Chrysler Repair: 95 DG caravan 3.3 SE , transmission buzz …(continued...), chrysler brand, torque converter

Question
Question     
Hi , Roland ,

95 DG caravan 3.3 transmission or engine buzzes  when hot , fluid seems aerated(?) or foamy(?) when hot…after ride ..I did a mistake -I disconected the battery and now fault codes -12 and 55… check engine does not light . When the engine and trans cold , it is everything ok , after some km – van goes maybe in limp-in or in first gear , when I try to accelerate , van begins buzzing or whistle…I think it is autotrans , because it works not properly. O maybe it is selenoids or converter?! When I stop a car , on P , when I accelerate , van buzzes.. , on idle –not. When I shut down the engine , an immediately start again – it works normally(P,N,R). After how many cycles I can read trouble codes ?
I am sorry for poor english , I am from Europe.
Vladas

Answer     Hi Vladas,
I understand very well. I assume that you have the 4-speed electronic transmission that has D, 3, and OD positions. I would suggest that you begin by changing the transmission fluid which appears to be worn out due to overheating. Only use ATF + 3 fluid, and if there is a chance of getting Chrysler brand fluid (Type 7176) that would be the best. It can be changed in one of several ways but the best way would be by a fluid exchanger that not only will removes the fluid from the transmission but also from the torque converter and the cooler. Otherwise only part of the fluid is changed and so you end up with a mix of old and new rather than a fully new fluid. So try several shops to find one that can exchange out as much of the fluid as possible.
The aeration may have been caused by too low or too high a fluid level so make sure you are at the full mark when the process is done, not below or above it. If the shop can flush the cooler (to clean it) that would be good to do in case it is partially clogged which would also increase the heat problem. The buzzing may be do to the fluid being aerated so that could be solved too by changing the fluid. And the refusal to shift (limp-in) could be eliminated.
But don't just remove the pans and drain because that will only remove less than half the fluid. You have to pump out the system (exchanger) to really eliminate all the old fluid. Then drive it and see if you still have problems.
As for fault codes, the self-readout will not tell you anything about the transmission, only the engine. There is a multipin plug under the dash (either 6 or 16, I am not certain because the change from OBD-I to OBD-II began in '95) so you will need to find a Chrysler-Dodge dealer with the proper reader (DRB-II for the 6-, DRB-III for the 16-pin plug) who has the cartridge and skill to ask for the readout of the transmission fault codes. If they get codes, find out the specific numbers, the meaning, the possible repairs, and the costs. Then write back and tell me and we can compare that to the manual. It would be very wise to deal with the fluid so that no unnecessary damage is done to the transmission because it is very expensive to repair, and I would wonder if you can find anyone nearby who really knows how to repair it.
I hope that you have good luck with this servicing.
Roland
Hi , Roland ,
I tried to do the job according your recomendations. In small (but intelligent) service station near my home, I explained the idea to serviceman. He understood the tasks , but also said that Chrysler doesnt recommend to change fluid in such way ....( Why? Your suggested way is logical and cool!) He changed with excanger about 7 liters , may be 7,2 l fluid . It was Mopar ATF+4 , to my mind not bad for may old van? (95y.) ...We inspected the old fluid – in carters pan it was dark-grey mud , but metal rubish not a lot.. We also flushed the cooler ..
I dont know how van will ride in future ,and autotrans will behave, but today ... the effect was 100% , van rides fine , without buzzing and whining..In a little - „dreaming“.. , may be it need quick learn ? But I think it is not necessary , my ride style is not sportish...
The last time , I changed the fluid in official Chryslers dealers service ...14 month ago.. , and such a result...why?...hm...In future I will never go to dealers ..

Greetings ,
Vladas


Answer
Hi Vladas,
Thanks for the report. I hope that it will continue to work well for you. The quick learn is not necessary. The metal rubish is a concern, but it depends upon how much. I can't quantify how much is a worry. So just drive it consevatively to get the most miles out of it. You didn't say how many miles the transmission has gone, but these units will not run forever without a rebuild. I think you are probably doing better than the average if it hasn't had to be rebuilt since new in '95.
Roland