99, dogde, grand caravan,auto trans,3.0 engine. Three forward gears, no reverse. Help, how do i fix this prob?

Question

I have trans fluid in, but there is a leak when reverse is engaged, a grinding noise, and no reverse. I already know i should take it to a mechanic, but i really don't need to get worked over for this, so any estimation on the price for the fix would be helpful. Wife and I are expecting a child in late autumn and though we both work full time (all the time!) money is still really tight Is this the kind of job that i should just take my lumps?

Answer 1

The reverse clutch is certainly suspect because it it only needed for reverse gear. You might test the hydraulic pressure at the reverse clutch port (third from the front, using a 300psi gauge, putting the trans in reverse, using the brake to lock the wheels, rev the engine to 1500 rpm, see if it reads 165-235 psi). If it didn't that would show a clutch circuit leak, but then you would still be faced with overhaul to find such a leak. You could also do the air pressure test on the reverse clutch to test whether it functions, but if it didn't then that would point to an overhual. Passing those two tests would suggest the clutch is worn out.

Answer 2

Sorry about your Problem, I hope I can help. If you have any automotive experience. First, pull out the TX dipstick. Then check to see if the fluid is red in color. You can hold it to the sunlight or wipe it on a piece of paper. Next smell the TX fluid, does it smell burnt? If it brown in color and has a burnt smell then you can be sure that it is bad. Your next step is to pull the TX pan. Look for any large metal particles or fine metal shaving. Now while your are in the pan check the TX filter. When this fun is over and if moneys tight. Get a friend that knows a little about cars. You can get a TX from a junkyard for about $50.00 inspect it as described above. The job is really simple if you have the guts to try. It will take about 1 1/2 days, that depends on how you work and what your friend knows. If you decide to go this route, look for a wrecked van first. You can bet it was running. Even if you paid the friend $100, your total cost will be around $200. You can get free TX removal and installition at Autozones web site.

It's just something to think about.



I'll be thinking about the leaking part of your problem.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

i actually just had a customer who had this exact same problem... what was happening was all his forward gears were good, but the reverse gear was chattering and slipping, we determined this by road testing and DRB scan P0736, for gear ratio error 3rd. so we needed to either overhaul it which would have cost him like 2,100.00 for we replaced it with a used transmission, the tranny was baout 650 and we up sold it 100 dollars, then the book pays at leats 10 hrs for this job, so figure the labor out that way, we charge $85.00 per hour so that would have been $850.00 plud $650.00 for the trans. It's not too bad if you wigh out the pro's and cons,



i generally dont suggest doing an overhaul on the transmission if there is debris cought in the valve body or the pump, you never get all the metal out of it completely so later on down the road you may have more problems.





hope this helps

Answer 4

99 Caravan

Answer 5

I'd say the reverse clutch also. I do know that with that/those particular transmissions, there is also a problem with the differantial. I'd recommend taking it to a trany shop. I send all my trany problems to Cottman Transmission. They do a really super job and it carries a nation wide warranty.

Answer 6

thats really a problem. we had a 96 town and country (same model) and replaced the transmission at 80k and again at 150k. that generation of van had really bad transmissions. we had a full replacement the first time an i think it was around 2500-3000. the second time it was just a partial replacement and it cost about 1500 if i remember right.

Answer 7

If it is what i think it is... you're looking at about $1500 depending on where you live... but if its simply your reverse gears hopefull someone could replace it, seal the housing/seals/tranny pan, and that'd only be around $500.

Answer 8

my borther had the same problem in his caravan,I blieve he paid $500-600 to get it fixed.Pretty hefty I know, but if you dont want to pay that, you should probably get used to pushing backwards!=D

Answer 9

i am a mechanic.... you need a new trans mission... just get a different car....