I'm working on a 1999 Caravan for my sister in law. When the van is in park, the accelerator works as it should, van revs up no problem. When I put the van in drive the accelerator gets very hard to push. If I push hard on the accelerator, it kicks the van into neutral. I'm guessing maybe a kickdown cable or something, but like I said in a previous post, I'm a diesel guy and I'm not good with these small 4cyl gas jobs. Any info on what I should look for will be greatly appreciated.

 

Motor mount?

 

I originally thought the same thing, but I can make it do it with the van shut off with just the key turned forward.

 

W/O engine running, put trans in drive, mash the accelerator to the floor. If the trans pops into neutral. Let us know if this happens.

 

Remove the kick down rod or cable to the kick down lever on the transmission. The 3 speed transmission had a problem with the shaft on the kick down on the valve body.It would sized and cause the transmission to move the shifter lever to neutral.

 

Yes it pops into neutral.

 

Is this something I can fix, or do I need to take it to a transmission shop.

 

You might be able to fix it. But I don't know what your level of mechanics is. If this was my issue, I would start with something really simple and use a penetrating lubricant such as PB Blaster. I would start saturating the kick down shaft where it comes out of the shifter shaft then I would disconnect the shifter cable and the kick down cable. Then I would use my hands and continuously move both the shafts back and fourth while continuing to liberally spray penetrating oil. If that doesn't provide a satisfactory resolution, probably would be best the seek professional service.

 

I should seek professional help for taking this van on. I'm pretty effecient in the garage, tonight I'll try moving it like you said, I'm wondering also if maybe the cable might be stuck?

 

I wonder if you can check a cable for being stuck? take off one end, push and pull, if it moves easily it isn't stuck? I'd think?