Questions and Answers

Dodge Caravan Has Some Shifting Problems
Q. Vincent, A friend of mine has a 1994 Dodge Caravan 3.0 liter V-6, 3 speed automatic transaxle. It wouldn't shift right and was two quarts low on transmission fluid. He added two quarts of Dexron III and still shifting problems.

I changed the filter and adjusted the bands and put in ATF+3 fluid and adjusted the throttle pressure rod. Still it has Reverse, Low and Second. It hangs in Second and if you go fast and let it seems to go to Third but when you press on the gas it goes back to Second. It has 112,000 miles on and this is the first service to the transmission. Any clue???

Thanks,
Chuck

A. The first thing you need to do is check the computer for any codes to see if it is an electrical problem. To do that check Diagnostic Trouble Codes. If there are codes we will have a better handle on finding the problem.

If there are no codes, and from what you've said you have done, I think that's about all you can do at this point. With the fluid level as low as it was, the clutch packs have probably burnt out and the transmission needs to be removed and rebuilt.

I did get your previous e-mail but I am so backed up that it is taking me a while to catch up.