Chrysler Repair: 99 Caravan transmission not shifting at 40mph?, transmission control module, 4 digit numbers

Question
Hello,
We have a 1999 grand caravan with about 120,000 miles.  About 4 months ago we noticed the instrument pannel cluster would go out every now and then.  Everything stops working but the ABS and Check Engine light stay on.  We hit the dash and everything works again.  Around the same time we noticed the van would jerk/slip when driving slow or in stop and go conditions.  It corrects is self very quickly.  Now we are noticing when we hit around 40MPH the RPM stays high and it's like it does not want to shift.  All things happen occasionaly.  Probably once or twice a week.  We have read on line and were wondering if this is the tranny going or if the BCM could cuase this
Any ideas?
Thank you

Answer
Hi Kym,
The cluster is probably a 'cold' solder connection of one of the pins on one of the two plugs into the cluster's circut board. You could remove the cluster and touch a solder pencil to each of the pins to reheat the solder at these connection points.
On the transmission, what you are describing may be that it is refusing to shift into high gear, which is called 'limp-in mode' and is designed to avoid using those clutches that would otherwise be called into play because there is a fault of some sort that would be made worse if the shifting were allowed to continue. There is likely a fault code stored in the memory of the transmission controller which you can obtain for free in most cases by having a code reader plugged in at an Autozone parts store. You can also try the ignition key: turn it '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 if the mileage reading changes to show any 4 digit numbers preceded by a P which are also the fault code numbers. Either way, let me know what codes you get and we can go on from there knowing more specifically what is the problem..
I doubt it is the BCM or the TCM, but the transmission control module (computer) if it were involved there will be a specific code saying that is the cause.
Roland