Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Chrysler Minivan Transmission Problems

1333436383941

Comments

  • ferrill1ferrill1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan with the 3.8 engine and 4spd od trans. There is a clicking noise seams to only do it when van is in park. Could this be a problem with the parking pawl? All the forums I have read about the Parking Pawl talk about the van rolling in park when parked on a hill or not being able to shift in to Rev or Natural I have neither of these problems just a clicking noise seams to be coming from the left side
  • goodbarsgoodbars Member Posts: 1
    Whenever I put the shifter into any forward gears, the instrument panel and everything that is electrical goes black and the engine idles very rough. When in P, N or R it acts perfectly fine. What is wrong with my transmission, a sensor or a short in the wiring?
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Does the "clicking" noise happen constantly when in Park, or does it only seem to happen when shifting into or out of Park?

    If it is constant, you might have a cracked flex plate (a stamped piece of metal that connects the output shaft of the transmission to the torque converter), however, if it only happens immediately after changing gears, the noise is the solenoid and is completely normal.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    The good news is that your transmission is most likely operating properly.

    The (relatively inexpensive to fix) bad news is that there are most likely a number of solder connections in your instrument cluster that need resoldering.

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • aprovostaprovost Member Posts: 1
    I have an 05 T & C, when I drive on the freeway the trans starts making noise, if i drive on surface streets there isn't any noise. The fuild is clean, red and does not appear to be burnt. Any ideas?
  • isinikaisinika Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1998 dodge grand caravan at 170k miles, i bought it last year at 158k.

    About two months ago it started the trans started to slip in the morning (if i drive it around the block for 10 minutes) then it functions properly. through internet search i was able to detect that it may be it was low on transmission fluid. Adding the fluid ( about 3 quarts) the problem disappeared for about a month. Last week the problem started again and it seems it gets worse as the days gets colder.

    The check engine light has come on, i got the following codes from the ODB-II equipment;

    a) P0732 -- Gear 2 incorrect ratio
    b) p1782 -- Pressure switch
    c)P0700 -- Transmission Control System (MIL request)

    I need help to know what implication these codes have on my tranny, is it worth it to repair or should i just cut my losses?

    Note; Last time i didn`t flush the transmission fluid (just added some more), should i do this now?
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    Is it low on fluid again? If not, there may be bad seals internally on the transmission, which is causing the pressure to seep out and preventing normal operation. this would require a rebuild. If the fluid is burnt (brown in color), it needs to be replaced and is not likely providing the protection or the hydraulic characteristics the unit needs.

    If you have to rebuild the transmission, you might consider cutting your losses given the mileage on the vehicle, but it all depends on whether you can get into something else that is reliable for an amount in your budget. There is nothing worse than abandoning one old vehicle only to get into another one and have serious maintenance/repair issues to address right away. :sick:

    If the engine and other drivetrain components are in good shape, my concern at this point would be the reliability of the electrical system. I have a '98 DGC with 213,000 miles on it that is dead due to electrical gremlins. The rest of the van is in excellent condition. I really wanted to use it a couple more years, but my wife said she had enough and we bought a new car. The van is still in the driveway.... :cry:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • bart19136bart19136 Member Posts: 5
    You can order a used trans thru the net, might be cheaper but, if the engine is not in good condition or electrical. No one I know has xray vision. I got ride of my 1995 only AFTER TRANS started to slip and died on me. I put everything in it, I spent 2k from both drive shafts to new braking system. I got $100 bucks trade in when I pushed it into the dealership. Left me on foot, I thought I could get another 2 years with all the repairs. MY WIFE was at the dealerhsip waiting for me and 1st thing, I TOLD YOU SO!!!....... The more miles you have on it the chances a major failure will happen.

    Good luck.
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    I'm not sure I would put $2K+ into a 12 year old Grand Caravan with that kind of miles on it. Maybe if you had been the original owner and was thoroughly familiar with the van's history, but that doesn't appear to be the case here.

