Chrysler Repair: 98 T&C Transmission problem, chrysler dealer, engine rev

Question
Roland,
I have 98 T&C minivan (Lxi model) with 120K miles (80K highway only). When I start the car and switch transmission to any gear, the car does not move. You can hear engine rev up, but the car just does not move. There are no lights (check engine or other) going off on dashboard and the car is in perfect in & out conditions and trans. fluid level seems to be OK. It kind of looks like the transmission is stuck in neutral and not moving at all. To try to fix it, I need to tow it to most likely a dealer, and if they say that I need new transmission, it will cost 2K, which I could probably use as a downpayment on a new/used minivan. So, this is my problem, if they could fix it for few hundreds, then it would be worthy, but if I need to put new trans. then I have to think twice.
Any opinion would be appreciated.

Best Regards.

Paul Miernik
Tampa, FL

Answer
Hi Paul,
Checking the fluid level is appropriate and now we can consider other possiblilities. Another approach you might try is to let the engine warm up for a while, then put the trans in Drive and see if it might move as the result of warming up the trans fluid in the process.
It is possible that you have a problem that is hydraulic which can be serviced without removing the transmission from the van, such as clogged filter or a defective fluid pump. So that presents two possibilities, prehaps in this order, at a Chrysler dealer (unless you know of a very honest and competent independent shop as an alternative, but not a franchise sort of place):
1. Do a partial drain and filter replacement servicing, again at a Chrysler dealer so that you know an approved fluid will be used. (Ask the manager to inspect for 'debris' in the pans when they are removed to drain the fluid, which if present is a sign that mechanical damage has been going on and which would not be a good sign, and I would then have them skip to step 2., below). This drain and filter change might correct the symptoms but there is no guarantee that it will help. If it does, then that is the solution. If not,
2. Get a readout of any fault codes that may be stored in the electronic transmission control unit's memory. The electronic trans has a controller with an ability to self-recognize problems, give them a code number, and store them in the memory for later readout. This should always be the first thing that is done rather than to accept a costly verdict of 'remove and rebuild'.
The dealer or a competent transmission shop should have a readout unit to find out what the code number(s) is and from that they can make some conclusions about whether the trans can be repaired without being removed from the car (for example an electrical or hydraulic pressure problem) OR if some mechanical damage is involved (but follow-up a "mechanical damage" diagnosis by dropping the oil pans and looking for debris to be present or not) which if present would require a pretty expensive rebuild, I am sorry to say. No debris in the pans would suggest the possibility of an hydraulic problem only.
The readout device has to have the 16 pin data bus connector and have a program cartridge capable of reading the codes for the Chrysler trans of '98. If not, then a dealer would have the unit necessary to do it. Write me back a follow up question once you get the code(s) and we'll compare the proposed 'therapy' with that suggested in the Chrysler shop manual. The readout might cost $50 or less and even be applicable against the repair bill if you ask that question when you order the readout.
Roland