Or will it keep running and then run out of 3rd?
Any Ideas.
Shoudl I start shoping for a tranny swap?
Any one have any idea how much they run?
Sorry About so many questions, but am worried, we use it for kids all the time.
Thank you

 

I guess it would be easier to know what other symptoms you are having, the check engine light should be on if there is no overdrive.

 

I am sorry I wasn't more specific.
The check engine light or any other warning light is Not on.
I noticed that the engine sounded very loud, specially on the highway, so I started paying attention to the transmission, and after repeated tests, I am sure that the tranny never upshifts once in 3rd.
Everything else seems to be working OK.

 

Probably a bad wheel bearing, sounds like the engine is racing but it isn't. If the engine rpms are around 1500 to 2000 at 55 mph then it is in 4th gear. If it were not shifting into 4th gear the check engine light would be on.

 

My van doesnt have an RPM gauge..
But I am almost certain that the tranny isnt upshifting into 4th.
Its not just the engine noise, but also the response..Now when I get on teh gas the response is very sudden..just like its in a smaller gear..
The check engine light is NOT on..

 

Does the check engine light come on when you turn the key to the on position?

 

My 97 has been doing the same thing off and on lately. My check engine light doesn't come on either. I don't have an rpm guage either. But I've got almost 200,000 miles on my tranny, figure it's about due for a rebuilding.

 

We have had Caravans since early 1990 and transmissions
have always been an issue.Last year our 92 GrandCaravan
tranny started acting up. Limp mode, slip,..etc etc.
I called a few local shops and got the old laugh.......
What do you expect with a van that old....
OBVIOUSLY you need a NEW transmission............

Being self employed and a son in college, I was not
about to drop 2 grand in someone's pocket.
I read up on the internet, I asked friends with Caravans
about tranny problems and repairs...........
I made up my mind to at least TRY a few things before
giving up. MORE than the ' Shops ' were willing to do

THE first thing I did was change the filter and fluid. I
removed pan and let fluid drip overnight. I used
ATF+3 as noted in manual...IMPORTANT

NEXT...... I replaces sensors...cheap $ 15
THIRD.....the fellow at Advanced told me to be sure
linkage is free, ESPECIALLY at top of tranny where
linkage high speed /overdrive switch get dirty
FOURTH... I checked radiator bottom where tranny
fluid gets cooled. Overheated fluid will fry a tranny
quick
LAST.......I drove van SLOWLY around my area.
I manually went through up and down shifts
several times. I removed NEGATIVE battery cable and
let van sit overnight.
My manual stated by going through shifts and
removing cable can help computer re set shift pattern

The next morning I attached cable to battery and
again went out in our area. I could feel tranny trying
to function and on my second stop sign, I felt
it kick in. Smooth as ever.
Not everyone may be as ' LUCKY ' as me but at LEAST
I tried to replace this or that ....about $ 60 total...before
giving up for a rebuilt.

 

What does your fluid look like? If it is burnt time may have come to overhaul. Are you sure you have the 4 speed trans and not the 3 speed. They used both that year.

 

My 1991 caravan with 250,000 kms on it, with a 3 liter 3 speed original tranny (never been replaced or rebuilt). It wasnt shifting right. So I took it into a tranny shop. all they said that it was the tranny kickdown linkage that is connected to the throttle cable at the throttle body, was out of alignment. He said it is a very comman problem on the trannys in these things. Alot of people bring their vans in thinking the tranny is shot......