2001 Dodge Caravan 5th gear

Tiny
BIGÞFEET
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
Transmission shifts up to fourth just fine but when cold it might take up to 5-6 miles before shifting into top gear. On occasion, once warmed, it sometimes briefly down-shifts into fourth.
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 AT 7:13 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi:
Actually you have a 4 speed auto with OD. There could be a problem with the torque converter, or there could be a sensor problem. Has the check engine light come on?

Joe
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Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
BIGÞFEET
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  • 1 POST
Thanks for your quick response!
No other problem indicators. Seems linked to cold temps. Idling up to normal engine temp doesn't impact the problem. Starting drive I don't exceed 2000 rpm (45 mph) and it very gradually increases to 55 mph at same rpm. Once in top gear at 55, rpm drops approx 200.
Thanks again,
Bigà Feet
(Dodge Grand Caravan Sport)
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Based on your description, it sounds like a shift solenoid, but I can't be sure because a bad one will usually kick the check engine light on.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
SHIFT QUALITY QUICK-LEARN PROCEDURE
1. Shift quality quick-learn procedure must be performed to provide proper transaxle operation if any of the following have been done:
à   Vehicle battery was disconnected.
à   Transaxle assembly was replaced.
à   TCM was replaced.
à   Solenoid assembly was replaced.
à   Valve body was reconditioned or replaced. 2. Shift quality quick-learn procedure must be performed using Chrysler's Diagnostic Readout Box (DRB-III) scan tool. The following conditions must be met when performing shift quality quick-learn procedure:
à   Brakes must be applied.
à   Engine speed must be greater than 500 RPM.
à   TP sensor angle must be less than 3 degrees.
à   Shift lever must remain in designated position until prompted to shift to overdrive.
à   Shift lever must remain in overdrive after the shift to overdrive until scan tool indicates procedure is complete.
à   Calculated oil temperature must be 60-200 °F (16-93 °C). 3. Connect scan tool to DLC located below driver's side of instrument panel. 4. Using scan tool, select TRANSMISSION, MISCELLANEOUS, then QUICK LEARN PROCEDURE. Follow instructions displayed on scan tool to perform shift quality quick-learn procedure. Remove scan tool.
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 9:22 PM

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