 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
Car Forum / Chrysler Cars / June 20052000 grand caravan won't shift above 2nd
Just drove my daughter to a friends house, 20 minute trip - no problems, shut off the vehicle, went to leave and check engine light is on and my tranny won't go above 2nd. I have never had any mechanical problems with this vehicle before. I am hoping it is something simple as opposed to a tranny rebuild as it happened so fast with no signs of tranny problems. Were would I start trouble shooting? Thx Gary PS I have the sport, towing package and 3.8L engine. Doing an internet search it seems that my vehicle is in "limp mode". Using a method to show error codes on my odometer I see that is shows engine diagnostic code 23. Doing another internet search on "23" I find a throttle body temperature senor failure or bad connection/wiring. Does this sound like I am heading in the right direction? Thx Gary > Just drove my daughter to a friends house, 20 minute trip - no problems, > shut off the vehicle, went to leave and check engine light is on and my [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > PS I have the sport, towing package and 3.8L engine. vehicle speed sensor. 80 bucks to test and 80 for the part. (prolly) vehicle speed sensor. 80 bucks to test and 80 for the part. (prolly) Gary, Given no previous symptoms or signs of a pending problem, I'd suspect an electronic sensor that provides input to the transmission, or possibly an internal solenoid failure. The most common cause of this seems to be a bad vehicle speed sensor. There are actually two of them used; one that provides the speed of the wheels (output) and also drives the vehicle speedometer, and a 2nd that is used to provide the speed of the engine shaft (input). Do you still have a working speedometer? If so, it may be the input speed sensor. If not, it definitely is the output speed sensor. The sensors themselves are slightly different and cost at the dealer IIRC is about $25-$30. Replacement is a 5 minute job as they simply have one clip on connector and then screw into the trans body. In some cases the connection ns themselves can be corroded, and simply cleaning is all that is required, but in most cases the VSS outright just plain stops working when it fails. If the sensors are good, then it could be a solenoid. In any event, reading the transmission computer trouble code will provide you with the next steps. Make sure if you do not do the work yourself to take it to someone that has a good reputation AND experience with Chrysler transmissions since many will tell you that you need an expensive rebuild, which is likely not the case based on the failure description. Good luck! Bob > Just drove my daughter to a friends house, 20 minute trip - no problems, > shut off the vehicle, went to leave and check engine light is on and my [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > PS I have the sport, towing package and 3.8L engine. Thanks for that insight!!!! Maybe this would help. I disconnected the neg on the battery and reconnected. I was able to drive for about 20 min again before the light came on and it went into limp mode again. I did not go into limp mode while I was driving but while I stopped and had it in park both times after 20 min of driving. When I went back into gear is when it went into limp mode. I still have my speedometer. On top of that about a month and a half ago I was on the highway and a semi hit a wolf in front of me and I was right behind him ready to pass. Boom I hit the dead carcass and broke up my front bumper. A big mess it took several washings before I could get all the meat and bones off the underside. Right after I started to lose rad fluid and found I had a cracked thermostat housing. I just kept topping up to finish my trip, but to jar the vehicle that much I could have damaged some wiring under the van. I am going to put it up on ramps right now and have a look. Two years ago I was also in an accident to the front end where a fellow went through a stop sign. I suppose stuff the body shop missed can turn up years later too???? The error code 23 says that corresponds to a throttle body temperature sensor failure but my Haynes book says that is only applicable to 4 cyl and mine is the 3.8L??? Just got back from Canadian Tire and they do not carry any sensors that it might be so I will have to see if I can get to a jobber or dealer on Monday. I have to get the kids to school Monday/Tuesday and I can take Wednesday off to fix the van. Can I do any damage driving it up to say 60km/h in 2nd for a 20 min round trip 4 times or should I not drive it at all in limp mode? Thx again Gary > Gary, > [quoted text clipped - 46 lines] >> >> PS I have the sport, towing package and 3.8L engine. > Thanks for that insight!!!! > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I was driving but while I stopped and had it in park both times after 20 min > of driving. When I went back into gear is when it went into limp mode. This "trick" has burned up many a Chrysler transmission by people who cleverly figure out they can "reset" the transmission by restarting the vehicle. Fix it now before a small problem becomes a large one. > The error code 23 says that corresponds to a throttle body temperature > sensor failure but my Haynes book says that is only applicable to 4 cyl > and mine is the 3.8L??? http://u225.torque.net/haynes_instructions.html > Just got back from Canadian Tire and they do not carry any sensors that > it might be so I will have to see if I can get to a jobber or dealer on > Monday. NAPA will have them. Nope, I wasn't using the trick to just reset the tranny, I was hoping I could recreate the problem by wiggling connectors to see if that gives me the code again. I have removed and cleaned as necessary any connectors and checked all visible wiring. Everything looks good under there. I was hoping there would be some obvious damage somewhere to a sensor/wire. The only connector I haven't fooled with is the input sensor. The van is still on ramps so I am going to do that right now. Tomorrow I will go to NAPA and pick up an input speed sensor and replace it. Failing that I think I will then replace the solenoid pack. If that doesn't work then......??? Suggestions welcome :-) I guess I wasted $19.95 on the Hayes book - you are correct, I'm trying to find locations for some of these sensors and the book nowhere even discusses them let alone show a diagram. Gary >> Thanks for that insight!!!! >> [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > NAPA will have them. I'd suggest you go ahead and replace the input sensor as it is fairly cheap and easy to do, and if that does not fix things then get the codes read by competent transmission service that has experience with Chrysler transmissions before replacing the solenoid pack. The computer diagnostic code is needed to be able to point you in the right direction. Without it you are just replacing parts and it could get expensive with no guarantee you will fix the problem. Based on what you've said, it does not sound as though this is related to the previous work done or your encounter with