I am getting a downshift clunk around 25 mph when I am stopping?

MNDAVE0002

MEMBER
2002 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
121,550 MILES

Hello I manage a retirement apartment building. And help many older people with things like this with spare time. This is what one says:

I am getting a down shift clunk around 25 mph when I am stopping. If shifted into neutral during braking it does not do it. I am planning on replacing the transmission filter, do I need to replace the fluid with Dex 4, or synthetic? Would this also explain the fact that when I start cold and go from reverse to drive (or visa versa) that I have no transmission engagement right away. Also when I stop the engine has to get to 2000 rpm to engage the transmission again? After it warms up it engages better?
Also when I do these repairs or advise. Were can I get pictures and instructions online for free. Some of these people have money but all are very tight with it lol

2 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Fluid should be chry ATF +3 or better don't use dex check CV shafts

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Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 AT 1:14 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

To me it sounds like you are correct that I would start with a transmission service with a new filter, also I have seen the input shaft sensor cause this issue as well so if the service does not help I would swap the sensor out, it can be off enough to cause the problem but not enough to trigger a trouble code FYI. Here is a guide to help you and I have included how to do the job and the sensor location in the images below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Pour four quarts of Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type 9602 through the dipstick opening.

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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