I have a 96 caravan 3.0, and replaced the transmission about 4 years ago. Now we have the problem that when we start the engine, the transmission works ok, but as soon as it warms up, we start losing gears, including reverse.

We have had it once that the van drove on the highway, and it started to act up, losing speed and when we stopped, we couldn't get back on the road. Once the transmission cools off, it seems to start to function again.

My idea of the cause:
- bad solenoids
- cooling problem (lines)

I have tried to find valve bodies, but wonder if the valve body is the auto solenoid unit. Sorry, I am a noob about transmissions, but do know how to replace it.

Any help is appreciated as I am going to donate this vehicle to a family in need of a vehicle. I just need to make sure it will run good.

Thanks,
Michael

 

Do you have a check engine light.

 

What is the condition and level of the fluid? Color, smell and low levels are good signs of tranny wear.
When was the last time you changed out the fluid and filter?
Is there an added cooling source? ie...small coolers are a blessing for ALL model transmissions...Has your engine been running cool? If you are running stock cooling with the tranny lines to radiator and the rad is insufficent in proper flow, it could cause your transmission to run hotter than normal which attributes to sticky valves.

Clogged filter can also restrict the flow which will almost always fry a tranny...I have always had good luck with a tranny flush consisting of Seafoam's Trans Tune. It helps free sticky valves and conditions seals.

add full can of seafoam. Run vehicle for at least a couple weeks. If this does not improve, then try flushing tranny by removing the cooling lines and running tranny in gear while holding brake till the lines empty...this is a 2 person job as you need eyes on the lines to stop engine as lines empty to insure you don't overheat the transmission. then reconnect lines and add fluid and a new filter....if you check you tube, i am sure you will find a vid on how to...
If after all that still not better, then you can try changing out the solenoid and sensor..

This is just my personal results and by no means the answer to your specific problem. Regular maintenance with proper fluids will always extend the life of any moving part...

Good Luck and Keep us Posted...

ZJ

 

Do you have a 3spd or a 4spd transmission? If you have overdrive, its a 4spd. I would start with a transmission fluid and filter change if you haven't done one. I have the shop manual for the 3spd if you would like it, I'm in the process of rebuilding one right now. I would also PM mastertech on the forum here. I have always heard that you shouldn't add additives like seafoam to the transmission - be careful!

 

Thanks for the replies.

It is a 3-spd with no additional cooling. We changed the fluid and filter a few days ago, but I have to ask my stepson how the fluid looked like. I know we drove it for about 30K on good fluid.

I will try to see how the van runs on short distance and see if the fluid made a change. Will keep you posted on the progress

Thanks,
Michael

 

Wouldn't it be easier on the transmission to drain it from the pan and the torque convertor, rather than running it out of fluid?

 

If the filter was replace by your steppson, was the gasket install conected on the filter?

 

So after talking to my stepson, he mentioned that the fluid was dark brown, and the filter was so bad that blobs of fluid came out. He also said that there were some small shavings of copper or brass loose in the pan.

So, having the fluid and filter replaced was needed, and probably again in 5-10k miles, but more importantly is why it happened after 30k miles.

It sounds to me that there is a cooling issue, but I am not sure just yet. I will have to take a closer look.

Mastertech, I am not sure what you are asking, but the cork gaskets on the filter were fine, dirty, but all in one piece.

 

i think what mastertech wanted to say is this....the filter has a oring gasket that you need to push it and it may be missing or not put in properly. this could lead to 2 things. one allowing unfiltered oil to go to tranny or 2nd possible filter droping out and causing one. i might be wrong but i think thats what he meant.

 

Hhmm...that I don't know as I bought the remanufactured transmission with the filter already installed.

Forgot to mention that we don't have a CEL. We are going to drive it a bit around and probably get the filter and fluid changed again as I can imagine that the TC has a bunch of nasty fluid as well.

However, we still need to figure out why it happened.