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2002 Dodge Caravan Is it the Transmission

Tiny
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  • 2002 DODGE CARAVAN
2002 Dodge Caravan

2002- Caravan 113,000miles. I was driving down the road, slowly accelerating from the stoplight, and at around 35mph, while pushing the accelerator, the van wouldn't shift up nor would it accelerate. So, I maintained the speed of 35mph and made it to my destination. Since then, the van cannot be driven at speeds more than 35-40 mph. Does this mean my transmission is shot? Is it still safe to drive?
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Saturday, September 18th, 2010 AT 12:24 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
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IS the trans shifting?
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Monday, September 20th, 2010 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
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The transmission isn't shifting out of 2nd gear.
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Monday, September 20th, 2010 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
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Your trans is in what is called "safe mode". What happens is the computer has recognized a problem. To avoid further damage and to get you home or to a dealer, it will stay in that gear.

What needs to be done is the computer needs to be scanned to identify where the problem is coming from. Chances are there is a bad sensor or shift solenoid that is causing the problem. It could also be something as simple as a broken or shorted wire.

If the trans was working good and this happened all at once, chances are the trans is fine. Something electrical is most likely causing the problem.

Have it scanned and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 10:51 PM
Tiny
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The mechanic said that it was an electrical problem which caused the transmission fluid to not be pumped through the transmission. This caused the inside to get stripped out? He said he could get rebuilt 'inside' parts and reuse the outer part and it's going to cost 1600? I have nothing to compare with! Does this sound right? I know what it feels like when a tranny is slipping and this van showed no signs of that at all!
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 11:48 PM
Tiny
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I have to be honest, you lost me on that one. Nothing electric pumps fluid through the transmission. And what is stripped?

This is only my opinion and I am not there, but I would recommend another opinion because what you mentioned makes no sense to me.

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 12:33 AM
Tiny
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Oh that's just great. Thanks for the information. I am calling them back first thing in the morning. Stay tuned.
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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 12:41 AM
Tiny
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The mechanic said they were having to do a transmission overhaul. The selenoid pack needed to be replaced along with planetaries (sp?) Being cratered.
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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 9:03 AM
Tiny
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The solenoid pack (I think he is refering to shift solenoids) determine when the trans shifts gears. The planetary gears could have gone bad, but I'm not sure how the shift solenoids would have caused that. If they are bad, the trans wouldn't have worked properly if at all. Were you hearing any noise from the trans?
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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
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No noises from tran at all. The check engine light had been on for a while. Then all of a sudden, safe mode. If the solenoid pack was the issue, then why couldn't it have been just that. Couldn't they just try that first without involving the trans? I'm clueless about this stuff, that's why I'm here.
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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
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Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I had a death in the family.

As far as the trans, yes the TCM and solenoid pack can be checked before removing the transmission. As far as the check engine light, they should have been able to retrive a code from the computer identifying the problem. As far as the planatary gears, if they are bad, you should have heard them.

Again, sorry about the delay.

Joe
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Friday, September 24th, 2010 AT 10:44 PM

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