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Chrysler Minivan Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • cridezcridez Member Posts: 3
    One of them is po700 trans control sys malfunction. And Po732-incorrect 2nd gear ratio
    I thought about trying to get another trans computer at the local salvage yard, seems like it is stuck in limp mode. There was no sign on the trans going out, just went out on my wife, in the middle of driving. Would another trans computer need to be flased?
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    Code 700 is a code the ECM put up to tell you there are codes present in the TCM witch can only be pulled out buy a proper scan tool. as for 732 yes second gear ratio there are some test you can do but to long to list here for that.
    Best to get codes pulled directly from TCM to help out in diagnoisis.but sounds like it proply one of the speed sensor but need codes to tell you or just replace them but could be a pump problem or valve body well there lots of pauseable causes. as for tcm from another vehicle you can but a reset or beak in presedure must be done or it could have suttering probs during lock up and same goes if replacing torque convertor and speedometer signal must be recalibrated aswell.
  • cridezcridez Member Posts: 3
    i went down and got both input and output sensors, still nothing. I guess I will try to get a trans computer in the morning and try that. How do I check that pin issue. I have noticed a lot of people have had a problem where a pin comes out not sure where thats located. Can this be checked by droping the trans pan.
    Thanks for the input.
  • sonofadockersonofadocker Member Posts: 12
    The motor has 3.3 stamp on the top. The transmission is a four speed i believe as there is no overdrive selection on the dash display.
    The van has first and shifts into second. I can go as fast as i want - of course the RPM just climbs and I go faster in second gear. I have been afraid to red line because i do not want to make it worse - right now i can still drive to the Cottman Transmission store about a mile away.
    Right now there is no slipping. I just have reverse,first and second gear. The van was senior owned and garage kept so it looks new. At $3295.00 sold as is by Buhler Dodge Jeep this is disappointing. We do not have $1800.00 for a transmission (seems to be talk about repair price on the internet).
    Thanks for you help - will check later for your reply.
  • sonofadockersonofadocker Member Posts: 12
    I put a code reader into the terminal port.
    The code is PO-720-01.
    The manual book states it is the "Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction".
    My next question is that the "TCM" computer I have been reading about ? I see that they are around $199.00 refurbished with a warranty.
    Look forward to your help.
    sonofadocker
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    A/T Output Speed Sensor - Low Output Above 15 MPH check the wiring and conections at sensor be at according to diagram is on rad side of trans 2/3 way up near rear. if they test ok then replace sensor.On F24s and FJ22 model tranny's output speed sensor terminals on the tcm are 53 &54 on other model terminals are 13 &14. Test ohms between tthe 2 terminals the ohms can not be 300-1200 if they are tcm is faulty.If they are anything else unplug speed sensor and do ohms test from terminal 54(14) and terminal 2 of sensor plug and 53(13) and 1 these must be under 5 ohms if more then fix wiring if less then replace sensor
  • roro121roro121 Member Posts: 9
    O.K. bare with me as I am not real good with cars and have recently learned a lot over the last three or four weeks trying to figure out my issue.

    I still do not know if it something that can resolved without having to rebuild my tranny or having to purchase a new one.

    I had the codes read from the TCM at a transmission specialist shop "non franchise" and did not like his instant diagnosis thereafter stating hat I will need a new or rebuilt tranny.

    He codes he pulled from the TCM I remember code:53 and there was another one between 51-55 so the second code was either a ,51,52,54 or 55 I do not remember sorry.

    Can you please tell me if just based on those two codes there can would he really be able to say I need another transmission or rebuild this one at 1800.00$

    Thank you and forgive me for my incomplete posts but I really literally only know what I have learned around here when it comes to cars.

    Thanks in advance!
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    well codes 50,51,52,53,54 are clucth assemblies slipping and that means clutch assemblies need to be rebuilt. so saddly yes you are going to need major work on this tranny.
    codes 50,51 is same thing as other codes but adds a couple other things that might be wrong aswell witch are input/output sensors or tcm failure.but other 3 codes are clutch slipping.
    50 is reverse
    51 is 1st
    52 is 2nd
    53 is 3rd 54 is od
    Any of these codes put tranny in limp mode witch then you only have second gear
    So i would have to say tranny is in need if rebiulding or replacing.
    if you want to go a cheaper for now route you can get a used one from local wreckin yard and put it in they ussally come with some warrenty 3months or something like that.
    55 is end of codes
    Sorry there isn't any better news for you.good luck.
  • sonofadockersonofadocker Member Posts: 12
    The Aamco by house my took the van in for a free exam.
    They found that the Dealership (Buhler Dodge Hazlet NJ) had taken the low speed sensor module out of the transmission and removed the metal shavings from the sensor and put it back in the van. I guess they should have pressured washed the entire transmission than just cleaning of the sensor an its harness.
    This cleaning off the sensor would make the van shift gears until the fluid had moved around all the shavings which would stick to the magnet again and keep the van in 1st and 2nd.
    The van did fine on the test drive and I bought it - The two mile ride after the purchase was enough time to make the sensor act as it should - collect the shavings and stop the shifting of gears.

