Long story short, I got a 1999 Dodge Caravan with the 3.3 motor, 4 speed overdrive automatic. Only 88,000 miles.

I got a deal because the transmission is giving them problems.

Put the tranny in Drive, and it goes 1st and 2nd gear, but no shift into third or overdrive. The short drive home seemed to start in 2nd and stay there, but another test around the neighborhood confirmed that it is shifting.

The original owner says:

1) the transmission was replaced under warranty once already a few years ago.
2) The recent OBD readout (which he does not have currently) says no third or fourth gear.

This is all he knows.

Anyway, I was thinking of changing transmission fluid and filter, and replacing the 2 speed sensors on the transmission just to see what happens.

For those of you with experience here, what do you think?

If I have to replace the entire transmission, I am still getting this van for way less than Blue book, so it’s a win to me.

Your thoughts?

Eightlitermopar

I would look at the electric part, ie wiring.
possable tranny pc??

check the input /output sensors, look for debre(junk)(trash) on them,

Thanks for the reply;

Just for "fun", I changed the filter and fluid today. It looked ok, but the magnet was quite "furry". I will post some pics later.

Auto zone codes are p0733 and p0700.

I am thinking it is electrical.

It will shift: 1st, 2nd, and then hesitate like in neutral, then go to third or "limp mode" gear.

I am thinking TCM or speed sensors. Does anyone have any recommendations where to buy TCM's ?

Eightlitermopar

The input and output speed sensors maybe?

Best thing to do is take it to a transmission shop and have them read the codes and then replace the faulty part. I had the same issue with my 94 caravan and it was the valve pack. One of the valves was not working properly and it would put the transmission into the limp mode, 1st and 2nd only.

If it shifts 1-2 then does a 2-neutral shift its probably a broken o/d clutch drive hub or a stipped out planetary gearset. Internal problem, trans has to come out.

IIRC "limp in mode" - will start and stay in 2ND gear.

I just replaced the solenoid pack on mine yesterday and i think it had the same codes one was shift solenoid b and electronic shift malfuntion , get somebody with a better code scanner to make suremine just stopped shifting into overdrive that fixed it the part no te6 got it from rock auto it was $107 bucks advanced was a $180 for it,

My sister's van had a similar problem. Swapping out the solenoid pack and the wire plugs fixed the issue. It was a quick and painless job.

Also check all of the ground straps. Poor grounding causes issues with these transmissions.

BTW, what fluid did you put back in it?

A friend has a 2004 and all of a sudden he had transmission problems. I asked if he had it serviced recently and he confirmed that the shop changed the fluid but didn't note what kind of fluid they used. They probably put the wrong fluid in.

Use ATF+4.

I put ATF + 4 in, but it won't matter.

I took it to the shop today, internal issues so they will be disecting it on monday. Most likely cost 2500 bucks or more. I got the van for a steal though, so I was expecting it.

So here is my updated question. What causes all these dodge minivan trannies to fail like this?

Poor design? High heat? Poor pump? Soccer mom driving? It seems that a transmission SHOULD last more that 80K miles.

What can I do to get a little more mileage out of something like this?

Thanks guys! I know this topic isn't as exciting as transbrakes or hemi stroker motors....

Eightlitermopar

It stripped the splines from the front planet or broke the overdrive hub.They make an updated overdrive hub that is larger diameter and a forward planet with hardened splines.

Solenoid pack, input output speed sensors problems
The main reason for planetary failure, too many owners thought they could tow with this vehicle.