transmission trouble

DODGE CARAVAN
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PAUL SHORT
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  • 3 POSTS
Hello and thanks in advance for any help. I have scanned through and can't find a post similar to mine.
I have a 1995 dodge grand caravan se about 135k miles
3.3 liter v6
a604 transmission
I have no reverse, and have had a leak for a while, but have kept up fluid in it
trouble codes pulled by switching key on off are as follows
12
32
32
21
55
first, the 2 32's in a row baffle me. I have a feeling that the problem is in the solenoid pack. the two codes, 32 and 21, have 2 causes in common, according to my atsg manual for this tranny, 1 is solenoid(or internal solenoid pack) problem, or internal transaxle problem. also is hi/ low trans fluid, but that is not the case. At the moment I do not have access to the pressure gauge needed to check solenoids, but wonder if I am on the right track. I have been a little more than a shadetree mechanic for about 15 years, and never have anyone but me work on my vehicles, but am only just now thinking of diving into an auto tranny rebuild. I am hoping I don't have to, that I may be able to replace just the solenoid pack. Once again, am I on the right track???
Do you have any other recomendations?
Also, why two identical codes, does that mean anything?
Thanks so much for your help!
paul short
Apr 16, 2006 at 4:47 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
It is an internal transmission problem. that model has a tranny computer that needs to be set. If the codes won't go away, the tranny needs to come out. No reverse is a big clue.
Apr 16, 2006 at 6:06 AM
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PAUL SHORT
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In the above response, you said,

"that model has a tranny computer that needs to be set" ???

Do you mean they have to be set off by a problem, or that I need to erase and see if they come back? Also, My question was concerning....and I wasn't exactly clear when I asked on this.... When I do pull it out, should I be looking in the vicinity of the solenoid pack, or do I need to look at the reverse clutch? I have no metal shavings, and drive works fine, I have not been put in "limp in" mode. I am trying to find out if a jammed, clogged or broken solenoid could cause reverse to go out. If so, I may need to buy new one(s) as well as the rebuild set. With the tranny out, I see no reason not to rebuild the entire thing, but the set does NOT contain new solenoids. I would hate to take it out, replace any hard parts damaged, replace all the steel, clutches, and seals, put it back in, and STILL have no reverse!
Apr 16, 2006 at 1:57 PM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
It would save a lot of effort if you take it too a person with a trannyscanner to see if the solonoids are actuating. If you are getting no codes than the solonoids are OK. Chrysler trannys are hard to diagnose. If you have no reverse, it wouldn't hurt to buy the solonoid pack and try it but I suspect you have a bad reverse clutch. The miles are a little low for failure if the tranny has been serviced. If no service then its the right mileage for failure.
Apr 17, 2006 at 12:51 AM
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PAUL SHORT
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ok, finally had oppurtunity to do more. Tranny pan off, VERY little metal shaving, no more than I have seen in perfectly fine trannys b4. codes scanned from tranny remain same, 32 twice, and 21. Am blowing out cooler lines, replacing filter(somewhat dirty, but do have regular servicing, going to clean all elec contacts, and apply pressure to solenoids to see if they actuate, had to get plate and will have to remove valve bodies, this tranny has no diag for that otherwise, thanks for trying to help, and stay tuned, I may have another question!As soon as it stops raining that is!
Apr 17, 2006 at 7:39 AM
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