I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE with FWD. Lately it seems to get "stuck" in second gear. It did only once or twice during the summer but now it seems like every morning. When I start it and put it in gear, it engages smoothly like normal. Then after 2 or 3 blocks as I stop at an intersection and then try to go, it will start out in second gear and stay there. I'll come to a stop, put it in neutral or park and then back to drive and it will clunk into gear hard. Reverse too. If I shut it off for a few seconds, it will go into gear normally, then do it again at the next stop. Then after a little while, it will shift normally for maybe the rest of the trip. Is this what "limp" mode is? If it is in limp mode, wouldn't it shift through first, then second and stay there? The check CEL is on but from having the AC compressor disconnected. Today I replaced the output speed sensor and reset the CEL by disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes. It did the same thing once, then I haven't been able to repeat the problem. I will go have the codes pulled tomorrow at an auto parts store. I am wondering if the input speed sensor might be bad too? And also if was actually in limp mode?

Thanks,
Flatfoot

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you guys its a 3.3L with a four speed transmission. Also the fluid is bright red with no burnt smell at all.

Thanks

 

sounds like limp in to me. sounds like you need to put an input speed sensor and a solenoid pack in it. autoparts store cannot tell you actual transmission problems. you need a real scanner to read the actual transmission codes. or you can bring it to me and I can connect my real scanner and solve all your problems.

 

Will try a new input speed sensor this weekend. Also will try to find a place where they can try to pull the actual transmission codes. I dont know if this is related but this morning after messing around turning the key off and on and starting and stopping the engine several times, the fuel gauge would read empty and then 1/4 and then empty again. I know it was at least 1/4 full. Would this also have something to do with the speed input sensor?

Thanks

 

I can scan transmission codes. IDK how transmission has anything to do with fuel gauge. I do know that throwing another sensor at it may or may not fix the problem. What will fix the problem is having someone of quality diagnose and fix it. I could do that for a fair price.

 

I have found someone with a "real" scanner and they will pull the transmission codes this weekend. If it is a speed input sensor and/or a solenoid pack, "a person of quality" will install these parts "at a fair price." And that person will be me.
Thanks

 

well at least I offered to help you. I'd scan it for free and I have parts available.

 

Well I took a chance and decided to replace the speed input sensor without having the codes pulled. Turns out that was the problem and all is fine. Sometimes one can get lucky. Now I'm gonna run out to buy a lottery ticket to see if I'm on a roll here.
Thanks