96 T&C in "limp home" mode. Does it need a lot or a little?

I just drove about 40 miles in 2nd gear. Before that it would go into 3rd
but after I stopped for gas, it wouldn't, only 1st-2nd.

I know it's a long shot..but does anyone have any idea if this is a sensor
or a complete trans re-build? There are 2 trans places in this town
(Florence SC) who say they will put it on a computer tomorrow. But I'd
like to be able to talk sensibly with them. I have the shop manual.

By the way, recently, when I step on or released the gas pedal, the speedo
needle goes crazy for an instant..goes up and back. Like there is a
problem with the Throttle Position Sensor (if there is on on this car)
I'm just wondering if that sensor could be causing the trans problem?

TIA
John

 

Could be as simple as a bad output sensor. The shop should be able to
attach a scan tool and check for any stored codes. Since you have a
1996, I believe that there have been a few firmware upgrades. You will
probably want to make sure you have the current software.

When was the last time that the fluid and filter were changed?

-KM

 

I agree with that - the output sensor being bad would cause limp mode
(2nd gear only) *and* no speedometer reading. And they often are
intermittent when failed. Sounds like what you are experienceing (but
no guarantees).

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

The guy replaced the output sensor and that cured the speedo problem but it
still would not go into 3rd gear, so he feels it needs a clutch pack,
whatever that is. Before the present problem, it seemed to me that the
4th gear clutch was slipping a little also, so he will also put in a
convertor. All in all, about $1400. I guess for a 200k mile car, it's
not bad. Just wish it hadn't happenend NOW...but then, it NEVER happens
conveniently, does it?

Thanx guys, for the info. At least he knew I was not as dumb as I look.

John

 

Thanx, guys. The guy did replace the sensor and that did fix the speedo
problem but it still would not go into 3rd gear. He says it needs a
clutch pack, whatever that is. I also had a problem with the 4th gear
clutch slipping, so they will also replace the convertor. All in all,
about $1400, assuming they find nothing else after it's apart.

I appreciate the help you guys gave me. At least when I talked with him,
I didn't sound as dumb as I look!

John

 

Yeah, the Solenoid pack seems to be a week spot in these
transmissions.

In my 1994 GC on boxing bay last year it went into limp mode! Since my
trans had been rebuilt within the last 2 years I was a bit
aprehensive. Turns out it was the Solenoid pack. $250 and I was back
on the road.

Funny thing, it had been exhibiting the thump when shifting to low
gear rolling to a stop quite frequently. After the Solenoid Pack was
replaced, shifted like spanking new!

Fast forward to my 2002 GC. When I purchased it, there was what
appeared like oil leaks a plenty. But I purchased a warranty, and it
was all covered. I took it in, and they put a UV tracer in the engine
oil. No leaks??? So they put UV tracer into the TRANS FLIUD - Holy
Hanna, the Solenoid pack was PUKEING oil everywhere - literally.

They replaced the solenoid pack - voila! No more leaks! And - you
guessed it - it was ocassionally thumping into first gear when rolling
to a stop. After the replacement of the Solenoid Pack - smooth as
silk, shifts like new!

Moral of the story, if you start to have that thump problem, first get
the trans fluid and filter changed (using ATF +4). If that does not
fix the problem, then have the solenoid pack replaced. On these
tranmissions the solenoid pack is replaced from the OUTSIDE - so no
need to crack the trans to do it.

My van was a lease return, and one of the complaints was a thumping
noise. The dealer had replaced the sway bar bushings, and the links -
which solved most of the problem - but not all. I bet the previous
owner thought the trans was going to fail and dumped it like a hot
potato! His loss, my gain!

I am glad that I have so much experience with these vans now. I like
them. They are just a little different, but once you know and get used
to them, they are great!