89' Caravan 3 speed

We've got an 89' Caravan with a three speed that is starting to slip in
reverse on grades. It doesn't show any signs of slipping on the flat.
What would be the most likely cause, adjustment or parts?

Allan.

 

How long since the transmission was properly serviced (adjust bands and
linkage, change fluid and filter)?

 

We got the van at 160,000 km this spring, that's when I changed all it's
filters, tranny included. The tranny was refilled with ATF+3. The bands
haven't been adjusted that I'm aware of. The van now has 171,000km on
it.

Allan.

 

I have the same kind of car.
I adjusted the bands (upper and lower) and this fixed for a while.
To adjust the low reverse band you should drain the trms oil, remove
the trms cover and you have acces to the low reverse band to adjust.
You need to use a specia tool to adjust at a couple, I don't know
exactly tha values.
The same thing for upper adjustment, under the throtle cable.

Cristian

 

It's long overdue for a band and linkage adjustment -- get it done NOW,
and set the bands on the tight side of the spec.

These transmissions work a lot better if the accumulator spring is removed
and its piston blocked in the "UP" position and the line pressure is
increased via the line pressure adjustment on the valve body, but if you
or your transmission service tech doesn't know and feel comfortable about
these mods, don't.

DS

 

Per my Caravan's owner's manual, the bands in that 3 sp transmission
should be adjusted at 30,000 mile intervals. They must be set to the
specified torque.

My local Dodge dealer sez he does band adjustments, including fluid
and filter change for about $125/U.S.

I've got one of the last Caravans that use that transmission.
My van is a 2002 model. They stopped using the 3 speed mid year on the
2002's. I've got mixed emotions about that. The 4 speed may give very
slightly better acceleration and gas mileage but is a bit less
reliable than the old 3 spd.


Doug

 

I did myself the band adjustment, including fluid and filter to the
specified torque, using a rent special tool for the torque.
This fixed the slepping for a while, but still seams to slip on high
grades.
Someone reccomended changing the bands. I would like to ask what
exactly this operation means or what suppose rebuilding transmission.
My car is old indeed, but still in very good shape, I would like to
keep it a couple of years, but just the transmission is the problem.
The poit is I would like to have a camp-trailer attached, (not yet
tried) but after fixing the transmission.
Thanks for all the recomendation.
Cristian

 

Thanks for the advise. I'll be booking an appointment today.
Allan.