Hello fellow MOPAR nuts,

I got a strange one here.
1997 Grand Caravan SE, 2WD 3.3L SFI OHV 6cyl, 4 speed trans.

I am getting no START, in the start position. Dash lights change, but no start.
Ive switched the relays and checked fuses.
I now suspect the PRNDL switch, and/or the neutral safety switch.

My problem, the book does NOT match the trans, nor do the parts I bought.
The book shows the PRNDL and Neutral switch unscrew from the front of the trans.
On THIS trans, it appears they are the same switch and mount in the top, and looks like there is no way to unscrew it.
The speed sensors, input and output, are in the correct place (I'm replacing them too), along with the cooler lines and solenoid cover. All these look like the Haynes book shows.
My 96 Grand Caravan matches the book.

Is it possible the trans was replaced with one from another year?
I know this trans was in the shop at one time, per the pervious owner.
Looking for any input.

Many Thanks,
EZ1

 

Thats because that transmission has a TRS not the old safety neutral switch. Does the engine crank over? If it doesn't, the starter maybe the problem.

 

Thanks MasterTech, Yes, the engine does crank and start, with a jumper wire from the solenoid to the battery.

TRS stands for... ???

So it is possible this trans is not stock to this van. Yes?
The guy I bought it from said he had it rebuilt at 120,000mi. It has 199,000mi on it now and he said it seems to slip at high speed (65mph) for a moment, then runs fine.
That's why I'm replacing both speed sensors.

I guess I can put the PRNDL and Neutral switches on my 96.

How can I ID this trans?
Does the VIN indicate stock trans type?

Thanks again,
EZ1

 

Fishing at atuozone.com, I found some answers to my question.
__________________________________________________ ________
41TE Automatic Transaxle

Vehicles equipped with this transaxle do not utilize a conventional neutral safety switch or back-up light switch. Instead, this automatic transaxle is equipped with a Transaxle Range Sensor (TRS), which is located on top of the valve body, within the transaxle assembly. This sensor performs the functions of the neutral safety and back-up light switches. To remove the sensor, the transaxle fluid pan and valve body must be removed.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

Oh, that sucks! Drain and remove the pan?!? Remove the valve body?!?!

MasterTech, do you have info on the pinout of the TRS?
I'd like to test it before I change it out. It should make simple continuity between pins correct?
All other functions seem to work. ei PRNDL indication and backup light.

I'm going to run the harness from the key down again and probe for power in the start wire, even though the dash lights change when in start position.

Knowing the starter is good, where else do you think I should look?


Thanks,
EZ1

 

1997 Grand Caravan 3.3lt

TRS location.



The other style PRNDL and Neutral Safety switch mount in the front.
As you can see, the transmission shop HACKED the fluid pan and the mounting bolt threads. Notice the nut holding the bolt in.





My worry is that all this dirt and debris will fall into the trans when the TRS is removed.
Not to mention trying to fit the hacked-up pan back in place and get it to seal again.




Moma's 97 Grand under the wrench.
Not a bad looking van for $400


EZ1

 

I have a '96 with 3.3 and EATX and I have/ had similar issues, I assumed it was the PRNDL switch (not too sure now) but I went and replaced the ignition electrical switch (no help). First, make sure the shifter linkage is correct, and then check for starting. If no go, open the PDC box under hood, locate starter relay and tap it a good one (worked for me, so far). What you may have and I as well is a bad starter, I am waiting for the next shoe to drop.