'95 Caravan 3 sp. Tranny Governor

Hi all,

Haven't been here in while, as the wife's Caravan was running along
great, for the longest time.

But alas, I find I'm having tranny problems. This is on a rebuilt
tranny with about 15K miles on it. Seems it wants to start off in
2nd, then shifts into 3rd whenever it wants to. If I drop it down
into 1st, it'll launch right off the line, perfectly.

Stopped off at my tranny shop (a good trusted shop) and the tech told
me that on these, the governor goes to hell, and it'll start in
second, etc. They were about to close, so I didn't get into it too
much with him. He didn't drive it, or look at it, but said that this
is pretty common.

Is this a huge job - do they have to rip out the unit for repairs?
It's $1,050.00 to swap a rebuilt unit. I'm not going to put another
grand into this vehicle, it's got almost 185K on it, rusting, etc.

I'm sure they'll cut me a break on the labor, as the tranny is so new.
They're a great shop, and I trust them implicitly. Just looking for
some background, so I can keep up with the guy when he starts
explaining this to me.

Appreciate any input/advice....

Thanks
Rick

 

No, the governor doesn't "go to hell". What happens is that chips and
flakes from deteriorating final-drive bearings get caught between the
governor's inner and outer member and the governor sticks. Shifting
irregularities result. It sounds as if that "rebuild" 15k miles ago wasn't
as thorough as it ought to have been.

Are they the ones who did the "rebuild"?

 

Not sure if they did the rebuild or not. The last one was totally
fried, so they swapped out a rebuilt unit. I'm not sure, but I
assume that the stock they have on hand is rebuilt there.

Like I said, they're a very reputable shop; I'm sure they'll go the
extra mile to take care of me.

Thanks, and I appreciate the response.
Rick

 

As Dan said the final drive is going on yours most likely and the gov. has
many of the "chips" from it. I'd lay odds you'll find quite a bit of metal
in the pan and the axle seals if not yet will be leaking soon.
Larry

 

Thanks for the replies... I'll have them check it out, and see if
they'll do anything for me, but I'm thinking it's time to send this
old girl to the boneyard... Wife's been hinting for a new one anyway
- time to take the plunge...

Thanks again
Rick