Another solenoid pack question

[jmd]

Hello there!
I've got a 2000 grand caravan that is leaking fluid from the solenoid pack. I just did a pan drop, fluid and filter change, thinking that would stop the leak but when I put fluid back in it and ran for a bit it was leaking from the box on the side of the transmission toward the front of the van. Everything I've read on the web tells me this is the solenoid pack.

It shifts fine, and I'm not having any problems with it other than the leak. I just got off the phone with a tech from Cottman transmissions, a regional transmission chain, and he told me the inside of the solenoid is plastic, warps when it gets hot, and doesn't seal up right after a while. Does this sound right? He want $238 +tax to replace the solenoid, that really doesn't sound like too bad a deal. I could do it myself, but does that part about it being plastic and warping sound right?

Thanks
Jim

[Rick99]

I just installed a new solenoid pack this summer and the sealing surface is completely made of metal. Mine is an 01 and the old one that was on there was completely made of metal as well and used one gasket (this is the "new" style). At some point in the past, the solenoid packs were a little different and did have a shim between two gaskets-- someone else will have to say whether that shim was made of plastic and when the update was made.

If you have the old-type, you'll have to replace the complete solenoid pack and if you have the new type, you'll have to replace only the gasket. Replacing only the gasket should be a lot cheaper if that is possible for you.