    $1926.00 for a rebuilt transmission. I was given a free torque convertor and two free sensors - savings of $227.00. The front seal on the transmission was also leaking.

    Buhler Dodge has yet to contact me about the problem.
    Thank you for your advice.
    The only new issue with the van is the low fuel warning is going off no matter how much fuel is in the fuel tank.
  • rjerseyrjersey Member Posts: 2
    My interior lights stay on unless in reverse or turned off by switch, ABS, Service Engine lights are on, I checked the codes and got P01698 it appears to be a transmission code as no message received from TCM tranny was replaced with in three years, also cluster has no signal coming in it has 12 volts and ground no 2.5 volt ref signal? were should I look for the culprit? The overhead console thermometer reads 115 F until I turn the lights on then reads correct. Rjersey :confuse:
    Any and all ideas welcome please e-mail me at rdjersey108@yahoo.com
  • gipper2gipper2 Member Posts: 2
    Thought I would post the problems I had and what I did to fix. The problem: Wife and I going down the road and first the check engine light came on. After a bit, the speedometer started jumping erratically and then just plain quit working altogether. Was not long and it would not shift out of low gear. We were going about 40mph and the rpm's were at 4500. Stopped at a Auto Zone and they hooked up a computer and said there were 6 error codes. Told me to take it to a mechanic.
    I searched the forums here and did not see my exact problem. I did not want to get the big mechanic bill if I could get out of it. So, I bout the input and output speed sensors at Auto Zone. One was $17.00 other was $18.00. Put them in and wala!! it worked. Speedometer and transmission are now working properly!
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    The most likly culpert here is the conecter plugs under the front seats.They sit directly under the seats in a little indent in floor. they tend to get wet alot and conectors rott away.
    Pull the seats out and pull up carpet check connectors.If rotton the cut them out and soder wires together may have to add a small piece to get them to connect together. That will fix interior lights and abs. Abs connector is under the driver seat.
    Not sure if it will fix everything but when things short it will cause all sorts of things depending on what wire is shorting.
  • shadow2299shadow2299 Member Posts: 3
    To start this off my van has 223 000 kms. I purchased this brand new and have been the only owner of the van. Since I purchased it I have put in 2 used and 2 rebuilt trannys. That's right a total of 4 trannys. It seems every 55 000 kms or so i am in need of a new one. This has been the only thing i have ever had to replace on the van other then the alternator belt once. It gets oil changes every 4 - 5 000 kms and i have the tranny flushed and new fluids put in every 20 000 kms. Every time my tranny has gone before i have lost everything, no gears no reverse.. nothing ... This last time however i only have reverse. I have not taken this to a mechanic yet because i wanted a little advice.. Since i purchesd this i have spent well over 7000.00 on trannys alone. the last one was a rebuilt one that costed me 3700.00 I am a total of 16 days over my warrenty on this transmission. I have called the place i got it rebuilt but because i am 16 days over warrenty they will not help. What i want to know is since i have no gears other then reverse is my tranny probably shot?? and even though everything on the van works great other then tranny should i cut my losses and scrap this hunk of junk??

    Thanks,,, and sorry for the long post..
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    Well sorry about your luck with the transmissions. But need more info about van.what motor and tranny do you have in it.
    I would also like to no more about your driving habbits due to beeing 4th tranny shot. Like do you tow anything with this and if so how much weight.? or is loaded heavy in back alot? Does your van have a trans cooler on it?
    And need codes off the tcm if equip with it.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    It gets oil changes every 4 - 5 000 kms and i have the tranny flushed and new fluids put in every 20 000 kms.

