Strange Problem with 1999 Town & Country

I have what seems to be serious problem with 1999 Town
and Country: all of a sudden it seems to have stuck
on a middle shift and automatic transmission doesn't
seem to shift as you accelerate - seems as if
something wrong with transmission. And together with
that "Service Engine Soon" lighted up and what is
particularly strange speedometer and mileage counter
stopped working.
I'm at a loss what could it be. If it is transmission
breakdown, then why is speedometer is at zero no matter
what speed you drive.. Or could it be that some
electronic component controlling all of those parts
broke down?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

IP.

 

Output speed sensor, most likely. It tells the computer AND the
speedometer how fast the vehicle's moving, and this info is relied upon to
shift the gears. Get it in to a competent transmission diagnostician (not
the dealer, and not Scaamco) NOW. The longer you drive the vehicle in
"limp home" (permanent 2nd gear) mode, the more damage you'll do.

 

Thanks for the info. It really starts to make sense.
I drove home in "limp mode" about eight miles at about 30 miles/hr.
I'm wondering how to take it for diagnostics and repairs - would
driving another 5 to 15 miles at slow speed be a bad idea?
Also could you recommend

IP.

 

Thanks for the info. It really makes sense now.
Do you think driving additional 5 to 15 miles at low speed
to take it for repairs would be a bad idea?

IP.

 

No. Just don't keep using the van as though nothing were the matter with
it. THAT is probably the single biggest factor in the high complaint rate
with this transmission, is that when a fault develops, the transmission
doesn't stop working. If it did, the damage would get no larger. Because
it has this "limp home" mode, many people just keep on drivin' till they
notice something's weird, then they keep on drivin' till they get around
to thinking about making an appointment to have it looked at, then they
cancel the appointment 'cause otherwise how are Billy and Suzie going to
get to karate practice, then they keep on drivin' till they make another
appointment, etc. Meanwhile, the transmission is under grossly extreme
internal stress and the failure grows in extent and expense to fix.

DS

 

Replace the output speed sensor, there are 2 sensors on the front of the
transmission, the one furthest to the drivers side, at the corner is the one
that is bad, The part is about 30 bucks
Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

The output speed sensor is dead or disconnected. That sensor drives the
speedometer and odometer, but it also is used by the transmission
controller. Without that signal, the tranny controller sets a fault and
goes into "limp" mode.

 

As long as you don't over-rev the engine, no harm will be done by
driving in "limp" mode. What kills these transmissions is when there is
a genuine fault and the driver keeps shutting off the car to force it
back into "normal" mode every time it goes to "limp" mode to protect itself.

 

output speed sensor

 

Thanks for your help. It really looks clear now and explains this
strange behavior of the wan. Other respondents also agree that this is
output speed sensor. One additional question: is this part easy
for a lay person to replace?
And also: a friend of mine mentioned that some of this auto parts have
manufacturer warranty, which sometimes covers quite a number of
years. Is it worthwhile checking that this one has such a warranty?
The car is 1999 T&C.

Thanks again,

 

What is the best place to buy this part?
Thanks,
IP.

 

It's only about a $20-30 part - not worth worrying with warranty even if
it was covered. 20 minutest to replace.

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

 

Dealer - anywhere from $20 to 30 depending on dealer gouge factor. I
think some auto parts chains (Pep Boys, NAPA?) carry it - you might save
$5 from shopping the dealers.

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

 

Your friend is confused. Only emission control parts are covered by
extended warranties like this.

DS

 

Thanks. I need to learn more about these things.
IP.

 

The dealer carries a 12 month warranty, i recommend that route