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1997 Grand Caravan Transmission leak, WHERE?

18 messages,  Last post on Mar 29, 2010 at 9:52 AM

You are in the Chrysler/Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, Transmission, Van

Messages Page 2 of 2

#10 of 18 Re: 1997 Grand Caravan Transmission leak, WHERE? [xwesx] by shipo

Nov 25, 2008 (7:53 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 25, 2008 4:56 pm)
I've got to admit, after over ten years and 170,000 miles, I had really grown attached to the old girl, and really miss her. Don't get me wrong, the Mazda3 5-Speed is waaaaaay more fun to drive and gets half again better fuel economy, it's just that after that much seat time in the DGC, it had kind of become part of me.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#11 of 18 Re: 1997 Grand Caravan Transmission leak, WHERE? [shipo] by xwesx

Nov 26, 2008 (10:59 am)

Replying to: shipo (Nov 25, 2008 7:53 pm)
I know what you mean, Shipo. When I purchased my DGC, I felt like I might really be settling on something (a severe compromise for the low cost to buy), but after 18 months, I actually like that van. Granted, it leaves much to be desired in terms of driving dynamics, especially compared to the Subaru vehicles I was used to driving, but it is far better than many alternatives in that regard. And, it has proven to be comfortable (especially on long trips) and reliable. Now that I have the beat-up '98 Escort sedan I purchased from a friend this summer for a song, we put few miles on the van (maybe 6,000 annually versus 20,000). Between the two, I expect that my next vehicle purchase will be November 2011, and I hope at that time that the van is not the one most eligible for retirement.
 
Who knows, though. 192,xxx on the ticker now. The Escort only has 113,xxx, but it is nothing more than a tin can with a drivetrain.
 
Apologies to all for going completely off topic....
 
I should note, though, that I flushed my transmission on the van this summer when I changed out the tranny fluid with Amsoil universal. I felt I was taking a risk in switching from ATF+3, but I very much needed the vastly superior cold weather properties of the Amsoil. The van has not missed a beat, and I changed the fluid more than 6,000 miles ago. I pulled the transmission line to the radiator and pumped about two gallons out (while adding two gallons). So far, the van is far less sluggish (hardly noticeable) in cold weather. Last winter, it felt like trying to drag an anvil across deep sand any time the weather was colder than about -10F.
 
-Wes-

#12 of 18 1998 Dodge Caravan Needs New Transmission by tiffbell4321

Dec 01, 2008 (4:33 pm)

How much should it be to replace? I'm a female and don't want to get screwed.
 
Tiffany

#13 of 18 Re: 1998 Dodge Caravan Needs New Transmission [tiffbell4321] by xwesx

Dec 01, 2008 (5:28 pm)

Replying to: tiffbell4321 (Dec 01, 2008 4:33 pm)
Tiffany,
 
Shipo outlined this a few messages above (HERE). I suspect those are pretty good numbers. Note that he said he went with factory remanufactured, which should be the most expensive option at $2,600 installed.
 
-Wes-

#14 of 18 Re: 1998 Dodge Caravan Needs New Transmission [tiffbell4321] by ojm37

Dec 02, 2008 (7:46 am)

Replying to: tiffbell4321 (Dec 01, 2008 4:33 pm)
Men get screwed by repair shops, too. If you don't know the jargon and come into the shop not already knowing what needs to be done....

#15 of 18 Re: 1997 Grand Caravan Transmission leak, WHERE? [shipo] by shafner79

Jan 17, 2009 (3:38 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Nov 24, 2008 10:06 am)
Where is the solenoid gasket? I have the same van and my trans works fine, until it leaks and then acts up a little until you fill it. Can I replace the gasket on the pan on the back side of the trans....near the x-member? It looks to be leaking too.

#16 of 18 2004 DC transmission solenoid leak by dcj2010

Feb 19, 2010 (11:07 am)

2004 dodge caravan
3.3L V6
 
i've got a leak in my solenoid pack. got a price from dealer for a new solenoid pack, $238. (federated has it for $150) They also carry the gasket separately for only $7. however, the guy told me the gasket alone won't fix the leak because the leak is in the unit itself. he said he had sold them, but they don't do the job.
 
Id like to know if anyone has any experience with this issue. i'm leaning toward investing the $7 to see if it works.
 
Thanks!

#17 of 18 1996 Grand Caravan by shay2

Mar 27, 2010 (5:30 pm)

My grand caravan has 160K. Just this week will not accelerate when push on the pedal. Occasionally will go if wait a few seconds after you accelerate. Also problem in reverse. I assume the transmission is gone. There is a bump feeling when it finally moves. What would a new transmission cost, or a rebuilt one? The car is only worth about $1500 or less so I am not sure if it is even worth fixing. It is primarily my 17 year old daughter's bumper car, if you know what I mean.
Thanks for any help

#18 of 18 Re: 1996 Grand Caravan [shay2] by ojm37

Mar 29, 2010 (9:52 am)

Replying to: shay2 (Mar 27, 2010 5:30 pm)
Did you check the Transmission Fluid level?

Messages Page 2 of 2

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