    If in fact you have been having your transmissions FLUSHED every 12,400 miles, then there's your problem. Flushing is horribly destructive to automatic transmissions in general, and especially so for these transmissions. You would have been far better off if you had simply gone with the 30,000 mile pan drop, filter change and a top off of ATF+3 (when the van was new) or ATF+4 (as now recommended by Chrysler), than all of the money you've tossed in the trash by having unnecessary and useless service done on your transmission.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • shadow2299shadow2299 Member Posts: 3
    3.0 3 speed auto. Have never towed anything with it, use it to go to work and back and to take kids to soccer .. hockey etc. Never alot of weight in the back . i am not mechanically inclined at all i have no idea if it has a trans cooler and dont know what tcm codes would be?? any and all work that has been done on it including oil changes are directly from chrysler dealership from where i purchased it.. I always get done what they reccommend, and they reccommened the tranny flush and new fluids every 20000.
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    welll that tranny doesn't have a tcm so no worries there. But that also doesn't give very good hope either as we know know it not sensor issues.So unless it's a shift cable or linkage then there is not much anyone can do but take it apart and try to fix or rebiuld or replace.
    if your are going to take it somewhere go to a trandmission shop they may be able to fix it where car dealer just going to replace.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    "any and all work that has been done on it including oil changes are directly from chrysler dealership from where i purchased it.. I always get done what they reccommend, and they reccommened the tranny flush and new fluids every 20000."

    A few points:

    1) Transmission flushes ARE NOT recommended by Chrysler.

    2) Chrysler recommends that a transmission "service" (i.e. a pan drop, filter swap and fluid top-off) be performed every 30,000 miles or 50,000 kilometers. They DO NOT recommend any services for the transmission every 20,000 kilometers.

    3) Your dealership is at fault here. Why? Because they are engaging in the predatory practice of fleecing their customers by recommending services that are profitable, unnessary, and in many ways harmful to the vehicles they "service".

    4) Were I in your shoes, I might investigate filing a lawsuit against your dealership for damage to your vehicle.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • shadow2299shadow2299 Member Posts: 3
    Just wanted to say thanks for the advice to take to a transmission shop rather then taking to chrysler like i normally would have... i had the van towed there which costed 50.00 about an hour after dropping it off they called me to come pick it up. from what I took from their giberish about what was wrong with it, it was some kind of chip?? all i know is it only costed me 67.00 and i have my van back and running good.. I'm glad i never took it to chrysler like before because chances are i would have spent a whole lot more unnecessary money. thanks again for the quick responses to questions and helpful advice from everyone.
  • reddog607reddog607 Member Posts: 6
    have them check to make sure the CV shafts are in all the way
  • aggiemom1aggiemom1 Member Posts: 1
    Input please! Am looking to buy either a 2001 Windstar LX with original 36,000 miles (deceased grandpa owned)....or a 2003 Town & Country also a one owner with all maintenance records with 72,000 miles. Am retired and on an extremely fixed income so don't need any large repair bills. Also am looking at a 2005 Grand Caravan with 65,000. I just lost my 98 Silverado as totalled which would have lasted me to my grave..never any problems...so I really need some feedback on the vans. Thanks.
    AggieMom1
  • piezomotpiezomot Member Posts: 1
    I own Dodge Caravan 1995. I have purchased it when it had 120000 km and now it has 400000 km on it. I never had any problems with transmission or engine. What I have found the problem with the transmission is that manufacturer recommends to use ATF3+ in this car but places like Canadian Tire do nit care about it, they put ATF3 not ATF3+ and this creates problems. My mechanic told me that ATF3+ viscosity is different and ATF3 would just effervesce and this would cause the problem. These shops just DO NOT CARE, you will come and spend your money on transmission with them...
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    There has never been any such a thing as ATF3 or ATF3+. The tranny fluid that your van was designed to run with is ATF+3, however, ATF+3 has long since been out of production (although there are some companies that sell fluid that is allegedly compatible). When Chrysler developed and released ATF+4, the made sure that the new fluid was completely backward compatible with ATF+3, and as such, that IS THE ONLY transmission fluid you should be using in your 1995.

    FWIW, ATF+4 has virtually identical friction properties when compared to ATF+3, however, where ATF+3 was only good for 30,000 miles, the new fluid is typically good for over 100,000 miles.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • jmeaselljmeasell Member Posts: 30
    Looking for some advice. My mother's 2005 Grand Caravan (approx. 55k miles) was recently in for service and the dealership said there was a "gear" problem and would require a new transmission -- about $3400. Given the history of these vehicles and their transmissions, I suggested maybe it's time for a new van. Chrysler is promoting "employee pricing" and other incentives...

