Need to replace 41TE in my '96 Caravan.... again

'96 G. Caravan 3.8L. Yuck! It went into limp in mode and, for a while,
wouldn't drive (kicked and bucked) and the speedometer would intermittently
swing around wildly. I hoped it would be just the output speed sensor. I
dropped the pan to change the fluid/filter and there are itty bitty chunks
of metal in the pan next to the magnet. Ugh.

My choices are:
1. junk the van and get another one
2. take it to the dealer ($2400)
3. take it to an independent ($????)
4. get a junkyard tranny ($????)
5. get a remanufactured tranny ($650)


Question: I managed to replace the A670 in my '88 Caravan; is it much
different to replace the 41TE?

 

I believe that the speedometer behavior is a key point here. If you did not
have the same changes in the car speed, then the speed sensor has an
intermittent contact inside, which is more than enough for switching to
"limp" mode. At the same time, IMHO, you should have some metal on the
magnet - gears, clutches, etc. wear with the time and some amount of
particles I would consider a normal condition.

What to do - I would first try to change sensor (around $20) or run
diagnostic first if it's free ($80+ at dealer place).
Then - depends on diagnostic results...

I personally had rebuilt my 42LE for 3 weeks in my garage (Shop manual,
repair kit from dealer ($200), working on weekends and evenings, no such an
experience before...) I have 25k miles on it now. Should be OK?

Good luck,
Alex

 

The metal may be nothing (depending on other conditions), but defintely
replace the speed sensor as it's your most likely culprit here. You could if
necessary purchase a reman (I bought one from Jasper) if you need one my 99
T&C failed hard at 148000 miles and it's what I did. I'm still going around
with a problem with the new one though and Jasper has indicated they will be
sending a new one out. However after the experience of doing the R&R myself
I have no desire to r&r another one and will have it done. I hate front
wheel drive! In the end I put an updated unit in my dad's 91 from mopar and
the Jasper in mine. I got much better results with the mopar reman and it's
$500 less than the Jasper. Another is to find a good builder and have them
do the whole job.
Good luck
Larry

 

"Chunks" or fuzz on the magnet? Fuzz (and even a few flakes) is normal.
Chunks bigger than a pencil lead are bad.

Basically the same. Wires instead of a speedo cable, but the convertor
bolts on the same way, as does the bellhousing, and so do the
half-shafts. Not much else to be different, really.

 

Thanks Larry,
I decided I'd had enough transmission R&R (just 3 months ago) so I sent it
in to a local shop. We'll see what they say. I spoke with 3 shops and they
all said that there's a big supplier in LA they get their remans from as do
the dealers. They all said the Mopar remans had less stringent specs than
what they required. Curious.

I bought my A670 from Phoenix Remanucaturers 3 months ago. We'll see how
that goes. They only wanted $650 for a remaned 41TE. If it were my car,
I'd do it, but it's my wifes so I'll go the next tier up.

 

If I didn't need the van in service, I'd love to try a rebuild on my own. I
gave in and sent it in this morning to a local shop. We'll see what they
say later on today.

 

No, not fuzz. These are metal chunks around 1mm in size. Maybe 2mm. There
wasn't a lot, about 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon right around the magnet. I took the
pan into a couple of shops and in both places mechanics passing by looked
down and shook their heads saying "uh oh, not good".

I decided to take it in to a local shop. This is my wife's car and I
decided to let the pros do the work. In a couple of years, I'll dump the
van. I R&R'd the tranny in my '88 and while it's a big job, it's really not
so bad if you have the right tools. The biggest problem is getting the van
up high enough and having a tranny jack or some way to grapple the tranny to
lower and lift it.

 

My 96 3.3L grand voyager tranny went after 53k never driven hard, changed
the fluid every 20k, with Chrysler ATF +3. It would stall when put into
drive. My transmission mechanic took down the pan and a lot of metal was in
it. He wouldn't take a chance in rebuilding it. He got me a factory rebuilt
from Chrysler. It came with a 36k warranty. I now have 75k on it and no
problems I was lucky my extended warranty covered the repair. Check
www.allpar.com about transmissions. Dave

 

Dave,

the same thing is going on with my 41te.
have not pulled the pan yet.
what was the final outcome?
let me know soon as I am trying to figure out how much money I will have for christmas gifts this year.
thanks!!!!!!!!
jack