Hello everyone

I have a few question I'm hoping someone can help me with.

The transmission is shot on my girlfriends 98 Grand Caravan. I don't have the money for a rebuilt, so I'm looking at the junkyard option.

First, what type of transmission is in this vehicle? My research says the 41TE, but I'd like confirmation on that.

Second, what years, makes, and models of vehicles use the same transmission as this van, such that I could pull from one and install into her Caravan without much extra modification or effort.

Third, how would I visually identify and verify that the transmission I'm looking at on the junkyard lot would work in the Caravan?

Fourth, and finally, when evaluating transmissions on the junkyard lot, what should I look for to help insure that I don't replace her bad transmission with another bad transmission (I know there are no guarantees)?


Thanks to everyone for any help, I need all I can get!!!!

 

MT would be better qualified to answer this but I believe only from 96-00. MUST be same engine size. If I recall correctly there was a range switch change in 1998 so you have to make sure all of the polugs look identical.

 

SUBJECT:
Service And Parts Information On 1999 Running Changes To Transmission Range Sensor
(TRS)
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin explains the changes that occurred to the TRS for the 1999 model year and
lists which parts are needed when service is required.
MODELS:
1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/LeBaron Sedan
1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
1990 - 1993 (AG) Daytona
1990 - 1995 (AJ) LeBaron Coupe/LeBaron Convertible
1992 - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Shadow Convertible/Sundance
1990 - 1991 (AQ) Chrysler Maserati TC
1989 - 1995 (AS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1993 - 1995 (ES) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1995 - 1999 (FJ) Sebring/Avenger/Talon
1996 - 1999 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1995 - 1999 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
1996 - 1999 (JX) Sebring Convertible
1993 - 1999 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/New Yorker/LHS/300M
1996 - 1999 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1997 - 1999 (PR) Prowler
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 41TE OR
42LE TRANSAXLE. THE FOLLOWING TABLE LISTS THE BUILD DATE (BY
MODEL) FOR THE TRANSAXLES THAT INCLUDE THE NEW TRS.
1999 MODELS ENGINE 1999 TRANSAXLE
BUILD DATE
10,000 DAY CODE
ON TRANSAXLE
NS/GS 3.0L/3.3L 9/25/98 or later 3573 or higher
NS/GS 2.4L/3.8L 9/28/98 or later 3576 or higher
NS/GS AWD 3.8L 9/29/98 or later 3577 or higher
FJ/JA/JX 2.0L/2.4L/2.5L 9/26/98 or later 3574 or higher
LH 2.7L/3.2L/3.5L 9/21/98 or later 3569 or higher
PR 3.5L 11/19/98 or later 3628 or higher

