What happens when the trans solenoid pack goes bad?

[sgillett]

Hi all,
I have the chance to buy a 70K mile old '96 Caravan sport 3.3.
It has been well taken care of but it has trans issues.
It drove OK until it came to a stop light and then it wouldn't go, like it was in neutral. The gear selector was put into park then back to drive, it went into gear and worked normally for the rest of the drive. It was taken to a trans shop and they said it needed a rebuild, $2k.

My question is:

What are the symptoms of the solenoid pack going bad?
How about the trans computer failing?
Tha battery is dead so I can't pull codes.

Thanks
Scott

[Rick99]

I think the first step would be to check the codes. Put a good battery in there and see what you get. With the symptoms going away by shifting, maybe you should check the shift linkage too-- just to rule out simple stuff.


A good battery might help too-- lots of stuff can go wrong with electronic controls if they don't get enough juice.

[sgillett]

Great idea!
Thanks