i dont think mine is doing the limp mode because after it does the jerk it runs fine and you can run it at 65- 80 mph with no problem. and sometimes i can feel a difference too on the way you accelerate the gas pedal, when i do it a lil faster or deeper taking off, i dont feel the jerk and if i go slower and wait till it revs up after the 2nd gear it does it.

mine does shift to 3rd gear and runs fine after that. i dont know maybe i will bring it to the shop and see if they can diagnose what is it.

a guy from edmunds.com suggested reflashing the TCM or Re-program the TCM.

any clue on this?

If your transmission is consistantly making it into 3rd gear then you're not going into limp mode. There must be another problem. Flashing the TCM? I have no experience on this, but know that it can fix some problems common to this transmission.

Guess it's time to start reading. Read the following link.

Chrysler 4 Speed Auto Transmission

Read this several times, until you're comfortable with it and can fit it all together.