DISCUSSION:
A new Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) was designed for 1999 Model Year transaxles.
The original plan was to include these transaxles in 1999 vehicles at the start of
production, but was actually implemented as a running change during the 1999 model
year.
NOTE: EARLY MODEL 1999 VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH 1998 STYLE
TRANSAXLES. A JUMPER CONVERSION HARNESS WAS USED TO MATE
THE 1999 VEHICLE HARNESS TO THE 1998 TRANSAXLE TRS. FOR JA
MODELS, THE MAIN HARNESS CONNECTOR WAS CHANGED TO
DIRECTLY FIT THE 1998 TRS.
This running change can cause confusion due to the differences seen within the 1999
model year or when replacing a transaxle on older vehicles (1998 or earlier) with a 1999
model transaxle.
The following information will help technicians and parts personnel select the proper parts
when working with these different combinations.
Year 1998 TRS 1999 TRS
Part Number 41TE 04659559AC
42LE 04659492AC
41TE 04659676AB
42LE 04659677AB
Terminal Style Pin Terminals Blade Terminals
Physical Size Through Case Diameter Smaller Through Case Diameter Larger
Functionality Both Styles Are Wired And Operate The Same
Interchangeable NO
NOTE: THE EASIEST WAY TO DETERMINE WHICH COMPONENTS ARE REQUIRED
IS BY LOOKING AT THE TERMINAL STYLE OF THE TRS FOR THE
TRANSAXLE YOU ARE WORKING ON.
CAUTION: 1998 AND 1999 TRS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. THERE IS A
DIFFERENCE IN THEIR SIZE (THROUGH CASE DIAMETER).
The following guidelines will help determine which components are required when making
related repairs:
1999 Vehicle Needs A TRS Or Valve Body Assembly
· Inspect the TRS for terminal type.
· If the TRS has PIN terminals, order a 1998 TRS or Valve Body assembly for
service.
· If the TRS has BLADE terminals, order a 1999 TRS or Valve Body assembly for
service.
1999 Vehicle Needs A Transaxle
· Regardless of original transaxle type (1998 or 1999) a 1999 transaxle should be
ordered for a 1999 vehicle.
-3- 21-04-99
NOTE: IF THE 1999 VEHICLE HAD A CARRYOVER 1998 TRANSAXLE, THE
HARNESS JUMPER MUST BE REMOVED SO THE VEHICLE HARNESS WILL
CONNECT WITH THE 1999 TRANSAXLE TRS. JA MODELS DID NOT USE A
HARNESS JUMPER AND A 1999 SPLICE KIT WOULD BE REQUIRED.
1998 Or Earlier Vehicle Needs A TRS Or Valve Body Assembly
· Order 1998 components for the transaxle.
1998 Or Earlier Vehicle Needs A Transaxle
· If the applicable model year transaxle is ordered and received, no further action is
required.
· If a 1999 model transaxle is received for a 1998 or earlier vehicle, a TRS harness
splice kit p/n 5014473AA 41TE or 5014474AA 42LE must be ordered to modify the
vehicle harness.
NOTE: THE SPLICE KIT WIRE COLORS MAY NOT MATCH THE WIRE COLORS ON
THE VEHICLE BEING WORKED ON. THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE TRS
TYPES IS THE SAME. THE SPLICE KIT SHOULD BE INSTALLED WIRE FOR
WIRE OR PIN FOR PIN AS THE ORIGINAL CONNECTOR (FIGURE 1).
PARTS REQUIRED:
AR(1) 04659559AC TRS, 41TE (1998 and Earlier Pin Terminal)
AR(1) 04659492AC TRS, 42LE (1998 and Earlier Pin Terminal)
AR(1) 04864781 Valve Body, 41TE (1998 and Earlier)
AR(1) 04864780 Valve Body, 42LE (1998 and Earlier except Prowler)
AR(1) 5003353AE Valve Body, 42LE (1997 Prowler)
AR(1) 04659676AB TRS, 41TE (1999 Blade Terminal)
AR(1) 04659677AB TRS, 42LE (1999 Blade Terminal)
AR(1) 4897890AA Valve Body, 41TE(1999)
AR(1) 5012907AA Valve Body, 42LE (1999 except Prowler)
AR(1) 5003353AE Valve Body, 42LE (1999 Prowler)
AR(1) 05014473AA Splice Kit, 41TE (Modifies 1998 and earlier vehicle TRS harness to
be compatible with a 1999 transaxle)
AR(1) 05014474AA Splice Kit, 42LE (Modifies 1998 and earlier vehicle TRS harness to
be compatible with a 1999 transaxle)

 

i have the answers for this problem and it'll cost you under $200 for a good jy trans with warranty and less than 100,000 miles. let me know if i can help and I'll continue the post.

 

You can replace the transmission a 1996 1/2 to 2000. But you need to look at the trs pins and flex plate, along with the torque converter.

 

Master Tech - "But you need to look at the trs pins and flex plate, along with the torque converter"

Thank you for your reply Master Tech, where would I find these things?


sapporo -

Is that from any junkyard, or are you talking about something specific.


In general I have done my fair share of auto repair, but I am by no means a mechanic. I figure it out as I go along usually, and this is the first time I have ever done and work involving a transmission, excepting fluid/filter changes. So I'm swimming in deeper water than I'm used to. Thanks to everyone for your help!

 

need to know where you live, I'll look up and see if anyone has a trans for you, then I'll let you know what all you need to do and price.

I've been buying transmissions for 96+ 3.3/3.8 minivans for under $150 with 90 day warranty and under 100,000 miles. The last one I bought was only 45,000 miles for $135. it's now cheaper for me to just buy a JY trans instead of fixing them.

 

I live in southwestern Indiana. The Evansville area would be the best place to look. Thanks again!

 

Liberty auto salvage has one for $250 (you guys are a lot more expensive down there than where I'm at). if you go that route, make sure you get the trans wire harness (most all JY leave the harness on but make sure) you'll need to cut off a connector from your van and solder in a connector for the trans.

also are we assuming you have a 3.3 or 3.8 engine and not AWD?

 

Yes 3.3 FWD. Thank you. Are you saying I need to pull out the entire wiring harness, or just the harness that connects to the trans?