We have a transmission issue with a 1993 Chrysler town and Country van.?

Question

The van's tranny slips and sometmes won't go into gear at all. Have been told this may be a solinoid issue in the transmission. Is this a possibility? How much to fix? Worth it if all other stuff on the van works well?
THanks!

Answer 1

Sometimes the solenoid pack will cause those problems, other times the transmission will need to be replaced.



If the transmission is bad, the cost of repair will exceed the value of the vehicle. Because of the history of problems, most used auto parts dealers will not even sell that transmission.



The only real choice is a rebuilt unit, and you are looking at several thousand dollars for that.

Answer 2

Very rarely is a slipping issue linked to a solenoid. A solenoid is either on or off, slipping occurs when fluid pressure is not quite where it should be (usually from a lip seal leaking in the trans. This would also cause a sensation of the trans not going into gear. I would lean more to an internal issue than a solenoid pack. A reputable trans repair shop can overhaul your trans for around $1500, give or take. That should give you an idea. Don't waste time trying to put a 3 speed trans in it, because the computer that controls the engine will be confused by the lack of trans signals.

Answer 3

If you check the fluid and it smells burnt then it is slipping internally. If it is then at least you know it has to come out for repair or replacement. If you install a Mopar reman. and update the Transmission Control Module you can get out under 3000. But tell them to back flush the trans cooler and lines also. If you see alot of metal in the fluid on the dipstick, same thing.Don't put a 3-speed in it. That 4 speed was a fine unit. I repaired almost as many from transmission repair shops then from customers.That was a nice van and your not going to replace it for any good price. You can't access the Trans module through the dash codes unless they are common to the powertrain control module. Inthe hundreds of those I repaired only 2 or 3 had bad solenoid packs in that 41TE.

Answer 4

The solenoids are notorious for problems such as that. Your local dealer's parts dept. will know the number off the top of thir head as long as it's a 4 speed. They leak more than anything but it's the first place to look. The parts is about $250 retail. If it is the trans, you can go for a reman (the dealer and Jasper are close in price with the same 3 yr 1000,000mi warranty), or a local junkyard depending on how much you want to spend. The engines are actually quite reliable so it should be a decent investment either way depending on mileage.

Answer 5

Is the engine light on and are there any codes showing up bec if it's a transmission control issue there should be a code.



Try putting the key in the ignition then place it in the run position then turn it backwards to the aux position then back up to the run position then back to the aux position then back to the run position and leave it there.The engine light should be lit a second then it should start to light up again , example it flashes once then pauses then flashes twice in a row that is code 12= battery has been disconnected at some point of time within the last 50 to starting 100 cycles.When all the codes are finished or there is no more stored codes code 55 will show up.



Really you need to know if any codes exist and work from there but are the speedo and rpm gauges working on it or is the rpm gauge going up high bec it has only the basic gear and its in the limp mode?



If no codes involving the transmission relay circuit etc exist it could be a case of a worn out transmission or simply worn out transmission fluids or a dirty transmission filter.See Dodge uses a special chemical additive in their transmission fluids and it is designed to stop the kicking or bucking or slipping issues , plus can wear out and cause such problems.



Do yourself a huge favor and don't rush into spending any cash until you have several opinions or diagnoses bec those are misdiagnosed a lot.





Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way find out what the codes are and get back to me I can offer you much more help once I know what codes exist and if its the solenoid pack that could cost you from 250 to 350 bucks for parts and labor .

Answer 6

Easy way to tell, drop the trans pan, if there is a lot of material in the pan, you will need it rebuilt. And if the trans has never been worked on for a 93 the solenoid pack will need to be replaced anyway. As far as the trans costing more than the van is worth, can you afford a new van?

Chrysler mini van overdrive trans are very pricey and I would not have the neighbor hood trans shop rebuild it, Since the introduction of the over drive trans in the mini van, there have been over 125 updates to the trans, and the 3 speed trans is the popular choose of Chrysler trans mechanics, a lot easier and cheaper to fix

Answer 7

Ok you have the electronic transmission with a 3.0 L V-6 engine? You can find a used regular automatic non-electronic controls and install it. It will only be a 3 speed and your fuel mileage will drop some, but you will still have a driveable van.

Look for transmissions in Short wheel base vans, Dodge Spirits and Plymouth Acclaims

We have a 1993 Voyager with regular auto tranny, I would make a mojor repair in a heartbeat to it . It is a fantastic vehicle yet in very good to almost excellent condition. I would not put a lot of money into a rust bucket tho. .