I have a 98 dodge caravan that recently seems to have entered limp mode. It starts no problem, the check engine light does not come on, upon putting it into drive it clunks into 2nd. I have read on many sites the first thing to do is check and change the fluid. I cannot locate the transmission ground, as if there isn't one so we added one and same thing, then upon climbing under to change the fluid we noticed the front transmission/motor mount has torn rubber and is damaged. Can this cause my problem? I also have had intermittent problems with my dash cluster where all gauges don't come on with the car but then start working so I believe my problem may be electrical. I replaced the PCM about a year ago. oh and how would i reset my TCM if need be? Any help is appreciated... i will also mention my battery terminals were severely corroded and replaced during this problem.

 

Welcome to DF
First I would try to pull codes out of the TCM and see if you come up with some codes to guide you to the problem.

 

okay so we changed the motor mount it was the front one. It is allot smoother but still takes off in 1st, shifts hard into 2nd, then slips no 3rd. What tool would I use to get codes from the TCM? Thanks

 

I use the DRB3 at the shop to check for codes. But what you are saying what the transmission is doing, Sorry the problem maybe inside the transmission. Once you loose 3rd gear the transmission will give you bad/harsh shift, thats because the transmission is going into limp in.

 

I just hooked it up to an OBD II and received only code p0731 when i tried to get enhanced codes it said it failed and i needed to check the ignition. I am now wondering if that could mean my TCM is bad? Is it typical for just one gear to be out of ratio? Taking it to a shop soon...

 

P0731 is a gear ratio error in 1st. I'm sure you have more codes than just that one code.

 

A shop can pull the TCM codes for a more detailed evaluation of what is going on. TCM or transmission codes are a completely different set of two digit codes that have to be read with a scanner capable of reading them. They can tell you if the TCM is bad. I've read they can also read the Clutch Volume Index (CVI) numbers to determine clutch wear which can lead to ratio codes.

 

The shop hooked it up to dtc reader and said it is for sure electrical. He then had it driven around the block. So... he said my transmission solenoid is out. I will let you know what happens as soon as it is replaced.