Drive gear does not work

[dannmarr]

My wife's voyager does not go into drive gear when it's cold. Going into reverse is no problem. She has this problem every morning even after warming up. It eventually grabs after revving in neutral and switching it in drive. Is this a trans problem? Any ideas?

[Subafreak]

Well A: It's a Dodge, so yes it's a tranny problem.
B: Does it have enough fluid in it?
C: If yes to B, what does the fluid look like? If it's nasty try flushing it.
D: If C doesnt work, plan on gettinga new tranny.

Dodge trannies keep tranny shops in business.

[dannmarr]

It has a tranny leak, and the fluid looks like it has tiny bubbles almost like it's thickening . Would this effect the drive gear only? The problem started since the leak and I have been adding fluid once in awhile. If it is the trans, any recommendations on a minivan?

[Sov13t]

Recommendations on a minivan: Toyota or a Honda?

[Beav]

When you say 'drive gear' I assume you mean 'any forward gear' ? In other words, the same thing happens in 3,2&1? It does make a difference.

When it comes to A/T repair, especially FWD trannies, if it isn't external (linkage, electrical) plan on just replacing the transmission. It really isn't cost-effective to pull one out, tear it apart and only replace one or two parts. There's enough co-dependence in an automatic transmission to make a psychiatrist drool.

They all have their problems. I have some respect for Caravans, they aren't terribly inundated with foo-foo crap. Their base models and that four-cylinder are to be avoided like a $2 hooker. The 3.0 is probably the best bet (don't read that to mean 'perfect') but no matter which engine, you will eventually need a transmission, an a/c evaporator and front rotors. Beyond that there's the piddly stuff that goes bad on any make.

And there are things that go bad on Toyotas (evap, EGR, A/C, sensors, oil & coolant leaks) Nissans (six coils, six injectors, the same knock sensor as the SVX, a couple starters plus a crank sensor or two) and Hondas (start with a $700+ cam/crank sensor pack, progress to EGR, etc) - maybe not as many but they cost way more to fix. Plus their initial buy-in offsets a lot of repairs on a Dodge.

[dannmarr]

Yes, it happens in any forward gear. It's strange because it works fine for the rest of the day. Since I bought this van, I put over 100k on it. The only things I replaced were the front struts, brakes, rotors, battery & belts. Other than that, it has treated us good. My mechanic said he will take a look at it. Thanks for your inputs. Any other vehicle with a third row seating worth looking at?

[Subafreak]

Originally Posted by Beav

And there are things that go bad on Toyotas (evap, EGR, A/C, sensors, oil & coolant leaks) Nissans (six coils, six injectors, a couple starters plus a crank sensor or two) and Hondas (start with a $700+ cam/crank sensor pack, progress to EGR, etc) - maybe not as many but they cost way more to fix. Plus their initial buy-in offsets a lot of repairs on a Dodge.

What happend to the good old days when imports were reliable?




Oh yeah....they started building them in America.

[Beav]

Originally Posted by Subafreak

What happend to the good old days when imports were reliable?




Oh yeah....they started building them in America.

Naw, they succumbed to the same lame-ass financial management that we have. Try to provide too much cream for the top skimmers by pressuring the suppliers to come in with lower and lower prices.

[Subafreak]

Yes, very sad. The american auto makers are working pretty hard to improve their quality to "import" standards, but at this pace all they need to do is waite untill the imports get down to their level.

I wouldn't be suprized if the tables turn in the near future. That and every other auto manufactuer getting in bed with the other, you don't know what your really buying anymore or whats "import" or "domestic" The only thing really separating them is the names on the car. It really dosn't matter anymore.

[dannmarr]

My mechanic took the van to his trans specialist. It looks like a seal leak inside the trans, it has a loss in pressure. He said I can still drive it for awhile. Should I just pay him $40 for his inspection or go for $700 to pull the trans and change all the seals inside? Or buy another van? My van has 120K miles on it. I know what you said Beav, any other thoughts before I make my decision?

[huck369]

Originally Posted by dannmarr

Yes, it happens in any forward gear. It's strange because it works fine for the rest of the day. Since I bought this van, I put over 100k on it. The only things I replaced were the front struts, brakes, rotors, battery & belts. Other than that, it has treated us good. My mechanic said he will take a look at it. Thanks for your inputs. Any other vehicle with a third row seating worth looking at?

How about a Tribeca.....just don't look at the front end

Flat 6 power for the win....

[Beav]

I guess it all depends on what the van is worth to you and how much it would cost to replace it. You have a known entity at this point, a new vehicle is a totally unkown entity.

I wouldn't be surprised, given the mileage, that once the tranny is cracked open you'll be told that it would be a good idea to go ahead and rebuild it completely.

[dannmarr]

I traded it in for a 2006 Dodge grand caravan. 12K miles on it, bucket seats, TV, stow away seats, tires for life, 5 YR road hazard, free shuttle to work during oil changes, gap insurance, 5 YR bumper to bumper, free car rental, free tire rotation and free inspections for life. I got it at a steal after haggling for 3 hrs. $14k with the trade.

[Beav]

Good for you! Nuttin' like a new car!

[dannmarr]

Thanks! My wife gets a new car and I'm stuck with a 14 year old Subaru. but then again.........