My transmission will not engage why?

Most likely this is a failed pump and possibly a torque converter as well.

This is not uncommon on these units when they fail so I am attaching the process on how to remove and replace the transmission and converter.

Here is a video that will help with this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC7xHVMKLRw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vJAojsrfuU

Please review the material below and let us know if you have questions. Thanks

Reverse is not solenoid controlled, it is mechanical through the manual valve. In reverse the L/R clutch and the reverse clutch applies. Its loss suggests that some splines stripped on the shaft or the drum cracked.

Either way the transmission would need to come apart to repair it.

Sounds like you have two failures. Both a bad L/R solenoid and failed reverse clutch. When power is removed all the solenoids should go to default position. That should give you Park, Neutral, Reverse, and Second gear on the manual selector. If the L/R solenoid is stuck partly open you would lose reverse with the power cut. The flow diagram is reverse S4 is the L/R solenoid.

Not sure I should be thanked for that.

Thank you for using 2CarPros. Com Come back with any automotive questions.

Based on the symptoms you described for your 2005 Dodge Caravan, where there is no forward or reverse gear engagement and no limp mode, it suggests a potential issue with the transmission system. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Solenoid Issues: The TCM controls the operation of the transmission, including the activation of solenoids that engage the gears. If there is a malfunction or failure in the TCM or a specific solenoid, it can result in a loss of gear engagement. It's worth checking for any error codes stored in the TCM using a diagnostic scanner to narrow down the specific issue.

Internal Transmission Failure: While you mentioned there were no bad noises and the fluid appeared normal, there is still a possibility of internal transmission damage or failure. This could include issues with clutch packs, planetary gears, or other components. The presence of fine shavings on the pan magnet could indicate normal wear, but further inspection and potentially a teardown of the transmission may be necessary to identify any significant problems.

Mechanical Linkage or Shift Cable: Check the mechanical linkage or shift cable that connects the gear selector to the transmission. If it is damaged, misaligned, or disconnected, it can prevent the transmission from shifting into the proper gears.

If the final drive was faulty, the transmission should still go into gear, the out put shaft may have broken, it really sounds as if the transmission needs to come out and be inspected.

Yes, I do understand, but with what you are reporting, it does sound as if it is an internal failure, as you have line pressure (pressure not known but you have flow) no codes and the diff looks as if it sound, I probable would be looking at getting a scanner with live data, with this hooked up you can actually watch the solenoid's turn on and off, this will prove electrical connections are ok as well.

It sounds like you have a broken drive axle. Here is what I want you to do. Using a flashlight have someone get into the car and put it in drive. You carefully look under the car with the flashlight to see if either axle is turning. I have seen an axle break right at the outer CV joint in which case the car will not move and have the problem you are describing.

Please let us know what you find. I'm interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

Good morning,

It sounds like you may have a clogged filter in the transmission pan.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

I would start with changing the oil/filter in the transmission. beyond that it will be an internal failure such as seals that are hard from over time.

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

Roy

Sounds good.

Roy