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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 147 of 207

#1459 of 2067 2007 Dodge Caravan Trans. Problem by davit

Sep 20, 2007 (11:14 pm)

Hi, My family just bought a brand new 2007 Caravan and after driving the van for about 100km's, I noticed when the temperature gauge goes to normal operating temperature, and I apply the break and come to a full stop the transmission seems to switch gears after I've completely stopped. I noticed immediately that this is not normal and brought the van into the dealership. The service consultant drove the van with me and told me that this is very normal and that the transmission is getting used to the driver. I've never heard more bs in my life. I actually read some of the messages on this forum before I went to the dealership and mentioned that many have the same problem. With no reasonable answer he told me to drive the van for about 2000km and if the problem continues I should bring it in again. I can guarantee the problem will continue but in the meantime what should I do? Is there a fix for the problem?

#1460 of 2067 Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan Trans. Problem [davit] by shipo

Sep 21, 2007 (12:01 am)

Replying to: davit (Sep 20, 2007 11:14 pm)
While I haven't heard of that specific issue with the 41TE transmission, I will tell you that it isn't BS that the transmission is getting used to the driver. These transmissions have a computer that uses "fuzzy logic" to learn normal driving characteristics, and yes, it does take about 2,000 miles before the learning process is complete.
 
FWIW, granted our two transmissions are of an older vintage than yours, however, ours perform the 2-1 shift just before coming to a complete stop. Many folks have complained about that shift characteristic, so I suppose it's possible that Chrysler has reprogrammed the shift map to delay the downshift.
 
Regardless, thinking about this logically, I cannot see how delaying the shift can hurt anything, and if it does, your transmission is under warranty for a good long time (if not for the life of the vehicle). I assume that you're in Canada, if so, do y'all get the lifetime warranty on the drivetrain like we've been offered down here?
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#1461 of 2067 Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan Trans. Problem [shipo] by brokenspoke

Sep 22, 2007 (5:11 am)

Replying to: shipo (Sep 21, 2007 12:01 am)
Shippo,
being under warrenty and probably not hurting anything is really not the point, i have owned a 96 a 98 a 2000 and all shifted smooth accept for minor bump shift on the 96, my 2007 shifts like a teenager with a learners permit trying to drive a stick shift for the first time. this is not the same old bump shift thing it is much moore anoying

#1462 of 2067 Shipo - Thanks by jonathann

Sep 23, 2007 (3:24 pm)

#1463 of 2067 Re: Shipo - Thanks [jonathann] by tom166

Sep 23, 2007 (7:37 pm)

Replying to: jonathann (Sep 23, 2007 3:24 pm)
Dealership now says that the transmission now needs a torque converter along with software update. It's been 83 days into their 90 day window on the repair. They still don't have the update fix.......

#1464 of 2067 2001 T&C - Downshifting Transmission Issue by ddanzi

Sep 24, 2007 (10:31 am)

Have a 2001 T&C that had full transmission replacement when still under warranty in 12/03. Last week, it started giving a jolt when downshifting (I think from 2 to 1). Had transmission fluid changed last week when also having an oil change hoping that would solve issue (wishful thinking). So this morning, took it to a transmission repair place. They said not enough prime going through and it needs to be rebuild/replaced. I'm pretty ignorant with cars, but happened to be reading this forum this morning after the diagnosis. Went & picked up the minivan with the intention of getting second opinion. Noticed somewhere earlier in the forum that others had mentioned driving in D3 alleviated the problem. Sure enough, on the short drive home, while in D3, no symptoms at all. Would appreciate advice from others on here who clearly know a lot about these issues.
a) What is the long-term impact of driving in D3?
b) Is it appropriate for city driving only? Highway driving?
c) What does "not enough prime" mean, and am I risking broader damage to my vehicle?
d) Any other thoughts on this issue?
 
I would love to avoid investing in a new/rebuilt transmission at this time. Thanks in advance!

#1465 of 2067 Re: 2001 T&C - Downshifting Transmission Issue [ddanzi] by toronado455

Sep 24, 2007 (1:06 pm)

Replying to: ddanzi (Sep 24, 2007 10:31 am)
If driving in D3 solved it, are you sure the bump downshift is between 2-1 and not 4-3?
 
My 2002 has had a problem in the past with a bad 4-3 downshift which showed up after getting a fluid change with non-Chrysler fluid.

#1466 of 2067 Re: 2001 T&C - Downshifting Transmission Issue [toronado455] by ddanzi

Sep 24, 2007 (1:17 pm)

Replying to: toronado455 (Sep 24, 2007 1:06 pm)
Hi Toronado. Thanks for the reply. Can't say definitively that it's 2-1, but I suspect it's 3-2 at most (I'm pretty close to complete stop at the point it occurs). Does seem weird that D3 would have had any effect.
 
I did notice the problem prior to last week's fluid change, but it seems more pronounced now. Called the place where it was done and they used Mercon and T3(?); definitely not Dexron. The person I talked to there (who's usually reasonably reliable) assured me that Mercon/T3 in combo effectively yields ATF+4. But now I'm wondering...

#1467 of 2067 Re: 2001 T&C - Downshifting Transmission Issue [ddanzi] by shipo

Sep 24, 2007 (2:50 pm)

Replying to: ddanzi (Sep 24, 2007 1:17 pm)
"Hi Toronado. Thanks for the reply. Can't say definitively that it's 2-1, but I suspect it's 3-2 at most (I'm pretty close to complete stop at the point it occurs)."
 
Definitely the 2-1 shift.
 
"Called the place where it was done and they used Mercon and T3(?); definitely not Dexron. The person I talked to there (who's usually reasonably reliable) assured me that Mercon/T3 in combo effectively yields ATF+4."
 
Total and absolute BS. Get that stuff out of there now before it's too late (if it isn't too late already). What has now happened is that you have a mixture of ATF+4 and foreign fluids and you'll need to either pay for a complete flush at your dealership or have several fluid changes with ATF+4. I cannot tell you how many folks I've seen that have reported that their service provider added Mercron or Dextron and some magic elixir that is supposed to somehow create ATF+4, and have then had complete and utter $3,000 transmission melt downs.
 
Another approach would be to demand that your service provider put in writing that they'll pay for a complete transmission replacement if the transmission fails in the next 30,000 miles or so. If they won't, demand that they pay the bills for having your transmission flushed with the proper fluid.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#1468 of 2067 Re: 2001 T&C - Downshifting Transmission Issue [shipo] by ddanzi

Sep 25, 2007 (10:39 am)

Replying to: shipo (Sep 24, 2007 2:50 pm)
Hi Shipo. Thanks so much for the info. Very helpful. Will get that stuff out right away!

Messages Page 147 of 207

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