OT- Dodge Caravan Auto Trans Problem

KCTractors · Feb 10, 2011

I know that this off topic , but it is my Tractor Parts getter. A 97' Caravan with a 4 cyl and 3 speed auto transmission. It just started doing this the other day, it will not shift up to the third speed or high gear. If I shift down to 1st and shift up like a standard trans, it will go into third. The filter and oil was changed in it this fall. Any ideas! Thanks in advance!

tlak · Feb 10, 2011

If it's a Chrysler, it needs a rebuild.

bo · Feb 10, 2011

see if it has input and output sensors screwed into the tranny. I had a 99 and I replaced both over a period of time. One, the speedo quit along with trans...cripple mode home. They're about 20 bucks and screw into the tranny somewhere....if it doesn't have sensors...dunno then.

GordoSD · Feb 10, 2011

It's tradin time.

Bob · Feb 10, 2011

Apparently, one of t' crossbeam's gone out of skew on t' treadle.

Goose · Feb 10, 2011

I'm not that familiar with Chrysler transmissions, but on the GM units with a vacuum modulator, if the modulator valve failed, or the vacuum line to it leaked, they would act the same way.

They'd shift manually with the lever, but not by themselves. If you pulled the lever into "low", the trans would shift up as you moved the lever up. It might be a possibility.

Bryan inIowa · Feb 10, 2011

why does it need rebuilt ? Any check engine lights on ? input and output speed sensors very common failure . I believe this electronic control . Lot of things can put it into limp mode . BEFORE condeming it needs rebuilt .

Mike in Mn. · Feb 10, 2011

When the fluid was changed was chrysler approved fluid put back in it? If Dex II was used it messes them up. I would try a bottle of friction modifier and see what it does. I think these trans are computer shifted with solenoids, might be one went bad or a speed sensor went bad. Time to hook up a scan tool and check pressures. Try a bottle of FM first. Justice Brothers makes a good product.

david from mo · Feb 10, 2011

not much to this trans , check for battery acid leaking on kickdown /range selector will pull shifter back to second gear when you push on gas pedal. If your gov is bad you wont have 2/3 upshift. no computer or input /output speed sensors in this trans. david

ted regentin · Feb 10, 2011

If you have the three speed trans and not the four speed, then you have just a mechanical trans with no shift solenoids or electronics other than the lock up solenoid. The three speed trans uses a governor and valve body to do the shifting. The first thing to do is check and see if the detent cable from the throttle body to the trans is free and moving properly when you move the accelerator. Next, check the trans fluid and see if it is burnt. If the fluid is OK, then you may have either a sticking valve in the valve body, or a governor that is going bad. Over the years, I have replaced a few governors and cleaned up valves in the valve body. It is not unusual for three speed trans to last 200,000 miles if it is cared for. Servicing it regularly really helps it to last.
Hope this helps,

4 bottem · Feb 11, 2011

Dodge Caravans great engines bad transmissions new one every 100,000 miles

oj · Feb 11, 2011

don't think they were expecting the Spanish Inquision...

bradk · Feb 11, 2011

The 3-speed tranny is not the typical 4-speed(904) Chrysler tranny that uses input and output turbine sensors or a solenoid pack for shifting.

The 3-speed like yours had some valve body problems.More than likely this van has a gazillion miles on it,so I'd consider getting a reman which is surprisingly cheap.Make sure you flush the cooler lines before installing replacement.

Kippster · Feb 11, 2011

I tore apart the trans in my old dodge caravan to find out why the thing wouldn't shift right and leaked about a teaspoon of fluid over a few days. Come to find that a roll pin had worked its way out and wore a hole in the case somewhere. Tig welded the hole shut and put in a new roll pin. Solved both problems and its still running and shifting fine with over 300k on it

tlak · Feb 11, 2011

Can sort vehicles out by Craigs lists. Search any Chry minivan and the biggest percent say needs rebuild or just rebuilt. Mine was a general comment on the poor Chry xmissions. Hope he has a cheap fix.

Leroy · Feb 11, 2011

The 4 speed was never put in the 4 cylinder van and also not put in the 6 cylinder 3.0 engine van as they were considered not powerfull enough for the 4 speed that is an overdrive tranny. I have has a 85 with the 2.6-4, an 88 with the 3.0-6, a 94 with the 2.5-4 and curently have a 98 with the 3.0-6 and none of them had the 4 speed. I have had a 81, 83 & 87 Realiant, a 84 Chrysler E class, the 4 vans and also have a 2000 Dakota with the 8 cylinder engine.

INCase · Feb 11, 2011

had a bit of trouble with the kick-down/shift linkages with my 3speed in a 91 acclaim. Rusted up a bit.

How many miles are on it?? you didn't mention. As others have said. That tranny if cared for can go 2-300000.

4 speeds can too but need more TLC and maintenance and baby a bit. Right fluid is critical

Geo-TH,In · Feb 11, 2011

My daughter had a 90 dodge spirit and I had a 91 grand caravan. Neither tranny made it past 90K. The 90 Spirit also had engine issues, exhaust valve guides would fall out of the head. I no longer own Chrysler products for that reason plus their poor gas mileage.

ted regentin · Feb 11, 2011

Sorry, but Chrysler did indeed put the four speed auto behind the 2.4 engine in the Caravan. My minister has one. I am pretty sure that the 3.0 also came either way. By the way, I spent a lot of years in a Chrysler dealership.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 11, 2011

(quoted from post at 17:53:50 02/11/11) Sorry, but Chrysler did indeed put the four speed auto behind the 2.4 engine in the Caravan. My minister has one. I am pretty sure that the 3.0 also came either way. By the way, I spent a lot of years in a Chrysler dealership.

You are right. I've had several 3.0's with the od trans.

The sticky/rusty kickdown pivot has been the death of many of these transmissions. A little dab of used engine oil with an old paint brush on the pivot at every oil change will keep it working freely.

Good luck with getting that done at most service centers.

OT- Dodge Caravan Auto Trans Problem

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