QuestionQUESTION: I recently purchased a 2001 Town and Country van. Yesterday when I tried to reverse out of a parking space, the van would not move. It would go forward the foot or so I was parked from a wall. A friend of mine pushed me out of the space, and I was able to drive to my mechanic garage. Something was mentioned about a shift pack modular, but I have not received a difinitive answer yet. What is this and is it expensive to replace. Also, when I first start it up, the a/c comes on automatically. Same of different problem. It was also mentioned there might be a vacumn problem.
ANSWER: Hi Becky,
The first thing to check is whether the fluid level in the trans is correct. It has its own dipstick on the same side at the oil dipstick but further to the driver's side. If it is below the line then only add atf+4 fluid via the dipstick tube and don't overfill it.
I would not jump to any conclusion as to what else might be needed. Rather turn the ignition key:
"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window of the cluster to see the mileage change to show and 4-digit numbers preceded by a P. Those would be fault codes that may tell us what might be wrong with the transmission. Let me know and we'll go from there. The transmission control module, if defective, would have a specific fault code, so don't opt for that without knowing the fault codes that are displayed. It is several hundred dollars and may not be the problem. It might even just be a problem with a maladjusted shift mechanism betweem the transmission and the gear shift lever in the cabin.
On th A.C. coming 'on', do you perhaps have the 'defrost' button pushed for the windshield? If so, that would be why it is coming on as defrosting involves blowing cold air on the windshield because cold air has less moisture in it and thus won't condense on the cold windshield to add to the fog.
I don't think the AC is a vacuum problem as there are no longer any vacuum lines assoicated with the HVAC system.
Let me know what you learn.
Roland
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QUESTION: The fluid level was fine, and was clean. I had a friend who knows more than I do check it. As for the fault codes, since it is at the garage now, there is no way I can check that for you. You are correct on the defroster being on, so you answered that question for me. You also gave me an alternative answer to my trans. problem. You have been very informative. Thanks.
ANSWER: Hi Becky,
OK, then before they do anything get them to do the fault code readout and to tell you the numbers of the codes, what is their title/description, what might they mean, and that they recommend doing and for how much. Then share that info with me and we can compare that to what the Chrysler shop manuals say about the codes, before authorizing any repairs. This should avoid any unrequired expense for you.
You are welcome.
Roland
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QUESTION: I just finished talking to my mechanic. He said there were several fault codes, but did not write them down. He sais several things have been tested,but he thinks it is the trans. itself. He is still going over everything, and i am waiting for another phone call. You have been very helpful in answering my questions. I am just at a loss as to what I can do at this point. I am disabled, and live on a very limited income. I am also still making payments on the van.
AnswerDon't authorize any repair of the transmission until you are told the fault code numbers and names and I have a chance to check those out to see what they suggest as the possible repair. Let me know and I will get back to you promptly with my thoughts on what you should do about this to avoid an unnecessary repair/expense. I will be available again in a couple of hours, so try to send a followup question. I believe the 'followup' will be available to you now. It will take the mechanic no more than 3 minutes to get the fault code numbers so don't let that stand in your way of getting them!
Roland
