QuestionQUESTION: My altenator went out on my 94 T&C and after i replced it my van is now stuck in limp mode?? I disconnected the bat. and tried again and it shifted ok untill i let off the gas and went back into limp mode. I have tried this several times and after 3rd gear it down shits to 2nd and stays there. Prior to the alt. change the tranny worked great !! I have worked on cars for alot of years but this is new to me.
ANSWER: Hi Daryl,
I don't see any connection between the alternator change and a trans issue, unless the voltage output of the alternator is weak such that the trans control relay contacts are opening up due to insufficient field strength on the actuating coil. So check out that possibility. The inboard pin of the etax relay should show the full voltage when the engine is idling.
Similarly, you would want to check fuse 16 (15 amp) in that same box, which provides the current flowing through the etax relay, to be sure it doesn't have a crack in its internal wire that is opening up spontaneously which would also produce a loss of current through the etax relay and on to the solenoid pack and in that way cause a limp condition.
Finally, you could also try switching out the etax relay with another one with the same part number just in case its internal contacts may be oxidized.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about 'volunteer of the month' please consider a 'yes' answer. Thank you
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QUESTION: I checked all fuses and changed them around but still in limp mode. I had the battery out for 2 days so i think it is something with the computer needs the codes cleared??
AnswerHi Daryl,
The code 'clearing' from the transmission comuter will not correct the present problem, so don't waste your effort on that other than to disconnect then reconnect the battery, which will clear the codes away, but I predict it will still go into limp mode right away.
My recommendation is that you get code readout via the blue color data link connector located at the lower edge of the far left end of the instrument panel, using a Chrysler Diagnostic Readout Box II (DRB-II), or an equivalent OBD-I Snap-0n brand diagnostic reader. You might ask at an Autozone parts store if they have such a reader that can get transmission fault codes as if do they will do it for free. Or find an independent shop with the necessary reader and they will do it for under $40.
Do not accept with a readout via the other data socket for the engine, which is in the engine compartment, as that will not tell you codes for the transmission. The code numbers are 2-digit and overlap numerically between the engine trouble codes and the transmission trouble codes so that is why you have to use the correct socket and reader that can specifically request transmission codes from the transmission computer. Once you get the transmission fault codes tell me what they are and we'll go from there. It is clear that there is a present problem that you have to find the code for in order to solve this.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about a 'nomination to be volunteer of the month' please consider giving a 'yes' answer. Thank you.
