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1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping


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Aliveandcare
New User

Sep 10, 2012, 3:10 PM

Post #1 of 8 (6328 views)
1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

I just bought this caravan last week. 163,000 miles. 2.4 engine. It had sat for about 5 months before I bought it. It runs great, but today, the transmission started acting up. From 1st to second, it shifts fine. But from 2nd to third it SOMETIMES slips like crazy. It's hit or miss if it does it. I'd say it does It 7 out of 10 times. I also noticed today, that while driving, the transmission whines. It didn't do that when I bought it. I took the belt off to take sure that it wasn't ps or anything. I put it in neutral and gave it gas. No whine. Only when driving. And it's getting progressively worse. It only does it in gear.... Every gear. Fluid is at normal level. When it started slipping, I put Lucas in it....no avail.... Any ideas? I'm hoping it's not time to rebuild. I don't have time for it.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Sep 10, 2012, 3:35 PM

Post #2 of 8 (6304 views)
Re: 1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

Looks like you may have gotten someone's problem. Maybe that is why it sat for so long.

You need to have the transmission control module scanned and the CVI (clutch volume index) checked out by a transmission shop. More than likely it is going to need a reman or rebuild.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


Aliveandcare
New User

Sep 10, 2012, 3:59 PM

Post #3 of 8 (6295 views)
Re: 1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

It sat because the previous owner ( original owner. 1 owner van) died 6 months ago. It was proven with a death certificate. The only reason I bought it was because it came with about 100 pages of service records. The original owner did oil every 3k and flushed the Trans every 30k ( proven with receipts) since he bought it new in 1997. Can you recommend anything that might temporarily help? Change filter and fluid, etc? We're in the process of moving and can't afford to be without it for this week.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Sep 10, 2012, 4:04 PM

Post #4 of 8 (6287 views)
Re: 1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

No "mechanic in a can" is going to work. Changing the fluid will likely make it much worse.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Sep 10, 2012, 4:06 PM

Post #5 of 8 (6283 views)
Re: 1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

You really need to have it diagnosed. You could attempt to change the fluid and filter, but it probably won't solve your issue. With the slippage condition it will only end up frying the clutches/bands if it hasn't already.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


Aliveandcare
New User

Sep 10, 2012, 4:10 PM

Post #6 of 8 (6281 views)
Re: 1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

I was afraid you were going to say that... Thank you for the replies. I'll update once I get it looked at. What do you think the whinning noise could be from? Bad pump? Bad planetary? Etc? I've never heard a transmission whine ( other than a manual).


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
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Sep 10, 2012, 4:44 PM

Post #7 of 8 (6268 views)
Re: 1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

Ususally a pump makes the whining noise, but with the reduced pressure of a bad pump you get the slippage of clutches, which builds up heat, which fries everything anyway. I can almost guarantee you need a reman trans now. If you drop the pan, it may well never move from the spot you do it at.


Aliveandcare
New User

Sep 10, 2012, 4:57 PM

Post #8 of 8 (6263 views)
Re: 1997 dodge caravan transmission slipping Sign In

That completely blows. I'll take it in for a diagnosis tomorrow. Thank you for the replies.






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