02 Caravan Stutters going into 2nd gear

2002caravan · #1 11-07-2009, 08:07 PM

I just got this rig and every once and a while it stutters going into 2nd gear. Now it is doing it more frequently. It almost feels like an ignition miss but always on the 1-2 shift. The car/tranny has 116k and I haven't had a chance to do a service. I have not installed a cooling fan on the radiator yet but the engine temp is good and the cooler feels ok by touch.

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92dak5.24x4 · #2 11-07-2009, 08:15 PM

You'll need to have it properly serviced by a professional. most likely some seals on the valve body and valve body accumulator. But without getting some more accurate data from a pressure test and CVI reading, it's a total guess. You could do a fluid/filter and have the trans quick learned with a scanner. This can often help with a shutter. But I'm sure you don't have a scanner or access to one, so offering any real help will be pure speculation.

2002caravan · #3 11-07-2009, 08:27 PM

I'm a pretty decent mechanic so I guess I'll do the service myself but you're right I won't really be able to diag further without all the tools and know how. I was just hoping someone else had the same problem and there was a typical solution.

92dak5.24x4 · #4 11-07-2009, 09:33 PM

There are several 'possible' problems. But without proper tools and diagnosis, it's all a guess.

davemaher · #5 11-11-2009, 10:05 AM

I have the same problem with my 01 T&C 3.8l. Changed fluid atf+4 and filter (oem), new input and output sensors (oem), new solenoid pack (oem), new tps sensor. I'm at a loss. 95,000 miles on van, tranny fluid changed every 25K. never towed anything. Anyone have any ideas??

circumventor · #6 11-11-2009, 11:41 AM

yall threw all them parts at her and it still dont work, cant immagine why? maybe yall should try a new trans. but if it was me id figure out forshur what the prob is before i throw one part at it. whats yalls cvi values look like and what codes does the trans puter say?

2002caravan · #7 11-15-2009, 05:49 AM

No check engine light so I assume no codes. Do I need a special type of scanner? My dad works for a mercedes dealership. Is this a standard scanner they may have?

92dak5.24x4 · #8 11-15-2009, 11:33 AM

Just because you don't have ENGINE codes, doesn't mean there are no transmission codes. these are 2 totally different systems. The only time the transmission will effect the check engine light and set and engine code for transmission problems, is when there is a problem with the transmission which will cause an increase in emissions.if your dad works at a mercedes dealership, why are you wasting your time asking about this problem on here. you should be going right to them. Besides being that mercedes use to own chrysler at the time when this van was built, they just might have support information for you.

2002caravan · #9 11-15-2009, 06:18 PM

My dad ironically hates talking about cars so I try to avoid it. He told me exactly what I thought he would. We only work on and have tools for mercedes. What can I say my dads kind of a jerk but I guess he's still better than nothing.

As far as the codes go I was able to check codes but not scan for CVI readings. I'm going to have to take it to the dealer for that but they aren't getting my money yet. I had no lights indicating any type of code tranny or engine so it wasn't a surprise when it came up with nothing but what was weird is the scanner was compatible and it couldn't communicate with the transmission. Before I got the rig it took a ditch and could have knocked something loose or possibly the insurance company unplugged something when they were disassembling and assessing the damage. It's below zero here so I'm going to have to muster up some courage then go out and poke around under the hood.

2002caravan · #10 11-15-2009, 06:59 PM

I was reading up on this transmission and I found it to use ambient air temp influences shift points.
"The TCM considers operating conditions such as ambient and transmission temperature, engine loading changes caused by climbing grades, loss of engine power at high altitude due to lower air density, and engagement of automatic speed control in determining when shifts should occur."
"Ambient temperature, which significantly affects cooling, is measured or calculated. Also included is a calculation for fluid and air temperatures at start-up."

Mine is missing and always reads -40 F. Could this maybe be the problem? I wish the dealer parts dept was open sundays.