>> >Ted Mittelstaedt wrote:
>> >> "Doug" <sparks06524nospam@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
>> >> news:778g14pqvjl19jsosismr1f4h20q0es752@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> >>>
>> >>> A friend has a 1996 T&C with the 3.8l engine.
>> >>>
>> >>> On damp or rainy days, the transmission suddenly kicks down into
>> >>> second, even if the vehicle is going at a high rate of speed -
awkward
>> >>> on the highway. From the technical literature that I've read, it
seems
>> >>> like it's going into the limp home mode.
>> >>>
>> >>> From the wiring diagram in a similar year tech manual, there are
quite
>> >>> a few sensors and/or connections that can activate the kickdown
relay.
>> >>>
>> >>> We took the van to a local Chrysler dealership and they insisted
that
>> >>> the problem was caused by a bad alternator.
>> >>> The only thing wrong with that alternator (which I already knew)
was
>> >>> minor bearing wear. I insisted that replacing it wouldn't help the
>> >>> transmission problem. They insisted that since I was not a "factory
>> >>> trained tech", I didn't know what I was talking about.
>> >>>
>> >>> My friend paid to have the alternator replaced and of course it
didn't
>> >>> help. One week later in the rain, the transmission kicked down
again
>> >>> at 65 MPH. On dry days, all is perfect.
>> >>>
>> >>> I asked the dealer service manager if they had scanned the error
codes
>> >>> and he replied saying "we did was was required".
>> >>>
>> >>> Needly to say that my friend and are are disgusted with the
>> >>> dealership.
>> >>>
>> >>> I've pulled apart and cleaned with electronic contact cleaner all
>> >>> connectors to the power control module, pulled all relays and
fuses,
>> >>> the PCM, visible sensor connections, etc to no avail.
>> >>>
>> >>> Anyone have any suggestions?
>> >>>
>> >>
>> >> anytime the trans goes into limp mode a code is set. I think the
>> >> dealership saw an opportunity to make some money since I am quite
>> >> certain they sold your friend an alternator at a cost far in excess
of
>> >> a simple rebuilt unit. Naturally if they didn't scan the trans then
>they
>> >> would not be able to tell you the code that was set!
>> >>
>> >> Anyway, I own 2 T&C's a 94 and a 95 and done considerable work
>> >> on them. I would strongly recommend you replace the
>> >> "turbine sensor" aka input speed sensor. These hall-effect
>> >> sensors get intermittent when they get older and will cause this
>problem.
>> >> I actually think that they are the only part in the transmission
that
>will
>> >> cause this without an accompanying other symptom, such as a big
>> >> grinding noise or some such. For some idiot reason known only
>> >> to Chrysler's transmission designers, the software in the trans
>computer
>> >> will immediately slam the trans into limp mode even at a high rate
of
>speed,
>> >> if the signal is lost from the input speed sensor for even a
fraction
>of a
>> >> second, and if signal reappears from the input speed sensor it will
>> >> -keep- the trans in limp mode until you shut off and restart the
car.
>> >>
>> >> I would discount the rain issue, frankly. The fact of the matter is
>that
>> >> unless your going at a high speed, it is not easy for your typical
>> >> ignorant driver to even be aware that the trans has shifted into
2nd.
>> >> I strongly suspect that this trans has been doing this for some time
>now,
>> >> and your friend has somehow made some unconscious assumption that
>> >> it is due to water, so now he only notices it happening when it is
>raining.
>> >>
>> >> Ted
>>
>>
>> Ted,
>>
>> Thanks for your input but NO, it definitely happens ONLY during
>> wet/damp/high humidity days.
>>
>> I've driven the vehicle under multiple conditions on dry days and
>> operation is perfect.
>>
>> Another clue is that OCCASIONALLY when the transmission slaps into
>> limp mode, the window wipers will start operating when their control
>> switch is in the off position.
>>
>> I'm thinking ground, connector corrosion and/or an alternative current
>> path.
>>
>
>But you already said:
>
>"...I've pulled apart and cleaned with electronic contact cleaner all
>connectors to the power control module, pulled all relays and fuses,
>the PCM, visible sensor connections, etc to no avail...."
>
>Either you did this or you didn't. Which is it?
I did clean EXACTLY what I said I cleaned.
I didn't clean the connections to the input and output speed sensors
on the transmission. A the time I didn't know the location and being
under the car, it wasn't readily visible.
I have the factory tech manual for the 2002 year vans. It's the
Chrysler manual. I missed the page where they do show the speed sensor
locations for the 4 speed transmission. I'm sure that's the same in my
friend's 1996.
I'm more familiar with the 3 -speeds. My 2002 with the 2.4L engine has
the 3 speed. It's one of the last vans built with it.
Thanks again,
Doug
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