the deer. I also suspect you may not have the correct error code description for this problem. Bob > Nope, I wasn't using the trick to just reset the tranny, I was hoping I > could recreate the problem by wiggling connectors to see if that gives me [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Gary Thanks for that. I replaced the input speed sensor this morning thinking that might do it. Disconnected the battery to clear the light. Took it for a run and the light came back on. :-(. Drove it to a repair shop that I go to and they pulled a code which says symptom: P0755-2-4 Solenoid circuit, with a list of 10 possible causes. The mechanic seems to think it is the solenoid pack but didn't want to replace it only to find that the code showed up again. They said their best tranny guy was at another location and that I should go over there. Went to the other location and he can't look at it until tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. He says that the solenoid pack doesn't go too often, but I told him that I got hit by a fellow who went through a stop sign the Christmas eve before last - almost $6000 damage to van - and he said that it could have been damaged in the accident and is showing up now, but he said he would hook it up to better diagnostic equipment than they had at the other shop specific to trannys. He said it could even be a retaining clip that is known to snap in those VIN L (3.8L) trannys and would need to be opened up. I'm hoping for the cheapest option. Gary ;-) > I'd suggest you go ahead and replace the input sensor as it is fairly > cheap [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] >> >> Gary "gary" wrote: "The mechanic seems to think it is the solenoid pack but didn't want to replace it only to find that the code showed up again. They said their best tranny guy was at another location and that I should go over there." He sounds like a good shop. Thye just didn't take your money. They dii what was best for the customer and sent you somewhere else that was best equiped to handle your problem. I would consider doing business with them if I every needed their services. Sarge On top of that the diagnostic charge was $97 + tax (CAD) and said it had to be paid to released the vehicle. Then the guy went into the back and came back and said no charge. He said if I am going to the other shop the mechanic there will want to do his own diagnostics and they did not want to charge me twice! Rare to find these days. > "gary" wrote: "The mechanic seems to think it is the solenoid pack but > didn't want to replace it only to find that the code showed up again. They [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Sarge Update - Just got back from picking up the van. It was the solenoid pack. Very thankful it was not a tranny problem - happy to pay the $468.86 (CAD) ($385 USD) bill. Breakdown; 1hr Diagnostic $83 1.5 labor $124.50 Fluid $12 A604 Solenoid Pack $200 Shop supplies $18.68 Balance tax A happy Gary, PS thx to all who gave me insight into this problem. I like to do my own repairs, but once it was diagnosed and they did not burn me on the part price, it wasn't worth my time to do the labor. > On top of that the diagnostic charge was $97 + tax (CAD) and said it had > to be paid to released the vehicle. Then the guy went into the back and [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >> >> Sarge I am having the very same symptoms with my '97 T & C Lxi, 3.8L. I am a mechanic so I have access to the computer diagnostic codes. The codes I have retreived are P0733 and P0700; incorrect ratio gear 3 and trans control system malfunction. This is all I found out and, of course, I have been assuming the wors until I found this thread! I will look into the solenoid pack as soon as I get back to the shop -- largt The 1st mechanic found P0755-2-4 "solenoid circuit" in his diagnostics, and P1784, and P0731 "additional gear ratio error in 1st". But those were engine codes. They told me to take it to their tranny specialist at another shop and he did his own diagnostics with what he said were specific tranny computer readers which then told him it was the solenoid pack. However after the repair I sometimes get a small jerk when slowing down and it shifts into 1st and sometimes a chatter/vibration (vibrates the change in the ashtray) when going from 2nd to 3rd. I looked at my Hayes manual and it says that after the repair the transmission needs to "relearn" how to shift properly. It has only been about a week or so so I hope it will train itself and go shifting problem will go away. Hope you find a cheaper problem than a tranny rebuild. Gary > I am having the very same symptoms with my '97 T & C Lxi, 3.8L. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I will look into the solenoid pack as soon as I get back to the shop. > :) gary Wrote: > The 1st mechanic found P0755-2-4 "solenoid circuit" in his diagnostics > and [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > Gary I ran it through a series of switch tests and, apparently, my solenoid all check out. Now I need to trace the wiring and look for an electrical problem Maybe the PCM or transmission control module, or possibly a bad connector or wire. It seems like it may be electrical and not mechanical -- largt how about the solenoid relay? > gary Wrote: >> The 1st mechanic found P0755-2-4 "solenoid circuit" in his diagnostics, [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > or possibly a bad connector or wire. > It seems like it may be electrical and not mechanical. or the input sensor? > how about the solenoid relay? > [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] >> or possibly a bad connector or wire. >> It seems like it may be electrical and not mechanical. > Tomorrow I will go to NAPA and pick up an input speed sensor and replace > it. Failing that I think I will then replace the solenoid pack. Don't. If the input speed sensor doesn't fix it, it's time for systematic diagnosis. > Thanks for that insight!!!! > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > sensor failure but my Haynes book says that is only applicable to 4 cyl and > mine is the 3.8L??? You need a diagnostic computer to read the trans codes. > I have to get the kids to school Monday/Tuesday and I can take Wednesday off > to fix the van. Can I do any damage driving it up to say 60km/h in 2nd for > a 20 min round trip 4 times or should I not drive it at all in limp mode? You should drive it as little as possible. Take it to a competent Chrysler trans shop and if they tell you it needs a rebuild, go to a second shop for a second opinion. Without a vehicle service manual your just screwing around wasting your time. Once it comes back from the shop then use this as a lesson to start obtaining all the service information, then once you have obtained it, read it. The factory service manual is a great tool but Chrysler also puts out a number of other manuals that pertain, espically if you have a diagnostic computer. (which aren't that expensive if you get them used off Ebay) Ted |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2008 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.