My 97 3.0 3spd is starting to have some problems. When driving on the hwy, sometimes it will start to shake really bad, but if you put it into neutral, it will stop. It has also just started to want to stay in second gear. It takes longer to shift out of second, and now when you start to slow down, it will down shift into second.

It's been doing the shaking off and on now for close to a year, but it's getting worse, and it wanting to stay in second is something new that it has just started doing.

I don't know if this is associated in any way, but lately it seems like the battery isn't getting a proper charge, even though it is. One day it will start with no problems, and the next it seems like it's almost completely dead, it won't start and the lights are dim and the power windows are really slow moving. I had the alt checked and was told that it was putting out proper voltage, so I figured it was the battery, replaced it and still doing the same thing. I checked the wires and ground straps, and everything else that I could thing of and evreything seems fine.

All of this seemed to start happening all at once. Any thoughts would be greatly appreaciated!!

 

have you taken it to a dodge dealer or other auto shop yet and asked their opinion?

 

I would get to the bottom of that seemingly low voltage condition first, since anything electronic may act up under those conditions. Have you checked the wire from the alternator to the top of the underhood electrical panel? If you have a voltmeter, I would do some probing while things are dim to see what voltage you have at various points such as battery cables, underhood fuse/junction box.

 

I checked the battery voltage the last time it wouldn't start and it was showing roughly 11.83 volts. I'll look alittle closer at all of the positive cables just to make sure there is no corrorsion on them that I missed the first time that I looked.

I'll check those points that you mentioned to see if there is a major voltage difference anywheres.

I'd rather leave taking it to the dealer or an other shop unless I can't figure it out.

Thanks for the replies

 

Clean the cables and recharge the battery. you should be charging at 13.5 to 14.2 volts. If its not charging ck the fan belt see if it loose or missing, if thats good maybe the alt is bad. On your transmissionI know youhave a3.0L engine but you didn't say if it was a 3 speed or a 4 speed.

 

Regarding the tranny, check out https://dodgeforum.com/m_903091/tm.htm
Problem sounds similar, similar year vans...worth a quick look anyway.

 

He said 3spd. Exact same van I have. Have you tried replacing the wire from the alternator to the fuse box? Cured my problems. Wire looked fine, but once I peeled back a little of the insulation, it was all green inside.

 

Wow, thanks for all of the responses! I've cleaned the wires and terminals, but haven't checked the voltage from the alt yet. That link sounds just like my van, I will definitly have to have a look at that. If it isn't charging properly, I will replace the wire with a new peice.

I will update after I check into it a bit more.

Thanks again

 

Ok, I tested the alt and it is putting out 12.8 to about mid 13s. I also decided since the battery was under warranty, that I would get a new one just in case. It's been going fine for a few days now, lets hope that it will continue that way.