    You might want to do a complete transmission drain and refill and clean the filter/screen and see what that does for you. Do not do a flush. And make sure you fill with the right type of transmission fluid.
  • conniezconniez Member Posts: 2
  • conniezconniez Member Posts: 2
    I bought this van 4 years ago at a dealer, It had about 30,000 miles on it. They replaced the transmission when we bought it. At 70,000 the transmission just died while we were on the highay heading to Fla. for vacation. It was still under warranty
    and an out of state dealer replaced the transmission, It has about 5,000 miles on it and I went to go out yesterday and the transmission is gone again, of course my original warranty ran out 3 weeks ago. We did have our local dealer check it out when we returned from our trip, they said it was fine. Does anyone know if the dealership or Chrysler should be responsible? I mean it only has 5,000 miles on it, and they charged $3,500 to put it in.
  • jpfjpf Member Posts: 496
    On something that major doesn't the dealer/manufacturer warranty it for at least 12 months or 12,000 miles? It seems odd that the replacement transmission (assuming it's OEM) is not under warranty. Good luck.
  • pmesfunpmesfun Member Posts: 1
    chrysler autos are the worst cars in America, i have 96 voyager with 135k, the only reason why i still have it bc it uses a Mitsubishi motor
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    That's interesting, given that the Mitsu motor was the least reliable of the bunch during that era. My '98 DGC, with its 3.8L V6, has 213,000 miles on it. The engine still purrs like new. ;)
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Too funny, the Mitsubishi engines used by Chrysler were by far the crappiest engines ever put in a Chrysler minivan. You're actually proud of yours? I don't get it. :confuse:

    From a different prespective, there are many-many documented cases of 3.3 and 3.8 liter engines that have three, four, and even five-hundred thousand trouble free miles on them with no more than regular maintenance and a few changes of valve cover gaskets.

    Long story short, you couldn't pay me to have a Chrysler minivan with the Mitsusquishy 3.0. :P
  • bootman68bootman68 Member Posts: 1
    DOWNSHIFTS HARD FROM OVERDRIVE TO 3 ONLY AND HAS A LEAK. HAVE REPLACED PAN GASKET TWICE IN PAST 9 MONTHS. THOUGHT IT WAS LEAKING AGAIN BUT ISNT FROM PAN. ANY INPUT. VAN HAS 130000 MILES NEVER TOWED ANYTHING DRIVEN GENTLY
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    Wasn't the 3.3 a Mitsubishi also? We had that engine in our '94 Caravan, and it provided us 174,000 trouble free miles. Replaced pugs one time (I think), and maybe the O2 sensor. Outside of that, never had to touch the engine.
  • leadfoot69leadfoot69 Member Posts: 31
    no the 3.3 is a chrysler engine only the 3.0 for the v6 vans was mitsubishi.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    As leadfoot69 correctly stated, the 3.3 liter engine is a virtual twin of the 3.8 liter mill with the only significant difference between these two Chrysler engines being the bore and stroke. Long story short, the 3.3 and 3.8 liter engines are very robust and long lived with just regular maintenance, and that is in direct contrast to the Mitsubishi engine that is known to have significant valve and valve guide problems as well as leaking oil like a sieve. ;)

    Best regards,
    Shipo
  • mauikeith73mauikeith73 Member Posts: 1
    My 2002 Chrysler t&c has a code p0740 which is the Torque Converter Control Circuit Malfunction and another code p0700 which is the Trans Control System Malfunction. I've read that the problem is electrical or the actual Torque Converter is ACTIALLY coming apart! It feel and sounds like the later unfortunately.
    Has anyone ever experienced this or have any useful advice? I'm on Maui and the service shops either are worthless or a rip off or both!
    Please email response to mauikeith73@gmail. Com or here, either way.
    Mahalo, Keith
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    Shipo, leadfoot69 - thanks for the clarification, guys.
  • rgs_bldrs1rgs_bldrs1 Member Posts: 1
    can any one tell me what would be wrong with transmission or what i need to do to fix this. The transmission makes this winding noise when i give is gas. it does it when driving or sitting still. It seem to be shifting just fine. Please help thankyou
  • triestinotriestino Member Posts: 5
    Hi,
    I'm new to this great forum and hope someone can help me.
    I have a 1996 Chrysler T&C LXi with 154k miles. The van has always been properly maintained at our local dealer since new. The engine runs great and we have never really had any of the more serious ($$$) problems that often plague this van.
    As of the last few days, the van starting making a whinning (high pitch) sound that seems to get louder as the RPMs increase. Almost sounds like a siren :(

    The transmission has never been changed nor any associated electronic control modules. The only work that was ever done to the tranny was the cleaning of the valve body and replacement filter approximately 40k miles ago. The tranny has been working fine and continues to work without issues except that it is starting to make this horrible whinning sound that can be heard from 25 feet away! I believe it is the tranny since I checked the engine and the sound is coming from the lower right side of the engine (driver's side). I've heard of differential pins breaking and some other things that can go wrong that can really get expensive to fix.

