QuestionHi Roland, my name is Adam Fox. I was recently involved in a head on collision with my
favorite car (a 1997 AWD Dodge Grand Caravan) I was fine, but the car ended up totaled. The
other driver was found at fault and their insurance paid out. I found a 1999 Chrysler Town and
Country LXi at a nearby dealer for $4200 with 136,000 miles. When we first took it out the
thing ran perfectly, no imperfections and much like my previous car so we purchased it
immediately. After owning it for about a week I notice the oddest problem. At EXACTLY 54-
56MPH, while coasting (drops down to 2nd gear under an automatic transmission) and
pushing the gas ever so slightly, at around 1500RPM a humming/grinding is heard. Pushing
the gas more to give some acceleration immediately puts the car in 3rd gear, with a jolt. It
cannot get above 1800RPM in 2nd at 55MPH. This is not the case at any other speed the
transmission at slower speeds shifts smoothly and quickly. I've tried multiple scenario's and it
at this point is mind boggling to me. Any ideas? Thanks!
-Adam Fox
AnswerHi Adam,
The electronic transaxles have self-diagnostic capabilities that should be taken advantage of before jumping to any conclusion. It is accessed by a socket under the dash near the steering column using a fault code reader. The codes have 4 digits and are quite specific, so getting such information can be quite helpful. Autozone Parts stores will often do a code readout for free, or you can get it done at an independent shop for around $40. Ask them what the code number(s) are and what they mean. Then write back and tell me what you learned and we can go from there. Ideally it will only be an hydraulic control issue and not require removing the trans from the van for service. If there was any warranty with the vehicle it would be adviseable to report the symptom to the dealer and see if they would do the readout of the codes for free.
Roland
