Dodge Caravan Sport ~140,000 miles. Got a P0700 code and took it into my mechanic. The pulled a code out of the TCM indicating an electrical problem (solenoid or connection between the converter and solenoid), there's an issue with the torque converter 'engaging'.

They recommended replacing the transmission. I'm pretty sure that the affected parts could be replaced individually (yes/no?), however, given the mileage of the vehicle and the labor cost of dropping/installing the tranny + replacement parts, I'm thinking replacement as recommended is my best option.

The quoted me a price of $1900 to rebuild it.

Thoughts?

 

I don't trust transmission shops, they are the elite amongst the corrupt out there. Get in writing from them that the problems you discussed will be completely repaired to your satisfaction. Last time I made the mistake of trusting one the bastards rebuild the transmission and installed a new torque converter while leaving in the old valve body and they did no R&R of it either so I had a new transmission that had the same problem as the original and they refused to fix it unless I paid another $800+.

Transmission shops suck, they are detestable and the worst of the worst run them. Be VERY careful.

 

I hear you. I've been using the same mechanic for 7+ years now, so there are no trust issues here. I'm just weighing up the potential cost effectiveness of one or the other. They don't do the rebuilds on site but the work is guaranteed for 3yrs/36,000 miles.

 

I'll put it to you this way then, I wouldn't pull that transmission out to replace the torque converter without also rebuilding it. As long as you like the van and are keepingit for some time, it is a worthwhile investment.