    Any idea what it might be? Has anyone experienced the same sympton?

    Before I pull the entire tranny down and spent big $$$, I am hoping one of the talented Chrysler guys on this forum points me to some possible causes of this whinning noise.

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

    Thank you in advance for your replies.
    Johnny
  • triestinotriestino Member Posts: 5
    I have a 1996 Chrysler T&C LXi and it is doing the exact same thing. At first it was barely noticeable...now...the winding noise is getting louder. I hope someone can provide some insight.
  • rukiddinrukiddin Member Posts: 1
    We have recently had the exact same problem with our 2006 TC - while driving from OH to MI at highway speeds - and after driving over 2 hrs. Our van has 40,000 miles on it.
    We thought it was a transmission problem, but after stopping and calling our former mechanic in MI, he informed us that it was referred to as "harmonics" in the power steering hose. He said that the noise would stop if we shut it off and waited about 5 min. Sure enough, it did. He also asked if the noise was only inside the car - by the driver's feet, and it was... because that's where the hose is - on the other side of the firewall.
    He went on to say that the the noise is caused by the fluid in the hose, and that lengthing the hose will cause it to stop whining. He said that there is a kit for this "hose-lengthening" and he installed it on our van the following day. We had no problems on our way back to OH.
  • triestinotriestino Member Posts: 5
    I'm glad to hear that your problem was resolved by lengthening the hose. I wish that my problem were the same; however, it is quite different. The sound my van is making is more like metal rubbing against something that is spinning. The faster the RPMS...the faster the winding sound. We have stopped using the van until we get a better understanding of what it might be.
    Thanks for the feedback though.
  • triestinotriestino Member Posts: 5
    Well, I thought I'd share some news that I just received from a friend who has been a mechanic for 20+ years...and just happens to be working at the local Chrylser dealership for the last four years.

    The whinning or winding sound that is coming from my transmission is the tranny pump that is going bad. Is this serious, 'yes'. It needs to be replaced very soon or tranny damage will occur that will result in spending more $$$.

    My mechanic friend mentioned the following:
    One way to quickly test whether the problem is with the differential or with the tranny pump is to put the car in 'Park' and slowly increasing the RPMs to 3000. If the whinning sound gets louder and more pronounced as you increase the RPMs...the problem most likely is the tranny pump.

    If the whinning sound isn't heard until you start driving and gets louder and more pronounced as you speed up...that is more indicative of a differntial problem.

    In either case though...the transmission needs to be remove from the van and checked.

    I'm getting some cost estimates tomorrow and will share with all.

    Take Care :D
  • izoom22001izoom22001 Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I have a 99 caravan standard 4 cyl with 102k miles that will every now and then shudder, normally going up an incline at low rpm with little gas. Did this but alot worse at 80k, had transmition checked and serviced as well as the torque convertor checked, full tune up, and it ran great until a couple of months back.
    Replaced the plugs and new set of tires but still shudders every now and then.
    I need to drive the vehicle on a 3600 mile trip, any thoughts?
  • triestinotriestino Member Posts: 5
    Quick Update....

    Always start with the least intrusive (read costly) method. It turns out that the winding sound on my '96 Chrysler T&C LXi was due to the tranny pump not being able to pump enough fluid since the tarnsmission filter was too dirty and not enough fluid could pass through it especially at higher RPMs...when the winding sound was loudest. It turns out that although I had the transmission filter and fluid changed about 50k miles ago...the shop never flushed the transmission cooler (which is part of the radiator assembly) and the sediment (i.e. clutch material etc) found its way to the filter (as it should). Between the old sediment and the additional clutch material wear particles that are expected...the filter became clogged enough to cause the fluid starvation which in turn caused the winding sound.

    I have since changed the fluid (ATF+4) and the filter and it works like a charm and is super quiet now :) I did this myself by buying the fluid at Walmart ($3.67 qt) and the transmission filter kit at the local Kragens ($9.99). In total, I spent about $35 and the van shifts like it was new...without the annoying sound.

    Amazing since I was ready to bring it to a transmission shop that was going to charge me $2300 - $2600 to rebuild the tranny. They had me convinced and told me I was lucky to have gotten 154k miles without doing a tranny rebuild.

