Check engine light came on and had it scanned. Threw a P0868 code, Low Transmission Fluid/Low line pressure. Took it to a transmission shop i have used before and they said this is common for these transmissions and they are suggesting the transmission needs to be replaced. Van has 130,000 miles on it. The transmission has always done weird things in the past like hard shifts and such but never threw and error. Had the transmission serviced about 2 years ago at around the 100,000 mile mark. no issues showed up then. Replacement will be around $2500.

1. is the correct step to go ahead and replace the tranny or are there any internal parts that can be fixed.
2. Mechanic said we can leave as is and it might not come up again or the tranny could go at any point.
3. With the van having 130,000 miles on it, is it worth the money to fix it or should we look for a replacement.

Thanks for any guidance.

 

1) Did they actually perform a diagnosis or did they pull the code and tell you it needs a transmission based on that? Were there any other codes? It may be worth it to get a 2nd opinion from another shop. There’s multiple causes - electrical and mechanical - that can cause this code. IMO, If you’ve experienced intermittent shifting problems in the past, that’s uncharacteristic of a transmission needing replacement. When the mechanical components begin to fail, it tends to be consistent (such as a hard up shift no matter if it’s cold or hot and regardless of speed/engine load). The overall condition of the transmission needs to be assessed before replacement is considered - if this shop tells you it has to be replaced based on one code, see what another shop says.

2) This statement reinforces my answer to your first question. An experienced mechanic (and transmission specialist at that) isn’t going to tell you it needs replacement and in the very next breath suggest it could be OK for a while. This makes it sound like they either don’t know what’s going on or they might be trying to scare you off by giving you a high price because they don’t want to fix it.

3) The question is better phrased “Is it worth it to you?” Is the rest of the van (engine, brakes, suspension, body) in good shape and well maintained? If so, there’s no reason to think it doesn’t have another 130k to go. However, if it has several oil/fluid leaks, the steering and suspension is in need of major repair, the body is rusting out, and it’s been having problems with the accessories, then it’s probably not worth repairing. If it helps, Kelley Blue Book lists a 2013 with 130k in good or better condition (well maintained) at about $7,300 - $10,500 at a dealer (I entered the options for my van - go to their website if you want a more accurate listing).

Even assuming it has to be disassembled for repair, a good transmission shop should be able to do a rebuild for less than the cost of a replacement. That’s assuming the mechanical components are in good enough condition for re-use as appropriate.

 

Well I can tell you from first hand experience with P0868 code on my 2013 GC I ended up with having to rebuild my transmission. Similarly last year I had my transmission serviced 100,000 miles at the dealer replace trans cooler lines leaking and changed oil and filter. Unfortunately at 128,000 miles after getting home from over an hour long trip jump in the van a couple of hours later only to make it about 200 yds from the driveway when the transmission started whining turn around before I made it back CEL came on with P0868 code. Being a transmission issue I checked the fluid level with my oil dipstick just to verify if there was any fluid in transmission and there was next morning I called a reputable transmission shop that does a lot of dealer work. Upon describing the transmission symptoms he said the highly probable cause was a torque converter failure and the debris was clogging up the oil filter and starving the transmission of fluid. The 62TE has notorious for having these issues over the years on average he said the 62TE is good for around 130,000-180.000 miles. He said the only viable option was a transmission rebuild there could be other shops that might try some half *** patch job but he doesn't as he guarantees all his work for one year unlimited mileage. The rebuild included new torque converter master rebuilt kit with new updated low compound drum latest transmission software update.

Is it worth to rebuild your transmission depend entirely on the condition of your van mine is in good condition new brakes front an back and new struts and shocks no rust plus it has quite a few options. Basically 2013 GC range from 7,500 -11,000 depending on model and area.