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Chrysler Minivan Transmission Problems

2067 messages,  Last post on May 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Grand Voyager, Dodge Grand Caravan, Transmission, Van


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Messages Page 138 of 208

#1363 of 2067 Re: TRANSMISSION SHUDDER??? [brokenspoke] by tc2007

Jun 12, 2007 (8:38 am)

Replying to: brokenspoke (Jun 07, 2007 4:19 pm)
Is yours Town and Country 2007? Mine is 3 months old and has a transmission shudder ever since I got it. I went to the dealer 7 times. This morning went there again and a foreman called Chrysler. When the foreman told him that it was a 2007 T & C, a Chrysler rep immediately asked him if it was a trasnmission shudder. Apparently, it's a new material that Chrysler used for 2007 model and it affects a low reverse clutch. The dealer said that they are going to order the special part and this should fix the problem.
 
PS I had my transmission settings changed/downloaded twice and it did not take care of the problem. Hoping for the best with this new part.

#1364 of 2067 Re: Picking Up Bad Vibrations [shipo] by rap16992

Jun 12, 2007 (11:22 am)

Replying to: shipo (Jun 12, 2007 8:01 am)
shipo:
 
I am actually being charged a rate of 3,353 Euros excluding tax, which I am exempt from paying. What's kicking my behind in this transaction is the piss poor exchange rate. I am getting the trans from local German Chrysler dealership who has quoted that the casing may be reused/remanufactured, whatever the correct terminology may be, but that all the parts inside are new Chrysler parts. They stated it was 12 month warranty. Should I seek additional assistance from Chrysler direct in USA regarding more warranty? Is it possible for me to order directly a trans?
 
As I have never experienced a trans blow-out, I am not really sure what I am dealing with. As I read some of the stuff in this string, I am somewhat confused. I do know for a fact that as I was traveling down the German autobahn at around 80-85 mph, the van started to shake and shudder, not violently though, and the trans felt as it disengaged and pressing the gas pedal only acted as the van was in neutral. I finally coasted to a stop and when trying reverse heard the grinding high pitch noise. I assume it is shot. Any thoughts on that?
 
As for extending the life of my van, I share the same dilemma that you faced with yours. Our van too has looooong since been paid off, and other than the trans, it has been a model of reliability. That's why it is so tough to make the decision although I am seriously leaning to fixing it. If it weren't for the sad exchange rate it would be more even with what you paid in dollars.
 
Appreciate your thoughts.
RAP

#1365 of 2067 Re: Picking Up Bad Vibrations [rap16992] by shipo

Jun 12, 2007 (2:03 pm)

Replying to: rap16992 (Jun 12, 2007 11:22 am)
"I am getting the trans from local German Chrysler dealership who has quoted that the casing may be reused/remanufactured, whatever the correct terminology may be, but that all the parts inside are new Chrysler parts."
 
Rebuilt typically means taking a broken unit, tearing it apart and measuring every part. All parts that meet minimum used specs are reused, all parts that don't are replaced with either new aftermarket or used parts, and then the unit is reassembeled.
 
Remanufactured typically means the case is gutted, cleaned and all internal parts are replaced with factory new, and at the latest engineering build level. Essentially a "Factory Reman" is a new unit.
 
Regarding the warranty, I'd press your dealership on that one. As for getting a unit from the U.S., hmmm, I suppose it is possible. I just checked http://www.dodgeparts.com and saw that they have 3.8 liter transmissions for 1998 3.8 liter models for $2,047.50 (for some reason they aren't listing the 1996 and 1997 models although I'm pretty sure they're available).
 