    I hope this helps someone that has run into this winding/whinning sound that occurs when parked or moving and gets louder in proportion to the RPMs.

    Take Care ;)
  • lucyboo777lucyboo777 Member Posts: 2
    this sounds like what my 92 voyager was doing... i had a broken motor mount
  • lucyboo777lucyboo777 Member Posts: 2
    i have a 92 voyager that has started dying when i put it into gear.. does anyone have any idea what might be causing this?
  • chessorchessor Member Posts: 7
    After 6 months, I found the problem with my 1996 dodge mini van. It was a cracked
    rotor in the distributor. on the bottom where the screw fits. looking at top of rotor
    it looked ok. How it had a smooth idle and would start quickly. I suppose as the crack
    got worse when it got to operating temp it would die and start back up. Thanks to all
    who posted and helped me trace down my problem. van now performs great.
    have 186,000 miles on this one have over 250,000 on my other van got to replace radiator.
  • ckkitchenckkitchen Member Posts: 1
    Did you ever find out what the growling noise is? i am experiencing the same thing right now.. Just started making this reasonably loud noise from the transmission when the car is parked in the transmission is placed into drive....
  • wataugalakewataugalake Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the info. Just took my 1994 T&C to the local dealer this morning because it went into the "limp-in mode" comming home from work last night. Would not shift out of 2nd gear and I have a 60 mile commute. Discovered that when I shut the car :sick: off and "reset" the computer that it would shift to higher gears until I had to slow down or stop. Then back in limp-in mode. Finally, I discovered that if I would place it in neutral when expecting to slow down or coming to a stop light, it would continue to operate and shift into the higer gears. I have 225,000 miles on it so, it may mean a more expensive rebuild. Waiting on the read out of the transmission codes to see what they say. Would love to have it be a simple filter or sensor change out but not expecting too much. It does have a hard jerk when shifting and this morning after I got it to the shop it did not go into reverse.....
  • kaikraftkaikraft Member Posts: 1
    I had an identical problem on my 2002 dodge caravan 3.3. After diagnostics it turned out to be the TCM. I purchased a recon unit with warranty from e-bay. The TCM is already set ready to install and does not need dealer set up. I installed it and the problem was solved. 24 thousand miles later it is still fine.
  • gphilgphil Member Posts: 1
    A little over 90,000 and transmission slammed into limp mode with no warning of problems. Check engine light came on. Luckily my independent mechanic went over it thoroughly and found a wire corroded right through. He fixed the wire and all is well.
  • billgrissombillgrissom Member Posts: 15
    I also experience a bad shake between 45 and 55 mph under strong throttle like entering the freeway. It seems to come from the left side and seems at the tire frequency. At other speeds it accelerates fine. This is a '96 Voyager w/ 2.4L and 3-spd hydraulic transmission. It started right after I replaced the original transmission w/ a used one at ~120K miles. Initially I thought I must have damaged the CV joint when I pulled the driveshaft. However, no difference after I replaced the left driveshaft and bearing. I now suspect from the transmission differential, probably the output bearing/race that supports the driveshaft. Since I have the old transmission I may be able to swap those parts with it in the vehicle. If so, I'll report the result.

    BTW, I think Chrysler is unfairly bashed on transmissions. Mine failed because the seal on the reverse piston tore (forensic tear-down). That was probably due to adding stop leak (never use again) for a front seal leak that was my fault (long story). It seems most of today's >4500 lb minivans w/ V6 engines have transmission problems. We considered a used Honda Odyssey a friend offered to sell, but I found those trannys fail like clockwork at 30K miles. He was on his 3rd tranny at 90K and my sister's Odyssey on the 2nd at 70K.

