Hey everyone... I am new to the forums and seek your advice on a 1996 Dodge Caravan that I just got.
I have been checking out information on the net about the Caravan problem wise and keep coming across that the transmissions are weak in these vechiles. I pretty much figured this upon getting the van since Dodge has been so famous for this for many years now in their minivans. The van is on its orginal tranny and has 150k on it and seems to be just fine. The van that I got is a 3.0 and I seen many suggestions on changing the transmission fluid often. Like every 20k. I see some people saying they have gotten well over 200k on theirs by doing this religiously. Do you guys suggest this approach as a preventative measure? I have had others tell me not to do it that often too. What do you guys think? I need your input... :)
acton mike
10-05-2006, 08:13 PM
if you have the 3-speed auto transmission I believe you will escape the woes that befall those with the 4 speed units
the 3 speed units are pretty well bullet proof in my opinion others may disagree
If it is a 3 speed, I might change the filter and top up the fluid if the fluid looks in good condition and then leave it alone
if the fluid is dark or smells burned, then you might consider changing the filter and doing a flush and fill
It will be interesting to see what others think about maintenance of the transmission
however, I would defer to the opinion of others regarding a 4 speed
00molavi
10-05-2006, 11:38 PM
Flushes are risky, depends on how it is done. It might dislodge all the dirt from one place to get it stuck in a critical location. Just do drain and refill with filter change, that is what the owner's manual calls for. If the fluid has not been changed for a long time I do couple of drain and refills back to back.
Chet42
10-06-2006, 06:31 PM
Depending which tranny you have 3 or 4 speed.
The 4 speed is prone to dunking when you least expect it to and needs more attention. Replacing fluid and filter every 15-20K is a good assurance policy. Also installing a good transmission cooler is wise. Also as mentioned, unless it's absolutley neccessary stay away from flushes!! More times than not the procedure causes more problems and leads to big repair bills, usually rebuilds.
The main causes of most problems with the 4 speeds are
1. Silonoids or electronics
2. Worn clutch packs (CV indexes)
3. Dirty or burnt fluid.
4. Wrong type of fluid (Dextron or Mercon NONO!!) Only use ATF 7176+3 or 4
The 3 speed is a torquflight which are legendary for duability and pretty much maintenance free unless as "Action Mike" mentioned the fluid is burnt and a copper colour. Replacing the fluid and filter and adjusting the bands usually cures most shifting problems with the 3 speed. I change the fluid and filter every 3 years on my 3 speed and it hasn't given me any problems for the past 230K.
Most auto makers moved away from the torqueflight by 1998 and elected to go with the electronically controlled transmissions, what a shame.... Welcome to the future.
Cheers
Chet.
acton mike
10-06-2006, 09:53 PM
don't you just love "PROGRESS"
Granz
10-07-2006, 07:59 AM
Thanks for the replies. I am going to do a simple change. Not a flush. I believe it is a 3 speed but I don't know yet as it is at the shop getting the breaks done. I will check I pray it is the 3 speed now. :)
