Chrysler Repair: 2002 Chrysler T&C Minivan: jerking, solenoid pack, road wheels

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2002 Chrysler T&C limited minivan with about 70,000 miles. Started having problems with it jerking when accelarting from a stop position. Finally, the engine light came on and the car cut off. Diagnosis was crankshaft & camshaft sensors. Seemed to correct the problem for a while. Then had to take it back in after 4 mths, due to jerking but no engine light. They could not find a problem. Seemd to work for a while and then started back up. So, I thought it might be due to a transmission issue since I had a small leak. Dealership told me I had a transmission cooler line leak or something the first time & now saying somehting about the solenoid pack. Plus the sensor are showing bad again. Your thoughts please? Thx

ANSWER: Hi Chase,
The fault code numbers are key to deciding how to approach this problem. If you can get the specific 4-digit number of the fault codes that were recently determined, please let me know what they are. If you can't get these without additional cost, then if there is an Autozone parts store near you they will likely do a free readout or you can go to an independent repair shop and get a readout for around $40. Let me know the codes numbers and what specific repairs were suggested. Then we can compare that to the manuals for these systems (engine and transmission).
It would be helpful to know whether the "jerking" seems to be coupled to a misfire of the engine as reflected in a detectable momentary loss of rpm or does the engine sound steady but rather the output of the torque to the road wheels seems to be the only noticeable correlation to the jerking. It would be smart to begin with that differentiation so that you don't throw money at the wrong part of the drivetrain. So listen when the jerking occurs, and if there is an rpm readout on the cluster notice whether it is showing the jerking or not.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Fault Codes: P1391 Loss of Camshaft & Crankshaft Signal.

Chrysler Recommendation: Replace Camshaft & Crankshaft Sensors.

Firestone Tech: Says that in his experience the sensors are either bad or they aren't, and no in between. So he thinks the problem is something else and that the sensor wouldn't go bad in a year.

Chrysler also says there is a leak in the transmission solenoid pack.  

Answer
Hi Chase,
The code is for an intermittent loss of one or the other signal, not both necessarily and not a regular loss. The suggested fixes:
inspect the wiring harness to the sensors
make sure the sensors are properly installed:that their mounting bolts are tight (7 to 8 foot-pounds)
if it continues then: with a shop scope look at the sensor signals and flex the harness to see if a intermittent can be detected
then remove the sensors and inspect the wheel and the ring that the two sensors are in contact with
consider the replacement of the cam sensor
consider the replacement of the crank sensor.

Because this is intermittent you probably have to catch it "in the act". When you are able to predict its behavior or it becomes more that intermittent then I would get a fresh code readout and take action at that time depending upon the results.
There should be a trans fault code if there is an internal leak in the solenoid pack. If you see an external leak try tightening the cover bolts to equal tension (9 foot-pounds) and of course check fluid level in trans regularly if this is on-going via its dip stick. Use only ATF +4 type fluid, but don't overfill it.