    Thanks.
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    well there should be no cost for them to put new trans in as the warrenty is 7yrs or 70 k miles so get new tranny and continue to drive it.
    The replacement trans are ussally better then the orginal. But i would suggest to put a trans cooler on there if there isn't one helps keep it cooler and last longer.
  • jmeaselljmeasell Member Posts: 30
    She's not the original owner, bought the van in '06 with less than 10k miles from the same dealer. Would the warranty have transferred to a second owner? Thanks.
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    yes factory warenty transfers to any owners
  • maharmahar Member Posts: 1
    Hi I just bought 2002 dodge grand caravan se 3.8 engine auto trans every thing is working fine just transmittion kick few time before it pickup from stop and then it work fine no other issue I took it to transmittion shop they did not find any problem no codes. It have 194000k on it please help me to resolve this problem thanks for ur time
  • laglenn98laglenn98 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2003 GC - have had the same problem for years. My local mechanic (who I really trust) - told me it has to do with a known flaw in the water pump and something else...I have now forgotten. Anway - he assures me that it is nothing mechnically wrong that will affect the van - and if I had it replaced, it would and could keep making the noise. So - have lived with it for the past 4 years. It gets some looks though in parking lots!
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    You can try pulling out a few sensors on side of trans and clean the ends. they may have some goop or alluminuin shavings on them.
    Might be a good idea if you haven't done it before or in the 100k a trans oil and filter change.
  • allenprimo913allenprimo913 Member Posts: 3
    i think i posted on the wrong page.

    Anyway, i have a 1998 ply voyager that sounds funny everytime i drive it around. the transmission jerk a lil when it picking up speed like when it shifting but after that it runs fine until i have to slow down again then you can feel that jerk again,
    i am not sure if its a speed sensor or what? this is my first american car and my wife and kids love it and if possible i dont wanna get rid of it but if it cost me money along the way then i got no choice.

    another problem is, the button switches for a/c , defroster, wiper on the back below the stereo blinks continously , sometimes turns off. Reason i dont know if my ac is on or off, is my defroster ON or OFF because the lights are blinking?

    and the last one, i looked at the bottom part of the tranny, front side there is this
    hanging wire with white connector to it and i can not figure out where it supposed to be plugged in????

    any help or input is highly appreciated.

    thank you :confuse:
  • skyking6skyking6 Member Posts: 1
    the speed sensor is bad. cost about $35.00 it is in the front by the radiator on the side of the transmission. it has a electrical plug on it.5min. job.
  • allenprimo913allenprimo913 Member Posts: 3
    there is 2 speed sensor, one is the input turbine speed sensor, and the other is the output speed sensor

    which one should i replace? isnt it theres vehicle speed sensor too?

    i dont see the VSS anywwhere in the book. picture would be nice
    and thank you for your response :confuse:
  • jonathang88jonathang88 Member Posts: 1
    i have a 03 t &c 3.8l v6.. i need some one to help me.. the issue is that the trans shifts hard into second gear from a dead stop... it is usually felt when the car is accelerated between 1500 and 2000 rpm while shifting into second gear.i have been taking it to the dealership. it has been taken apart 2 times and they say the problem is fixed but i still have the same problem... i was thinking it could be the solenoid pack.. but there are no codes... please if anyone can help me... write me back at viper3688@hotmail.com
  • gipper2gipper2 Member Posts: 2
    I replaced both of them. They are fairly easy to get to. There were $17.00 and $18.00.
    Once you get the sensors, you will see what they look like. If I remember correctly, they take a 1" wrench to get out. You will need to remove the air filter box. Once you do that you can get to both sensors
  • tootall5tootall5 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Grand Caravan. The first time the tranny failed it had 73k miles. The second time, 88k miles warranty just ran out so I had to eat that one. So far, both driver and passenger windows have failed, about 400 each, and the power doors are hosed. They tell me it needs new sensors. Steer Clear of the Dodge/Chrysler produts. They are going out of business for a reason. If you buy it, you better get a warranty. I won't make it to 100k and can't trade it in because no one wants it. Go with the Ford or at least research it some more. :lemon:
  • tom166tom166 Member Posts: 31
    :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: 2007 transmission.....
  • dwsqrddwsqrd Member Posts: 1
    We have had a 2002 T&C (with about 90,000 miles now) for a little over a year and have had no problems until this past January. The van has started jerking when it downshifts around 30mph. Every once in awhile, it will jerk when shifting up from a low gear, but that is pretty rare. The fluid level is good and have been putting off taking it to a shop b/c we fear we'll be told we need something done that we really don't. Has anyone experienced this transmission problem? :confuse:
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Hmmm, our 2003 DGC (which we bought new) has been a model of reliability. So far, the total unscheduled repairs consist of a single ABS wheel sensor and a replacement clutch for the power door motor. Of course we only have 120,000 miles on it so far so it remains to be seen how well it will do once it gets fully broken in. :)