    If you want a transmission that lasts buy a 4-cyl van, but I don't think anyone makes them anymore, due to public demand. I can't rant since we recently bought a 02 T&C AWD w/ 3.8L to satisfy my wife. I will change the ATF4 fluid and filter every 60K, but still expect the tranny will need rebuilding every 100K. There is just too much load from a monster van. However, mileage is amazing, comparable to our 3500 lb 2.4L van on the highway.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    I also think the transmission problems may, in part, be due to situational stress. My van has nearly 215,000 miles on it with no transmission (or engine) problems - it is the electrical system that currently has it hobbled!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • mc400dcmc400dc Member Posts: 4
    sounds like a vacum problem. when u hit the brakes your vacum brake booster robs the eng of vacum. so then the motor will try to recover by reving up. the trans has notthing to do with the way the motor runs.
  • mc400dcmc400dc Member Posts: 4
    there is a transmission fix kit for $25.00 Canadian however it is not a told fix it will just prevent the spider gear pin from walking its way threw the case of your transmission. there is a little pin thats called a split-pin that holds the spider gear pin in. thats the pin that brakes and lets the spider gear pin to wreck the case. when your transmission actually is fine. after buying the fix get your tranny service regularly because the tranny and the rear end or axle casing use the same oil you will find small bits of metal filing in the pan that will tell you to check your pin to see if it is broke then it will only cost you for changing that pin instead of a tranny.
  • mc400dcmc400dc Member Posts: 4
    any ? just ask
  • cutdowncutdown Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2009 TC which I brought in to the shop because when shifting from park to reverse it make a noise, noise has gotten progressivly louder in the last couple monmths. Shop said it was a normal sound. but if so why getting louder. any ideas to say when I bring back in? Also when coasting at 10 mph in traffic it will shift down and lurch enough to set my seat belt. Again they couldn't find any thing
  • srs_49srs_49 Member Posts: 1,394
    What kind of noise? I loud thump, a growling/gnashing noise?

    FWIW, our '07 DGC makes little noise when shifting into reverse. There's something that comes from the linkage, a change in the engine rpms, and a soft clunk as the drive train torques up.
  • mc400dcmc400dc Member Posts: 4
    the noise is it like a haunted door closing slowly.
  • cutdowncutdown Member Posts: 2
    Its a clunk but sounds like its from the gear shift
  • davidwtdavidwt Member Posts: 3
    Hi! I tried to find this problem already posted, but did not seem to have luck with our issue.

    We have a 2002 T/C with 3 speed transmission. It currently has 230K miles. I have replaced fluid and filter. On occasion, now about 20% of the time, when you are driving on highways above 50 MPH when going up slight grades or hills the tranny will downshift into 3rd (with engine reaching 3000 RPM) and then if you press a little more on the gas or the grade gets steeper it will downshift again with engine jumping to 4500 RPM. When this occurs and we back off of the gas, it will get back to normal gear and about 2000 RPM but will continue erratic shifting while finishing the grade or hill. When this situation occurs, it is continues during the course of the trip while maintaining the highway speed. If you stop the vehicle and restart either with the engine running or by stopping the engine with the car in park, the transmission seems to return to normal operation.

    Any advice would be appreciated.

    Thanks!

    davidwt in PA
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Sounds completely normal to me. FWIW, the first downshift you are referring to isn't actually a downshift, what you are experiencing is the torque converter coming out of lock-up mode. That said, the second downshift you mentioned is when the transmission physically changes from 4th gear to 3rd gear.
  • davidwtdavidwt Member Posts: 3
    I was out again yesterday and it worked normal. The only variations in motor speed with the gears going up a grade ranged from 1700 RPM on level road to 2700 RPMs. Going up a grade or hill it downshifted fine and then increased speed and then smoothly went into the next faster gear.

    When the vehicle acts up and hits 3000 and 4500 RPM, it will not continue to speed up or get to a point where it will mechanically shift to the next faster gear. When it down shifts to the low gear with the 4500 RPM it will not speed up at all and this is even on a slight grade. The only way to get it out of the revving mode and low gear is to let your foot off of the gas pedal.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,762
    I am not sure if these newer vehicles still use the vacuum system to sense the need to shift, but if that is the case, you may have a vacuum leak, clog, or restriction somewhere that is causing the abnormal behavior.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Nope, the Chrysler 41TE has never used vacuum as a means of sensing the shift requirements. Per the discussion on the allpar.com web site:

    The TCM [of the 41TE] considers operating conditions such as ambient and transmission temperature, engine loading changes caused by climbing grades, loss of engine power at high altitude due to lower air density, and engagement of automatic speed control in determining when shifts should occur. On up-grades, "anti-cycling" logic assures that down shifts do not occur cyclically. After a down shift to Third occurs, the TCM determines the torque required to maintain the existing speed and/or acceleration level and only allows an up shift if the same torque level is available in Fourth gear. When speed control is engaged, down shifts on up-grades occur somewhat earlier than with driver control of the throttle to assure that speed is maintained.

    http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/41TE.html

    Best regards,
    Shipo
Sign In or Register to comment.