Hello all,
Just bought a 2013 Caravan, transmission ran smoothly until it hit around 5000 km's. Now when I shift into Drive from Park or Reverse there is a really loud 'Thud' that just isn't right.

Took it in and the Service guy said there were no codes on the computer so there isn't anything they could do. He told me there is probably pressure in the tranny so when I want to park it first put it in Neutral then put the parking brake on then shift it into Park.

This is their solution which is a pain in the ****, anyone know what the problem may be so I can tell them? I find the way the Tranny works to be unacceptable but would like some info next time I take it in.

Thanks,
John

 

this on a incline? are u taking it out of park into gear on incline?

 

It is definitely worse on when putting it into Drive on an incline, but sometimes happens on flat surfaces too.

 

Is your van part of the recall to have the Powertrain Control Module reprogrammed? It is supposed to improve shift quality. I just had my 2012 done last week and it does seem a bit smoother. I know what you mean about the thud. I had it happen a few times, but not regularly, and not at all since the reprogramming but it's only been 4 days.

 

This issue is due to poor programming for the transmission.. Most of the vans with these transmissions have these issues and the dealers cant do anything about it since there is no software to resolve it..

 

...but isn't that what the recall is for? Flashing the PCM to improve shift quality?

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-c...ol-module.html

 

I will let you know when/if I get the problem resolved.

Thank you,
John

 

Just had the van in last week for oil change, there was a Transmission Module update for my 2013 Caravan, they did the update, didn't have the loud thud for about a week, it is now back to the same problem.

I don't know what else I can do, I'll be calling the Service Manager, no use taking it in anymore to be told there's nothing we can do.

The last time I bought a Dodge was a pick up 30 years ago, it was a piece of garbage, looks like nothing has changed.

If anyone has a fix for this please let me know.

 

Just had my 2013 Grand Caravan in again for oil change and to check the Loud Thud when shifting into drive again. Service manage very apologetic and confirmed that many people are having the same issue, Dodge engineers are aware of it and 'hopefully' they are working on a solve. He said he's 95% sure it's a software issue so there's nothing more that can be done until an update comes out to fix the issue.

Regret buying this van but hopefully they'll have an update soon to fix it...