1998 Dodge Caravan Shifting

WELDERMOM14589

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
156,000 MILES

My problem is virtually the same as one that another has asked, but I'm clueless as to what your answer refers to as I have never heard the terms before. My 98 Grand Caravan shifts fine until it warms up, then won't upshift from first gear. As the other person stated, once it cools down the cycle repeats and reverse is fine. Your response to their question was this:

Question: 1997 Dodge Caravan mileage: 57,000. Just recently my service light went on. It shows a code 45 "turbo boost problems" I found out. The car shifts fine when its cold, but it quickly just stays in first gear and does not shift into higher gears. After it cools down for a while, it shifts, but quickly resumes staying in first gear. Reverse is fine. Any clue before I go looking around for repairs. Thank you for your time.

Answer: A boost pressure that is too high causes a turbo boost problem. Check the waste gate as it may be hanging up causing the over boost.

My question is what is a "waste gate" and where the heck do I find it?

6 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Lets put the waste gate aside for know
can you tell me if you have a check engine light on and if so
this is what need to be done 1st
u have to get the codes
cycle ignition key on off on off on
with in 10 seconds or less
read P codes in the odometer area

let me know what you have for codes

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Saturday, December 27th, 2008 AT 9:58 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

also I would suspect and common is the input and out put speed sensors

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Saturday, December 27th, 2008 AT 10:02 PM

WELDERMOM14589

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3 POSTS

My "Service engine soon" light is on and every attempt made to retrieve codes by your instructions has produced no codes anywhere. Will I need to visit an auto supply store or garage and have them use a scanner to retrieve the codes and if so, is there normally a fee attached for that service? I also am wondering about the input and output sensors you mentioned. If that might be the problem, how difficult would it be to replace on my own or would it be something that needs to be done at a garage? I also need to mention that the filter and fluid has been replaced as a precaution. (Tried the simple fix first)

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Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 12:52 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
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Most local part store should be able to help you retrieving the code s
its not a bad job to do them sensors and relatively easy to do
I would retrieve the codes 1st

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Monday, December 29th, 2008 AT 4:29 PM

WELDERMOM14589

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Your right, Autozone retrieved 8 codes for me at no charge. They are: P0700, P1698, P0760, P1787, P1784, P0134, P0135, P0141. As I understand the brief explanations that came with the codes, the first 5 are about the transmission and the last 3 are about an oxygen sensor. I've spoke with a local mechanic and he suggested that they are general codes and that it needs to be put on the diagnostic machine strictly dealing with the transmission in order to be more accurate as to the problem. I relayed the possibilties you suggested may be the problem and he agreed, but also suggested the possiblity that I may need a new transmission or rebuild this one, all depending on what the diagnostic says. Any help you can give is MOST appreciated I assure you. I may be a female, but I'm not stupid when it comes to vehicles. I paid VERY close attention when my exhusband, (a genius with cars) would explain and work on our vehicles as well as others, so rest assured that I will take your advice seriously. Thanks so much for all your help so far.