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Question

I have a 1996 Dodge Caravan SE and every once in a while the engine bogs down and the RPM's are going higher even though my speed isn't. Is this the transmition slipping into L3? When it does this my windshield wipers go on to for no reason...is this related or is the car just dying a slow death? It has 110,000 miles.

Answer 1

Sometimes the transmission will downshift a gear if you give it more gas, or when under cruise control in hilly areas. If it is merely downshifting, your transmission is behaving correctly. If it is slipping, you've got a problem. Usually with a downshift, the RPM will make a sudden jump rather than just creeping up.

The windshield wipers are caused by a short circuit in either the wiring or the wiper switch itself. It's not related to the transmission behavior.

Answer 2

first off you may have a transmission problem,,but it does no cost a fortune to fix it,,you can buy a good used one with low mileage on it,and have it put in,,As for it slipping it sounds like it might be,,and the wiper switch coming on,,means the switch is going bad,,it and the transmission ,,,are not related,,when it comes to the trans acting up,,and it shouldn't cost over 1500 bucks to get that one rebuilt,,i own and operate a repair shop,,and have done so for 35 yrs,,and never seen a transmission for a caravan be that high,,and 110.000 miles that isn't bad mileage,,i worked on one that had 400.000 miles on it,,and it was still going good,,and it was rough looking vehicle,,so don't give up on it yet,,i hope this help,s

Answer 3

You have transmission problems! Caravans are FAMOUS for there sh*tty transmissions. Matter of fact I replaced one 8 days ago and it was not the first one Ive seen.
However, if you made it 110,000 miles then youve done better than many others.
3798.09 was the price parts and labor to replace the trans.
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