Author Topic: Dodge Caravan Transmission Help needed (Read 1108 times)

sayhgold · « **on:** July 04, 2005, 10:57:56 pm »

HI!! A few months ago we bought a 2000 Dodge Caravan. Everything seemed fine, but a few days ago it started acting up. I have some symptoms of the issue, but can't get at whats wrong exactly, if anyone has ever encountered anything like this, I would appreciate your reply very much!!

1. The "Check Engine" light went on
2. When begining to accelerate, before 20kms/hour, the speedometer indicator doesn't move, but when it reaches the 20 mark, or close to it, the indicator jumps up to 20kms/h, and I can feel the gear shift at that precise moment, but it shifts with a "bump" that lurches the car forward. Although this doesn't happen every single time, it is getting more frequent. (And as before the indicator would jump up until the 20km/h mark, today it started doing that until 40km/h.)
3. This usually happens, when I make a slow stop, in which case, not always though, the speedometer indicator jumps from "0" through "200" several times, back and forth. If I make a hard stop, starting from the 25km/h mark, it is fine.
4. When Driving on the HWY, the gears don't shift as they used to. When accelerating from 100km/h to 140km/h the same gear is used, and I can hear that the engine is working too hard, it should switch gears as soon as I start to accelerate, but does not. Although this happened only several times, and is not consistent, and even though this problem appeared at the same time as the one I described before, I don't know if they are at all connected.

If anyone encountered this before, please help.

Thanks in advance.

articsteve · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2005, 01:13:58 am »

A few months ago we bought a 2000 Dodge Caravan

Groan

You will need to locate a Chrsyler repair BBS to narrow down your problem. Off hand it sounds like a speed sensor which is not giving the PCU the proper inputs. I do not think it is a mechanical problem.

Try disconnecting your battery for 1 hour. Remove the negative cable. Make sure you have your radio code handy.

(Message edited by Articsteve on July 05, 2005)

sayhgold · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2005, 08:12:25 am »

Thanks Steve. I'll try and do what you suggest.

Also, do you know where this speed sensor could be located? We got the auto from an auction, so it didn't come with a manual.

Thanks

maritime_storm · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2005, 08:32:38 am »

Simpler idea, take the vehicle to a Chrysler and have them check the stored trouble codes{"1. the "Check Engine Light" went on"}. Chances are what you suffering from is an engine issue thats causing the PCM to send misinformation to the TCM. The pleasures of modern technology.

articsteve · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2005, 08:56:05 am »

We got the auto from an auction,

Bigger groan

do you know where this speed sensor could be located?

I think on those front drive vehicles it is in the transmission. It would not be in the manual anyways. If you can clear the code and reset whatever back to the default by disconnecting the battery then fine, but failing that it is off to the dealer as suggested.