Chrysler Repair: 96 Caravan transaxle, solenoid pack, boiler plate

Question
96 Grand Caravan 3.3L overdrive transaxle has been downshifting on its own, apparently to "limp-in" mode, but then recovers, either on its own or after the engine is stopped and restarted. I pulled the 8-pin connector off the front, and found what appeared to be transmission fluid inside. After cleaning up the socket and the cap, it drove OK for about 1/2 hour, and then started acting up again. Pulled the connector again, and more fluid in there. No sign of external oil, so must be coming from inside. Anything I can do about it, or do I have to see a dealer?

Answer
Hi John,
I would also have a very large pan under the unit when/if you take apart the solenoid pack because it is low on the body and so the trans fluid will pour out. But even before that, I would suggest getting a readout of the codes because there is not much you can do with the pack if you don't know whether there is something wrong with it, other than check the socket gasket which if it isn't leaking badly is not going to be the cause of the limp-in behavior.
Roland

Hi John,
I am not sure if a little leakage between the solenoid pack and the plug-in is normal or not and whether that alone could cause the trans to go into limp-in mode. But you can remove the solenoid pack and see if it is just a rubber seal that is causing the leak. First remove the speed sendor located just above the box (pack), then the sound cover, then you can remove the three vertical screw that hold it in place. There are a couple of gaskets surrounding a sound cover attaching plate so note those on the bottom of the unit as you lift it off. I don't have any experience with this unit but the manual I have shows such a removal for inspection. On the other hand, you might want to get a readout of the trans controller to see if it has recorded a fault code related to the solenoids or to something more internal which would suggest that the solenoid pack may not be the source of your problem. Here is my "boiler plate" answer:
These transmissions are sophisticated electronically controlled units that need to be maintained to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs. I would begin by checking the dipstick after warming up the van and driving it a bit, then put the trans in Park with the engine idling and see if the level is in the cross-hatched zone for "hot" fluid. If you need to add, get the fluid from a Chrysler dealer as the units are finicky about what fluid they work with. If that looks normal you might then do well to go to a dealer or an independent trans shop (but not a franchise type) with a good reputation to discuss changing the fluid filter and checking for any debris in the drain pans (which is a bad sign of internal damage) and checking the adjustment of the shift lever.
An alternative is to have the trans's electronic controller read out for any fault codes it may have stored after recognizing a malfunction in the unit. That is a simple task (but ask how much they charge before authorizing it, and verify that the shop has a unit for reading the trans codes as all shops may not be so-equipped) done with a diagnostic readout box, and the codes, if any, are clues as to why you have this problem. If you do that, ask for the code numbers, and for a diagnosis and estimate of repair costs. I have a manual that we can check this information against to verify that the proposal is appropriate.
Take it step-by-step and don't panic.
Roland