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2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips


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philpham
New User

Nov 16, 2009, 12:18 PM

Post #1 of 8 (11845 views)
2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

2003 Chrysler Town and Country 6 cylinders
Two Wheel Drive Automatic 115000 miles
3.8 Litter engine

My car's transmission slips sometimes at speed around 7 to 15 miles/hour when I try to accelerate. I took it to a Chrysler dealer, and they told me the torque converter, pump, solenoid are bad and need to replace the transmission. I paid $100 for this, and I felt they cheated on me. The reason being that it's unlikely to have so many components to fail at a same time. I asked them what procedure they executed to find out about this, they didn't tell me. I have both the OEM diagnostic and service manual which outlines step by step for diagnostics of this car (OEM books). I expect them to execute the steps to find out what is going on.

2 months ago, when I accelerated hard from stops (with about 6 people in the car), the transmission slipped pretty hard. Then I got the code P1776 "solenoid switch valve is stuck in low reverse" in the ODB. Then the engine light just went a way after a while of driving since.

What should I do next? The diagnostic book requires the DRB III, which I don't have. The service manual's procedure appears to be simple, and only requires me to lift the front tires, and run the engine at certain speed, but I need some pressure meters to probe the oil pressure ports.
I am thinking of rebuilding the transmission myself. My experience with this car includes changing the oil on this transmission about 15K ago (ATF+4). I also took the valve body out before that to replace the park range sensor (turned out it was good, a fault wire caused the problem that time).

Right now, I am buying 10 quartz of ATF+4, a filter and ATF-RTV. My next planed step is to check for oil, put in about 1/2 to 1 quart and test drive. If it's all good, I will replace the oil and filter.

If not, then I may do the rebuild. However, do I need to diagnose it further? There is no code set for this using an ODB reader.

Please advice for what to do next. (I also posted in another forum, but they don't have many readers, so I reposted here, hopefully to get more eyes on it).


(This post was edited by philpham on Nov 16, 2009, 12:19 PM)


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Nov 16, 2009, 6:51 PM

Post #2 of 8 (11826 views)
Re: 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

phil; You may want to find a reputable, independant, transmission shop to confirm the diagnosis. Check with friends, enemies, BBB, ect. to find a shop that you can trust. Stay away from the 'chain' stores. I've been working on cars for nearly 40 years, and there is no way that I'd attempt an automatic trans. overhaul on that vehicle. This transmission is computer controlled. Not at all like the 'old days'.Unsure
Loren
SW Washington


philpham
New User

Nov 19, 2009, 8:03 AM

Post #3 of 8 (11816 views)
Re: 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

  I put in half a quart, and it seems fine for 5 miles driving with many stops. I will test it for a couple more weeks.
With the service manual book, it doesn't seem to be too complicated about this. I have the oil pressure gauge already. I just need to run through the pressure tests. It's a bit hard to find out the oil level because I have to check oil level when the engine is hot, and running. When it's running, oil splats on the stick, and it's hard to read.

I have a question though, in one of the tests, it says that change the shift lever from OD to (3) position. Is it safe to do that while the car is running (not stop)?

With regard to the DTC above, the book says the cause mostly is electrical. I will check the connector. However, it didn't happen again. If it's PCM/TCM or the solenoid, the oil pressure test will indicate so.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Nov 19, 2009, 6:53 PM

Post #4 of 8 (11802 views)
Re: 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

phil; I'm confused. Are you referring to engine oil pressures, or transmission? You do not check engine oil level with the engine running.
Loren
SW Washington


philpham
New User

Nov 19, 2009, 8:52 PM

Post #5 of 8 (11797 views)
Re: 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

I was referring to the transmission oil level. It needs to be checked it while the temperature of the fluid must be between 150 to 200 degree F.


chickenhouse
Enthusiast

Nov 24, 2009, 2:53 PM

Post #6 of 8 (11782 views)
Re: 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

Loren, You mean there is no more "loosten the lock nut, tighten the band to 15 inch pounds, then back off 2 1/2 turns- retighten lock nut"? NOW I'm lost!


alacran553
New User

Feb 16, 2010, 7:42 AM

Post #7 of 8 (11714 views)
Re: 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

I have an 02 with the same problem. I just had the trans rebuilt and it still does the same thing. tried a computer, valve body, solenoid, and no help. I get no codes of any kind when this happens. if i accelerate fast, it doesn't seem to happen. I need suggestions.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 16, 2010, 1:55 PM

Post #8 of 8 (11713 views)
Re: 2003 Chrysler Town and Country Transmission slips Sign In

Thread is from last November and a different model year. Please start your own thread with specifics to yours not another's.

For now, if you just had it redone why aren't you bringing this up with the place that just did it?

T







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