Chrysler Repair: Automatic trans doesnt move 96 van, chrysler brand, hydraulic controls

Question
I changed transmissions in a Caravan and when originally started had Drive but no reverse.  I added and it shows full (total 5 quarts added) and now have nothing.  You can hear it in the motor that it bogs down to try to catch but nothing.

Answer
Hi Johnnie,
Are you working with the Chrysler-brand fluid (type 7176)? The Chrysler automatics don't work well with Dexron-type fluid. It may be the cause of your problem, but you would have to flush out all the Dexron (~11 quarts) if that were the cause in order to find out.
What is the history of this trans? You didn't say whether it is the 3- or the 4-speed trans. If it came from a wreck you really are flying blind as to what is going on. It could be hydraulic or mechanical parts problem. The 4-speed electronic automatic trans controller does have a fault code recognizing ability and a memory that stores the codes that can be readout with a code reader, but that means getting the van to the reader or bringing the reader to the van. Such a readout would give you some direction as to what is wrong but maybe not specific as to exactly why the problem exists.
If you are sure that the drive shafts are installed properly, then if there are no other strange noises from the transmission I would suggest that you inspect for debris in 3 drain pans (sorry to suggest that you drop the pans and collect all that fluid but it may be the only choice you have). If there is little or no debris then it may be a matter of opening the solenoid box and cleaning the hydraulic controls section of the trans (which would avoid removal of the trans if it works out). Finding debris in the pans means there is internal parts damage that usually means removal and rebuild of those parts.
There are about a dozen reasons for no drive power from the trans: hydraulic pressure too low, valve body malfunction, incorrect gearshift linkage, faulty fluid pump, clogged filter, planetary gear sets broken...(these are for the 3-speed non-electronic trans).
I wish I could give you the magic answer, but there is really no way of knowing without trying these various approaches.
Roland