Chrysler Repair: 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, dodge grand caravan, small claims court

Question
I recently had the transmission rebuilt on my 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.  It has a 3.8 L engine.  However, it now shifts gears "hard" and the RPM exceed 3500 rpm when just going 60 mph.   That is about as fast as it will go.  We have had all the sensors replaced, valve body, radiator, computer, and other parts I can't seem to remember at this point.  Please help, it has over 215,000 miles on it, but otherwise we have enjoyed it services and would like to keep it a little longer.

Answer
Hi Jess,
That sounds like either the trans is not shifting into OD and instead is staying in 3rd gear, or the torque converter lockup is not happening. So I would count the number of shifts and see if you get three of them when going up to highway speed and also a very slight drop in the rpm that is like a half shift when the torque converter lockup occurs at around 40 mph; and also the tach should not drop down sharply when you lift off the gas pedal and coast, once you are in the top gear you can reach because the torque converter should be locked at that point. Those would be the two signs for those two problems respectively. Because it has been rebuilt recently it should be under warranty and the rebuilder should be responsible for the correction of the problem. The unit's computer has a memory and that can be read via a plug under the dash using a code reader which will say what the problem with the trans is, if the correct reader and program is used. I believe that you should be able to have this corrected at no cost or go to small claims court.
If you get a trans code readout and there is some argument that it was not their responsibility, let me know what the code readout number is and we'll understand better what the current problem with the trans is. But a rebuild means a rebuild and one should have a completely functioning unit when you authorize an expensive and comprehensive repair like that.
Roland
P.S. The only possible simple fix is that the controller has not been given a "learn" procedure which is necessary after a comprehensive fix. So let them do that, and if it still operates the way it is now then that was not the answer.