I heard some really awful things about the transmissions of late model Caravans & Voyagers. Is that true? Would it be better to avoid ALL Chrylser vans?"
2007-11-29 16:36:37 · 12 answers · asked by Centurion1 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Chrysler
The problems with the Chrysler transmissions can usually be traced to improper fluid! If you put Dextron (even a pint) in the transmission, you can end up with the transmission going bad!
Use only ATF+4 and it is a great transmission!
The only other issue with the transmissions is sensor failure! If a sensor goes bad, it will put the transmission into "limp in" mode! This means the transmission stays in 2nd gear, and does not shift! If you drive for a long distance or at highway speeds in limp, you can damage the transmission.
2007-11-30 00:59:45 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
some early transmissions had problems, mostly assembly plant problems, back in the late 80's and early 90's. that has all been taken care of now. 90% of chrysler's bad transmission name comes from 2 places. one is lack of maintenance and improper maintenance. if you don't change the fluid or use the wrong fluid you have problems. number 2 is a complete lack of knowledge on how these things work. i cannot begin to count how many transmissions i have seen replaced because they needed a $20 sensor or $200 solenoid pack. they should only be worked on by a competent trans shop or a dealer. there is no reason to not buy a chrysler minivan other than if it looks like it has been abused or not maintained, and that goes with any vehicle.
2007-11-30 12:54:06 · answer #2 · answered by sprinkles 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
We have had two of them in years past, a '89 and a '94. We heard the same stories and even bought extended warranties in case we had transmission problems. Never did however. Ran both cars up to 100,000 miles or so.
2007-12-02 18:05:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lot of bad answers from some high point folks.
ATF +4 is mandatory. Anything else and it will destroy itself in 1,000 miles.
That said, I have been using DEX III for the life of mine. I use a friction modifier with every fluid flush. Mine went 167K before it snapped 3rd gear(failed weld). My tranny guy said it was the cleanest one he had ever taken apart. I flush every year.
I flush every year because the engineers at Chrysler didn't put enough fluid capacity in the tranny. The fluid gets very hot and breaks down. Most terminal failures are in the differential bearings. I suspect we don't get manny real tranny folks in here.
Me I just diagnose them and refer to a trusted shop and get feedback on each job. After all the people are my customers and I want to see that they are taken care of.
ASE Cert Auto Tech, 95 Neon, 96 T&C
2007-11-30 23:08:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
How late is late? Chrysler had a serious problem with transmisions on their mini vans in the 90's. I think the problem is largely resolved in the last 5 years. Still, we own a Honda Odyssey and I've been extremely happy with it and it's reliability. It's now got 130,000 miles on it without a hitch and still looks new!
Astrobuf
2007-11-30 00:41:25 · answer #5 · answered by astrobuf 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you are considering a new Chrysler..WHO CARES?? Warranted for life.
Oh, yes, drove a K Car for 265,000 miles and no problems, but did change the fluid every 50,000 miles with correct fluid.
Good Luck
2007-11-30 16:43:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You tell me. When is the last time you saw on on a rollback? They're not exactly rare. You probably know 20 people that had one.
I've had 5 chryslers, and I run them up to about 130,000 miles and then they're pretty much too worthless to fix anything on them. I've never had any transmission trouble of any kind.
2007-11-30 00:40:04 · answer #7 · answered by Firebird 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
there have been some problems with them,the shift solenoids don't work right in them ,some of them jerk hard when they shift ,or they shift too soft.their good vans but the transmissions are giving problems,its up to you if you buy one or not,i have seen a few of them lately that are giving problems,but i had one in today that shifted perfectly and the owner has never had a problem from it,i leave that up to you,good luck on it.
2007-11-30 00:46:26 · answer #8 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
My ex-employer had a fleet of 1996-99 Caravans and most of them had trannys replaced.
2007-11-30 03:16:31 · answer #9 · answered by harryb 5 · 0⤊ 5⤋
MOST OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE 4-SPD AUTO IS CAUSED BY INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE. THE MOST COMMON PROBLEM WOULD HAVE TO BE THE SOLENOID PACK (EXTERNALLY MOUNTED)ON FRONT OF TRANS. AND INPUT AND OUTPUT SPEED SENSORS(CHEAPLY PRICED @ AROUND $25.00 EACH) OTHER THAN THAT, PRETTY DARN RELIABLE!
2007-11-30 11:13:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