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98 caravan tanny slipping
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stangpeeps10
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Mar 9, 2010, 6:17 PM
Post #1 of 8
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98 caravan tanny slipping
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The other day our 1998 dodge grand caravan check engine can on, I continued to drive then all of a sudden when i went to take off from a stop light it was very hesitant. the next stop light the same thing happend, then once onto the interstate the tranny didnt want to shift out of 1st when it did it didn't want to shift from the next gear. it also doesnt want to go into reverse..very very hesitant with all gears. I was told i was going to need the tranny rebuilt then I was told it was most likely the brain box to the transmission since the check engine light reading comes back to transmission issues. any suggestions??? I had to drive the van approx 60 miles like this but like i said sometimes it did shift just slow at getting there
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nickwarner
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/ Moderator
Mar 9, 2010, 8:11 PM
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Re: 98 caravan tanny slipping
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You have an A604 transmission which uses a lot of computer controls to select gear positions. It also allows it to log trouble codes electrically related or not. You will need your codes scanned by a scanner capable of retrieving transmission codes. A generic OBDII tool will not pull these for you. The computer will show codes that are indicative of mechanical problems in the transmission's hard parts, not in the computers, sensors or solenoids. Have you checked the fluid level lately? They are very fussy about being exact. Get the level over or underfilled and it will act up worse than a temperamental 2 year old. These transmissions are known for going out, and may need an overhaul. But first off get the codes read and post back, and double check the level and condition of your transmission fluid.
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stangpeeps10
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Mar 9, 2010, 8:29 PM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: 98 caravan tanny slipping
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I had the codes checked at Auto Zone and 5 came up, I don't really know much cars but I would really like an idea before I go to a shop, the codes was all transmission here is a couple things the codes says; transaxle control system fault shorted or open ciruit within transaxle, failure of transaxle control module:#2, poor electrical connection, internal transmission fault.. the other 3 codes says check other codes first and, tss error, poor electrical connection and internal tranmission fault..
does any of this help??? i just am afraid i will get worked over at a shop since I am a woman and have no idea what i am doing.. so if i go in knowing a few things maybe i won't get shafted.. it had happened one too many times..,
thanks for the help
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Sidom
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Mar 9, 2010, 10:02 PM
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Re: 98 caravan tanny slipping
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On these models a common problem with the transaxles is the shift pack solenoid. Either the gasket leaks (badly) or you get erratic shift problems & multiple codes. It should be diagnosed but this is a common failure pattern on these. They're externally mounted so it's an easy fix. About 3 bills from the dealer for the part. I'm sure you could find it for 1/2 online. You just have to be very careful to get the area very clean before removing or debri will fall into the valve body. It's unfortunate you're on the East coast, I have a good used one off a 97 in my garage I'd give you.........
(This post was edited by Sidom on Mar 9, 2010, 10:03 PM)
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nickwarner
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Mar 10, 2010, 10:50 PM
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Re: 98 caravan tanny slipping
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dumb question, but when was the last time you removed and cleaned your battery terminals? While you very well could be looking at solenoid pack or control module failure I have seen in some cases on the same vehicle where a poor connection was the culprit. Don't stare at them, unbolt them and clean like all hell on the terminals until shiny. Several of the codes you posted are about ground issues. Where the transmission dipstick bolts into the engine block is a ground cable. Unbolt and clean that connection on the cable side and the block side. I see a lot of this as the taxi fleet I maintain are all 96-00 Caravans like yours. Cleaning up your connections is free as long as you do it yourself, and its easy to do. Try it. Also, I didn't notice a reply on trans fluid level. With the codes its probably a non-issue, but a leak around the solenoid pack as Sidom mentioned is common and external leaks will result in a drop in fluid level. However, if the gasket for that part is broken internally it will leak into pressure passages for another hydraulic circuit instead of drip in the driveway. Please post back with any further questions or what the cause ended up being once it is repaired.
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stangpeeps10
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Mar 11, 2010, 2:14 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: 98 caravan tanny slipping
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the transmission shop i took it to are telling me it needs rebuilt...... how or why I don't understand it only did it when it was warm... and never slipped before. he changed the filter and new fluid and told me it needs rebuilt charged me 124.00 so now i am back at square one and out 124.00... i will try to clean the battery.... any more suggestions
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nickwarner
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Mar 11, 2010, 6:59 PM
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Re: 98 caravan tanny slipping
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Since this is a transmission shop, they definately have seen this more than a few times. You probably do need a new tranny. These trannys that they put in the Caravans arent really ones that gradually go out, they seem to do it rather quickly like what is happening to you. Looks like overhaul time for your van.
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steve01832
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Mar 12, 2010, 5:08 PM
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Re: 98 caravan tanny slipping
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Just to add a suggestion. When you bring these vehicles to shops to have the trans. fluid and filter changed, make sure they put in the synthetic oil that the manufacturer specifies. Using Dexron/Mercon is what everybody used to do and that fluid is what contaminates the seals inside the transmission and causes them to fail. This was a common problem when these vehicles were all the rage back in the 90's.
P.S. I also had one, a 1990 Plymouth Grand Voyager.
Steve
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