2003 Caravan 2.4L Trans Problems P0700/P0870
#1
02-11-2009, 08:45 PM
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2003 Caravan 2.4L Trans Problems P0700/P0870
Hello All,
This is another chapter in the continuing saga of the worst vehicle I have ever owned.
I have (regrettably) a 2003 Dodge Caravan 2.4L 4 cylinder. Aside from the routine maintenance of having various small parts replaced here and there. I have had continuing trouble from the transmission.
Once many years ago I had the TCM replaced, just recently when the transmission started making a squeaking noise, I thought it would be a good idea to change out the fluid. In the process of all this my clumsiness and ill temper lead to multiple stripped bolts on the transmission pan and I ended up having to take it to a dealer.
In the end I had to pay 1,600 bucks to get a leaky EVAP system fixed, a new water pump and tensioner (apparently they said this was the squeaking noise), and finally they fixed the problem with the transmission which was a new filter, seal and fluid.
Now less then 4000 miles and 90 days (within the limited warruntee period), I am driving around and the transmission starts to make a different noise. A rather bad one it seemed to me. Finally the vehicle accelerated madly and it appeared I was in neutral even though I tried placing the vehicle in 3,L,D, and R. I placed it in neutral and waited a moment then popped it into D again and was able to go a few hundred feet until the whole process repeated. I did this for about five miles to get the vehicle home. During all of this the CEL popped on.
When I finally had the vehicle in my driveway, I checked the Trans fluid and it seemed fine. I plugged in my scantool and pulled two codes off P0700 (Trans Control System Malfunction) and P0870 (Trans Fluid Press Sensor/Switch C Circuit).
The later is not even in my Haynes manual. Was this a new code introduced in a firmware upgrade?
So the big question is. Should the dealer be held liable for this? Is it possible to fix this problem myself? If so where is this Sensor/Switch assembly? Is this the solonoid pack I hear so much about malfunctioning? Also, how can I identify which transmission model I have?
Please Help. I am at my wits end with this vehicle.
Thank you in advance
Mike T.
This is another chapter in the continuing saga of the worst vehicle I have ever owned.
I have (regrettably) a 2003 Dodge Caravan 2.4L 4 cylinder. Aside from the routine maintenance of having various small parts replaced here and there. I have had continuing trouble from the transmission.
Once many years ago I had the TCM replaced, just recently when the transmission started making a squeaking noise, I thought it would be a good idea to change out the fluid. In the process of all this my clumsiness and ill temper lead to multiple stripped bolts on the transmission pan and I ended up having to take it to a dealer.
In the end I had to pay 1,600 bucks to get a leaky EVAP system fixed, a new water pump and tensioner (apparently they said this was the squeaking noise), and finally they fixed the problem with the transmission which was a new filter, seal and fluid.
Now less then 4000 miles and 90 days (within the limited warruntee period), I am driving around and the transmission starts to make a different noise. A rather bad one it seemed to me. Finally the vehicle accelerated madly and it appeared I was in neutral even though I tried placing the vehicle in 3,L,D, and R. I placed it in neutral and waited a moment then popped it into D again and was able to go a few hundred feet until the whole process repeated. I did this for about five miles to get the vehicle home. During all of this the CEL popped on.
When I finally had the vehicle in my driveway, I checked the Trans fluid and it seemed fine. I plugged in my scantool and pulled two codes off P0700 (Trans Control System Malfunction) and P0870 (Trans Fluid Press Sensor/Switch C Circuit).
The later is not even in my Haynes manual. Was this a new code introduced in a firmware upgrade?
So the big question is. Should the dealer be held liable for this? Is it possible to fix this problem myself? If so where is this Sensor/Switch assembly? Is this the solonoid pack I hear so much about malfunctioning? Also, how can I identify which transmission model I have?
Please Help. I am at my wits end with this vehicle.
Thank you in advance
Mike T.
#2
02-12-2009, 12:13 AM
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Near Sacramento,ca
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First I would ck to see if recall c13 was done, thats for the transmission wire harness. part number CEBOC130. this will cause a p0870 and p0871 code. If the harness doesn't fix the problem, then replace the solenoid pack. Did your squeaking sound come back? If it did, you may have a broken reaction plate on reverse / overdrive clutches.
