96 Caravan 3.8L - sometimes when I brake, the transmission will go into limp mode. This usually happens when I do a hard stop (like somebody pulls out in front of me and I have to slam on the brakes). Once I slow down, I notice the tranny is in safe mode and I have to pull over, shut the engine off and restart it. Then it works ok until the next panic stop days/weeks later. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

You need to pull codes out of the TCM and post.Most of the time transmission don't go into limp in when braking. There maybe something else going on. I need codes to help you out.

 

OK, I'll pull the codes - how do I do that? I've got a Haynes manual, I'll check that tonight to see if it has info on pulling codes.

 

You'll need a scanner.

 

OK, I'll stop by a parts store to get/borrow one, in the meantime, before I read your reply I checked the Haynes manual and tried the ignition key method - I was able to get the following numbers, although from the manual it looks like some numbers can refer to multiple problems and one of mine wasn't listed:
123155
From my Haynes manual, I take that to be 12,31,55?
12 - Battery recently disconnected within the last 50 starts - That makes sense as I recently disconnected the neg term to clear the memory.
31 ? Haynes explanation wasn't really clear to me.
55 ? no listing.

 

12 battery disconnect, 31 engine coolant temp sensor volts too high, and 55 end of test. Thats codes just in the PCM, you need to pull codes out of the TCM.

 

You probably have internal clutch seals leaking.
Did it ever give you a harsh down shift when slowing down or stopping?
They changed up the seal design to fix this problem.

Bad news is your looking at a rebuild to repair properly.

You did check the fluid level and condition first, RIGHT?

 

I changed the fluid and filter less than 4 months ago. Yes, the down shift was harsh.
Looks like I need a DRB III to pull those codes, the local parts store doesn't have one, so I think it's time to take it to the local shop. I was told over the phone it could be a solenoid, cost to repair $400+/-. Is that fair and what does a rebuild run?
Thanks, JP

 

find out anything ??

 

Well they pulled the codes and there were several; solenoids, clutch plates, pressure, etc. They re-set the codes, but they came right back. Also, what used to be an intermittent problem is now slipping and not shifting. The A/C is also starting to act up. Basically it's toast. Did get a quote on a Jasper transmission 3 year/100k warranty for $3k. Due to the hight mileage 225K I'm probably not going to do that, although other than the two "minor" problems (tranny and A/C), the van is in good shape.