I have a 97 Dodge Caravan I purchased in March of this yr. The mileage on it was 97kms. 10 days ago I put the van into the shop to have oil leak repairs (seals & gaskets ). Prior to doing so, I noticed a large pull of liquid under the front driver's wheel ( pink color ). I assumed it was coming from the transmission, so I had this checked as well. Well, it turns out there was a leak coming from the radiator which apparently contaminated the transmission. As a result I was advised the tranny needed replaced. It cost me $2000.00. Note, when I did purchase the van I took out an extended warranty to cover transmission problems. This problem was not covered because " the problem stemmed from the leak in the radiator , which was not covered under warranty " Can you please let me know if this is possible. I can somehow understand that the fluid from the radiator keeps the tranny cool. But, this seems a little far fetched. I feel I have been ripped off.
2006-11-16 10:49:47 · 6 answers · asked by ajm67 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
i own a repair shop,and here's what i think might have happened to it, it is possible for the trans fluid to mix with the coolant,but i have never seen the coolant get in to the transmission ,it does this through the cooler that is in the radiator for the transmission,but still i have been at this for 36 yrs,and i have yet to seen one do both, i just think the odds of this happening are a million to 1, and this one isn't it,,i think they might be taking you for a ride on this one,and that isn't right,id have another mechanic go look at it ,at there shop,and see what he says about it,,none of this sounds possible,i rebuild a few transmissions,and the price isn't right either,you need to find a good mechanic who's not afraid to speak out like i do,i don't care to tell another mechanic that there wrong if they are,but do this,and see what he says,i think there not telling you all the truth about it,,good luck,i hope this help,s.and have a good thanksgiving.
2006-11-16 13:29:37 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the advice given to you by the other responders. I have one suggestion for a logical argument augmenting the others. The radiator-integral transmission cooler IS part of the factory installed or replacement transmission. Since it is necessary for the operation of the transmission, if it leaks, it is a "transmission" problem. The garage told you the cooler leak wrecked the transmission didn't they? You will note that manual transmission cars do not have it. Furthermore if the radiator was leaking to the outside of the van, it was not leaking into the sealed trans lines. Frankly, I would not take no for an answer.
That said, I can hypothesize a scenario where the coolant-into-the-transmission could occur. Assuming the cooler had a leak, after turning off engine, the cooling transmission could actually produce a small vacuum. This could only occur if the trans fill tube (where the dipstick is) is sealed.
2006-11-18 10:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by db79300 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be the transmission, or something else. We own a 1998 Grand Caravan, the trasmission just blew last week, but the fluid was still pink, so we thought it was ok. however, the one we own has 280 000 kms on it, so ours was just old. What you might consider doing if it hasn't been repaired yet is take it to a non- dodge shop, have it completely checked over, then if it is the transmission, tell dodge you have had it checked, and it was the transmision. These vans are really weird. Our van was safetied to cross from Alberta to Sask., and it said the Transmission was good. That was 2 months ago.
2006-11-18 15:44:32 · answer #3 · answered by fuzzy p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This problem is very possible. The bottom of the radiator is the cooler for the transmission. If there is an internal breakage of the cooling fins in the radiator, the coolant and trans fluid could mix together and burn up the trans. Did they flush the cooling system to get the mixed coolant/trans fluid out of the rest of the system? If could definitely cause problems with the heater core also.
2006-11-16 19:03:26 · answer #4 · answered by my92odxjeep 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats a tough one. The Dodge caravan is notorius for failing.
However if the radiator failed and allowed coolant to be introduced to the trans. The warranty would not cover it. You see there are trans lines that go directly to the rad. and the trans fluid goes through a line inside the rad. the line inside the rad. failed. I have seen it before. only a few time's. Good luck.
2006-11-16 19:00:46 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMPOSSIBLE. TRANS OPERATES AT MUCH HIGHER PRESSURE THAN 13-16 PSI FOR COOLING SYSTEM. TRANS CLOSER TO 200 PSI. YOU BEEN RIPPED OF, GO TO COURT!!!!!!
2006-11-17 00:59:29 · answer #6 · answered by midnighttoker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