2011 Grand Caravan Trans issues begin!!!
Amateur
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia, Canada
I took my van in for it's 18,000 k. oil change, with my usual complaints about the heavy shifting CLUNK when in Econ mode, from 1st to 3rd, as well as the complaint about after stopping for a short time (going into a store, returning in 5 min.) there being a LOUD THUD shifting from P into D.
It's has all gone away! The trans shifts smooth and quiet, just like one would think it should, in all modes. I'm a happy camper now.
The Service Write-up reads thus:
Check for intermittent clunk on trans engagement
Scan for codes, no codes related to trans operation
Performed quick learn to trans controller
Road tested and shifts better now
So if you are having a similar problem, get then to do the "Quick Learn to Trans Controller" - I have no idea what this is/does but who cares,it worked for me!
So I now drive around using the "Econ" mode all the time. I know that the most valuable way to save gas is to go lightly on the gas pedal, but the (claimed) 4-5% savings using the Econ mode helps, too!
It's has all gone away! The trans shifts smooth and quiet, just like one would think it should, in all modes. I'm a happy camper now.
The Service Write-up reads thus:
Check for intermittent clunk on trans engagement
Scan for codes, no codes related to trans operation
Performed quick learn to trans controller
Road tested and shifts better now
So if you are having a similar problem, get then to do the "Quick Learn to Trans Controller" - I have no idea what this is/does but who cares,it worked for me!
So I now drive around using the "Econ" mode all the time. I know that the most valuable way to save gas is to go lightly on the gas pedal, but the (claimed) 4-5% savings using the Econ mode helps, too!
The shifting IS much better, but there still IS the odd "clunk!" in shifting from P to D, or from D to R.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
In the US call: 1-800-423-6343 (1-800-4A-DODGE)
In Canada call: 1-800-465-2001
Have your VIN number handy as they will need that. If they get enough complaints about the clunking transmission then we will get a solution.
In Canada call: 1-800-465-2001
Have your VIN number handy as they will need that. If they get enough complaints about the clunking transmission then we will get a solution.
Amateur
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Ditto. 18K mi I had the transmission re-programmed. Shifting is much more responsive but there is still a clunk with low speed shifting in both regular and econ mode. Not only can I still feel it, I can also hear it. The Dodge rep called to ask how my repair went as I called the 800#. I let them know this and requested to have someone call to speak to me about it. I'll post up more if I find out more.
Amateur
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia, Canada
Thanks for sharing that info; I look forward to any new findings. If it is common enough, we may make a difference. Would be nice if we remember the new Pentastar Caravans in a positive light.
Thread Starter
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Professional
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: North Monterey County
Well this transmission clunk is not normal...it eventually gets worse..Mine is at 23k miles and it is getting worse, has a random clunk, and very bad shudder.....I know its a transmission issue but DODGE just doesnt admit to it. My previous 2008 never had a single shudder ....
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
ECON MODE IN 2011 Grand Caravan
I have also noticed the hard shift when running in econ mode in the 2011 dodge grand caravan mainstreet edition..
I have also noticed that when NOT in econ mode it shifts just fine
The econ button is set to shift to higher gears faster than it actually should to reserve fuel..
If you run in town mainly, do NOT use econ button..However, if you do a lot of highway travelling the econ button activated at highway speeds does not have this effect..
In conclusion Use the button when doing highway travelling
& do NOT Use the button while in town
if you do not like the hard shift.
Hope this helps anyone reading
Jason
I have also noticed that when NOT in econ mode it shifts just fine
The econ button is set to shift to higher gears faster than it actually should to reserve fuel..
If you run in town mainly, do NOT use econ button..However, if you do a lot of highway travelling the econ button activated at highway speeds does not have this effect..
In conclusion Use the button when doing highway travelling
& do NOT Use the button while in town if you do not like the hard shift.Hope this helps anyone reading
Jason
Record Breaker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Forget Chrysler. File a complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the agency that issues safety recalls. Not a safety issue? I could list a dozen scenarios.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
The last resort!
Well gents, its been a long time since I posted last. Here is an official update. After struggling to get answers from Dodge in regards to my tranny's hard shifting, bouncing while in reverse and shifting at 5000 rpm when pulling a tent trailer, I have decided to retire my 2011 Dodge Caravan Crew( with only 12000 kms on it). I know not everyone can do this financially but with only losing $1,500 on my trade it was well worth the piece of mind! I am now the proud owner of a New 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 (Big Horn Crew Cab). With almost $12,000 in rebates and incentives and 4.49 % financing it was a no brainer! If you can, get out now do so! Nobody wants to pay for a dead horse and Chrysler isn't willing to do anything! Good luck to all involved and I assure you I will post any issues I have with my truck. Cheers Wade
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Well gents, its been a long time since I posted last. Here is an official update. After struggling to get answers from Dodge in regards to my tranny's hard shifting, bouncing while in reverse and shifting at 5000 rpm when pulling a tent trailer, I have decided to retire my 2011 Dodge Caravan Crew( with only 12000 kms on it). I know not everyone can do this financially but with only losing $1,500 on my trade it was well worth the piece of mind! I am now the proud owner of a New 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 (Big Horn Crew Cab). With almost $12,000 in rebates and incentives and 4.49 % financing it was a no brainer! If you can, get out now do so! Nobody wants to pay for a dead horse and Chrysler isn't willing to do anything! Good luck to all involved and I assure you I will post any issues I have with my truck. Cheers Wade