    FWIW, our 1998 (which we also bought new) had 170,000 miles on it when we traded it in last fall, and while it did need a transmission at the 109,000 mile mark, it too was a model of reliability. Beyond the aforementioned transmission, it also needed a driver's door switch for $8.00, a starter for $120.00, a window regulator for $90.00, a new muffler and tail-pipe for $150 (no surprise there), two batteries for about $100 (one was partially warrantied by Sears), a set of rear shocks for $80.00 (the originals were still working at 150,000 miles, but dust shields had rusted away), and a couple of sets of headlight bulbs for about $50.00. Said another way, I spent a little under $3,300 in unscheduled repairs over 170,000 miles. Not too shabby in my book.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Have you ever had the transmission serviced?

    I ask because even though the tranny fluid is supposed to be a "lifetime fill", you're getting to the point where you should have the pan dropped, the filter replaced, and the fluid topped off (about 4 quarts of ATF+4, and ONLY ATF+4). Whatever you do, DO NOT have the transmission "flushed", flushing has caused way more transmission failures than anything else this side of using the incorrect AFT (Dextron ATF and Mercon ATF will kill your transmission in short order) or towing a trailer up a mountain on a one-hundred degree day.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • cr119cr119 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan with 117,000 miles. It also has just started jerking just like you described. Does anyone have a solution?
  • zolttzoltt Member Posts: 3
    Recently the transmission on my 2003 T&C would slip from 1st to 2nd gear. The van has 118,000 miles and never gave me any problems before. I took it to the dealer two days ago. The said there no codes but the line pressures (all 4) were over the recommended 40psi due to the clutch plates wearing and the gap between the plates increasing. They charged me $80 to "recalibrate the computer" which was supposed to bring all the pressures down and provide a "temporary" fix (3-12 months). Two days later the problem is worse and today it slipped from 2nd to 3rd. I think I will change the speed sensors this weekend. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Thanks.
  • vchengvcheng Member Posts: 1,284
    What the the Clutch Volume Indices (CVI)? If they are out of range then the transmissions needs a rebuild and speed sensors are unlikely to help.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I agree with vcheng, if the values are out of range, you're going to need a rebuild sooner than later.

    Question: Do you do lots of urban cycle driving and/or towing? I ask because the values for our 2003 with over 120,000 miles on it are well within spec. That said, we've probably done at least 50% highway driving over the course of the nearly six years we've had the van.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • hugefirehugefire Member Posts: 3
    If you search this forum for the problem, you will see that it's not uncommon, and usually occurs after a transmission fluid change. For some reason, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) senses a loss of prime in the transmission and the problem shows up. I have an 03 T&C and it was doing the same thing, although it had been 6 months since I had the trans serviced. Took it to local AAMCO and they cleared a "battery disconnect" code and then reset the TCM and the problem was solved. I would take yours somewhere to have the TCM reset before trying anything else.
  • zolttzoltt Member Posts: 3
    Shipo,

    We have never towed anything and it is all highway miles. My wife's commute is about 30 miles each way on the PA Turnpike and we have driven back and forth from Philadelphia to Southern FL at least 6 times. When I took it to the dealer, one of the pressures was close to 186 psi and the other ranged from 60-120psi. After the dealer "recalibrated the unit" they said the pressures were all at 39 psi, but within a day the problem was worse than ever. I dropped the van off at a Cottman transmission shop on Friday. They said no codes were showing up so they are going to drop the pan tomorrow (Monday) and call with the damage report.

    Thanks for you help,
    Bryan
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Hmmm, sound like a similar operating environment to our 2003. Could it be that your van had either Dextron or Mercon ATF added to it at one point in time? I ask because both of those ATFs are well known to increase clutch wear on these transmissions to such an extent that they can cause a transmission to wear out in a matter of months (in extreme cases).

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • zolttzoltt Member Posts: 3
    I never added had to add fluid to the transmission, it has never leaked and I don't think they topped it off whenever we've had it in for service. I just got the call from Cottman Transmission, it needs a complete rebuild and a torque converter, total damage $2380. Do you think that is out of line? From what I've researched it may be in the ballpark.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Depending upon the warranty, yes, it's very much in the ballpark. FWIW, for that kind of money I'm thinking that the warranty should be at least three years or 36,000 miles.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • enufkids4nowenufkids4now Member Posts: 3
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