Another alternative is going with a mass rebuilder like Phoenix Rebuilders, they're showing a transmission for a 1997 T&C 3.8 for $1,135 with a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty. Their unit can be seen at the following link:
 
http://www.phoenixhardparts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=156
 
If you decide to opt for an American unit, I'm sure the freight couldn't be more than a couple of hundred dollars and then you could simply install it yourself or pay your dealer to do the R&R for you. The potential problem here is time. How long can you be without your van?
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#1366 of 2067 Re: TRANSMISSION SHUDDER??? [tc2007] by brokenspoke

Jun 12, 2007 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: tc2007 (Jun 12, 2007 8:38 am)
Yes it is a 2007 about 6 weeks old now, please let me know what part the dealer reoplaces, i was told new clutces are made out of kevler and need time to brake in? i would like to know what the new part is so i can have it replaced.
 
brokenspoke

#1367 of 2067 96 Grand Caravan Transmission Problem by loger

Jun 12, 2007 (7:40 pm)

We have a 96 Grand Caravan. we are on the second transmission. coming home tonight as we pulled off the road there was little poof and all of a sudden we had no transmission. checked the fluid and it is good and does not smell burnt. any suggestions?

#1368 of 2067 Re: TRANSMISSION SHUDDER??? [brokenspoke] by tc2007

Jun 13, 2007 (7:44 am)

Replying to: brokenspoke (Jun 12, 2007 6:05 pm)
The dealer ordered low-reverse clutches (there are 5 of them) but I don't know the material that they are made out of. I also spoke to the foreman who wasn't sure of the material name either.
 
To cut the story short, I am relieved to know what causes the problem and that Chrysler is aware of the problem.
 
My transmission guy now knows that I was not making up the stories about transmission shudder.

#1369 of 2067 Re: Picking Up Bad Vibrations [shipo] by rap16992

Jun 14, 2007 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jun 12, 2007 2:03 pm)
Thanks again for the response.
 
Latest news is that I in fact shopped around, as hard as it is to do in a foreign environment, but nevertheless I called another Chrysler dealer closer to my home and they have quoted me a price for what I believe is the "Factory Reman" for 1,000 euro less than previously quoted from first Chrysler dealer. I am now down to 2,499 euro completely installed and ready to roll. At todays exchange rate that is $3,325, so about a $1,200 savings from first quote and this one comes with 24 month, unlimited mileage, world-wide guarantee. I think this is going to be the best offer, I suppose. I will need to verify the part number as I received that from calling Chrysler Germany HQ in Berlin and they have pretty much confirmed all that second dealer has quoted me thusfar. Once work is complete I will be forever crossing my fingers everytime I drive the vehicle. It currently has 132,000 miles and if I can get to 200,000 without any further trans problems, I will be happy. Hope I am not asking for too much.

#1370 of 2067 Re: Picking Up Bad Vibrations [rap16992] by shipo

Jun 14, 2007 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: rap16992 (Jun 14, 2007 12:41 pm)
Given the local taxes, likely higher hourly labor costs and the shipping involved, I think the $3,325 (a $725 premium over what I paid last year) is a pretty good deal. Add in the 24 month unlimited mileage warranty (I wish I had a warranty like that), and this is a very nice deal. Congratulations.
 
Keep us posted.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#1371 of 2067 Re: 97 grand voyager studder/stall [angelo567] by dzam

Jun 14, 2007 (11:48 pm)

Replying to: angelo567 (Nov 04, 2005 5:25 am)
I was wondering if you ever found out what this problem was I am having the same problem

#1372 of 2067 good vibrations? by mopar4u1

Jun 15, 2007 (7:03 am)

91 plymouth voyager 3.3 4speed 135,000
 
I confirmed it today, around the 50-60mph range crusing, if you get on the accelerator for example to go from 52mph to 55mph you will feel a light vibration, if you let off the accelerator it goes away. It is not the road surface it is the van. Not sure where to start to find the problem. The steering wheel does not shake like a out of balance tire would do to it. It doesn't seem to do it at lower speeds that I have noticed. Is this tranny? suspension? tires? motor? No idea where to start. Everything else seems to be fine on the van besides your usual rattles.

Messages Page 138 of 208

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