95 caravan transmission

I have a 95 caravan (3.0Ltr) 4 speed with 157k miles on it (I know high
mileage, but can not afford to replace right now)

A while back it developed a transmission leak that I still have not quite
placed where it leaking from. Best I can tell so far is somewhere to the
upper rear area of where it mounts up to the engine. Any way this leak has
worsened considerably the past few days and now after operating (a few
hours) it begins to exhibit the rough 'bump' down to first at a stop. If I
get stuck in traffic it can get so bad as to not drop back at all (like
neutral) for 2 - 3 seconds after a stop and then a lurch as it drops down.
Stuck too long in traffic and eventually goes to limp mode.

While I am real handy and do all of my engine work, breaks, AC, etc myself,
transmissions are uncharted territory to me as far as DIY is concerned. I
know it obviously needs service, but the extent is what I am not so sure of
and with low finances due to current health issues and the fact that
'reputable tranny shops in my area can be tricky to find, so here is my
question for anyone with tranny experience.......

Do these symptoms sound like it is toast and nothing but a rebuild will
help?

Is it possible a fluid/filter change could solve the rough shift issue (been
about 50k since last done?
I was thinking it might but do not want to waste the money if it is not a
possible fix.

Any common things to look for on this engine/tranny combo for leaking issues
in the area I described?
Had thought maybe solenoid pack but believe this is wrong area for that as I
think it is on the side towards front of vehicle (still looking for my
service manual to confirm that).

Any help appreciated as I am trying to squeak what life I can out of this
thing till my situation improves.

TIA

 

What kind of transmission fluid are you putting in to replace what is
leaking
out? If it is not ATF +3 or ATF +4 then you are causing the problem with
the wrong fluid.

Get it scanned or buy a scantool off Ebay and do it yourself, the trans will
have a code of what is failing. Actually your smartest thing to do here to
try to save this tranny is to go immediately to a Chrysler dealership and
have the
trans scanned for codes and to get the CVI readings, and then have the trans
computer's firmware flash-updated. Then, take it home and do a fluid flush
and
replace any sensors that might turn up as bad in the error codes, see:

http://www.allpar.com/eek/atf.html

Also, this vehicle is an OBD-1 setup, the do-it-yourself scantools that cost
$100 in the auto parts stores will NOT work with it, those are OBD-II
devices.

As an additional note, if this fixes it, one benefit of the newer firmware
is
that it will give you better mileage.

Ted

 

I agree with Ted on type of fluid and suggested change of it and the filter.
Also, on the leak, check the transmission cooling hoses. These are common
cause and not too difficult to fix.

Bob
news:newscache$46a8ki$fej$...

 

Always ATF+3

Flash update was done shortlyafter I purchased the vehicle (about 40k miles)
when they did a filter/fluid change to stop Torque Shudder.

 

Thanks to both for the replies.
I was thinking possibly the cooling lines to as I believe the connection is
in that area (still have to really get under there) and it may explain why
more prominent when driven for period of time (heats up). Just a guess
though.

 

How long ago was that? There's probably been updates since.

You really got to get it scanned. Going into limp mode most definitely
sets a code, or multiple ones.

Ted