Transmission troubles, any good mechanics here?

I have a 2001 Grand Caravan with a 6 cylinder that's not shifting. Around here transmission shops are notorious for false repairs. Any idea what I'mlooking at? It started by not shifting into third a couple times I guess (wife's car) then just won't come out of first.<br>Anyone have a clue?<br>Sticker Ninja

You should have a check engine light on for that kind of problem. There are solenoid packs and transducers in the valve body that might need replacing that isof course the clutches on the overdrive or other gear havent fried and now your in limp mode. Generally most tranny shops automatically say rebuild,but thereare a few that will actually have a small charge of like 89.00 or so for a transmission analysis which will involve test driving with a device to monitortransmission pressure values and also do a thorough chekc of codes in the pcm along with a few diagnostic tests to determine if its a total failure or arepairable non rebuilding option.<br>

Yep, checking the codes is a good way to start...if there are any slammed1 or I can look them up for you.<br><br>Beyond that I'm not much help (except for saying be sure the trans filter is on all the way, I threw a code and it wouldnt shift right after my transservice and found out the push in filter wasnt seater properly).

Go to more than 1 place if your told you need a new tranny. maribell

Does it slip when it does shift?A solonoid should but not always stores a code.Chrysler has had a huge amount of trans problems with all their mini vans.Don`tbe surprised if it`s a internal problem requiring replacement or an overhaul.Around here they usually run 8-1300.00 depending on if any hard parts are needed.<br> Greg

<p>hello, I do sell American cars parts over here in Dubai for a living!, i think it can be as simple as changing the transmission filter and oil!!. sometimeif it is dirty it will effect the presure at the tourqe converter . I do not think the valve body needs to be replaced. if the solenoid or clutches are fried,then you can rebiuld it with a repare kit that you can get get from TRANSPARTS, BRYCO to name a few. I do agree that you shoud visit other shops.<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/happy.gif" alt="image">.</p><p> </p><p>Raed</p>

I sell 3 or 4 used Chrysler Mini van Transmissions a month...<br>Buy something else!!<img height="20" src="http://www.ezboard.com/image/posticons/pi_careless.gif" width="20" alt="image"><p><br></p>

I was a Chrysler dealer tech for almost 20 years, stopped in 2004. The early electronically controlled trans was constantly failing, they had alot of internalproblems. The later units were better and with the use of ATF4 the trans was lasting much longer. One thing to check is the input and output speed sensors, ifyou lose the signals from these sensors the trans will go into limp in mode, 2nd &amp; reverse only. You need someone knowledgeable to diagnose this problem,it may be as simple as these external sensors. One way to know if the output sensor isn't working is to see if the speedo is working, it gets its info fromthe output sensor. We had alot of problems with these sensors at the time so have them checked.<br>Hope this helps. <img alt="image" src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/smile.gif"> George

<img height="46" src="http://forums.gottadeal.com/images/smilies/new/gdyeahthat.gif" width="41" alt="image"><p><br></p>I was going to suggest the same thing. My Intrepid did the same thing.I had not speedo and only one gear. I checked the codes and it said it hadlost communication. Unplugged the sensor and plugged it back in and all started working again

Well, I brought it to a guy who works at a dealer and he checked the codes. It said, I think it was "ITM" Forgive me for paraphrasing, but he said hethinks that basically the computer that runs the trans took a dump. He's gonna call me with a price tomorrow. The speedo works fine, and there's noidiot light lit on the dash. Seems like an honest guy, got his name from a coworker. I'd be willing to unplug and replug a sensor to try it. Where do Ifind this sensor?<br>This place rocks, thanks for the info guys.<br>Sticker Ninja

The important thing is to diagnose the problem. If your mechanic has a readout box he should be able to see if the sensors are working. The sensors arelocated on the front of the trans, drivers side. Over the years I rebuilt hundreds of these transmissions, the newer ones were better but it could still bean internal problem. <br><br><br><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/goldvrx/inputsensor.gif" alt="image"><p><br></p>Input speed sensor ^<br><br><br><br><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/goldvrx/outputsensor.gif" alt="image"><p>Output speed sensor ^<br><br><br><img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/smile.gif" alt="image"> George</p>