Code red, my manual shift mode feature on my 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan as stopped working. Dealership confirmed failure and found tranny fluid to be burnt only 28000 miles after complete flush (Van currently has 106000 miles). They believe the transmission compounder(?) failed, and are recommending a transmission rebuild/replacement. The van works fine in regular auto mode for now. Any thoughts?

 

Does transmission fluid actually smell burned? Or is just a light brown-which is normal. I am not a transmission expert, but I would think the transmission is good general condition if it works good in the auto mode. A good Mopar tech with the proper scan tool should be able to tell you why it doesn't work - not just you need a new transmission. Good Luck.

 

The dealership tech said the fluid was black, thought it was the original fluid with 106k on it, not 28k. I really like the van, but my wife is ready to jump ship versus paying 3-4 k for a new(rebuilt) transmission.

 

Well I called Chrysler about helping with covering the costs, especially since the transmission had been worked on under warranty(though a different problem) and apparently I only meet 2 of the 4 requirements😡 So the battle begins.