Hello.

Bought a brand new 2012 Grand Caravan. Love the van and hope it runs forever. Currently has 11k on it.

Anyway, my question concerns the transmission slamming into gear whenever we decelerate during it's downshifting. It's an intermittent issue and typically happens when decelerating from 35-45 to a full stop. We have babied it due to being our very first new vehicle and the longest drive was from Kentucky to Florida and back. This can also happen if the vehicle is both warm or cold.

Just want to know if this is normal or should I take it in to have it looked at. Thanks in advance.

James

 

Have it looked at. They will probably update the computer software. There are a fair number of similar complaints on several forums.

 

That are software update that "helps", And remember, do NOT use the Eco button. That feature makes ur Trans shift like a tow truck.
I believe these 6 spd trans was originally intended for Front wheel drive Trucks in Europe. They are Strong trans, but it shifts harsh.

 

Thanks for replying. Going to send it in this Tuesday. As a matter of fact, we do use the Econ Button but will probably turn it off. I assume that the computer tells the tranny to shift wildly in this mode to conserve gas mileage?

It's not the end of the world to have to listen or deal with the transmission slamming into gear, just worried that down the road it's going to give out which is money out of my pocket.

Thanks again.

James

 

As anyone would be. If you don't get any satisfaction and plan on keeping the van you might consider an extended warranty if you're still eligible.

 

I 2nd extended warranty. Tho I recommend people to bank those money and use it when problem arise instead.
The most common problems with Caravan are usually maintenance items like Brakes and such, not covered.
The Base 5yr 100k powertrain warranty is usually good enough. If there is a defect from the factory, problem will usually show up within that period.

 

To give an update, sent it in. They did do an update on the software though I have not tried the Econ button after the update.

The dealership gave us the same response as the forums. It essentially shifts from 3rd to 1st, skipping second which results in such a violent sound. This is all in the name of saving fuel, although if it shortens the life of my transmission, I think I will no longer use the function.

I would like to thank those who contributed to my discussion and I hope this thread helps those of us who purchased the wonderful Dodge grand caravan.

 

Giving a quick update after a few years.

So far this van almost has 30k on the engine with an alternator going out and replaced via warranty at 13k. Other than that, I couldn't be happier with the van.

In a year i'll post something around the 50k mark.

 

jamesjenkins101,

I'm sorry to hear about your shifting issues. I've had an opportunity to look into your symptoms further and, as @Cougar41 and @steak59 have posted, a software update can improve shift quality.

In addition, I have attached a section from the Grand Caravan User Guide that gives a few more details about the Eco Mode feature.

Take Care,

 

You need to look further into this issue. We did the up date but it does not hold for long and goes back doing the same thing.