Sorry to bring a none CTD to the sight but I am at a loss and don't want to get rooked at the dealership. My wifes 99 grand caravan wont shift out of low gear(automatic tranny) and the speedometer only works after you get up past 10 to 15 miles per hour. My first thought was the vehicle speed snsor not telling the PCM to telll the tranny when to shift or possibly the TPS. I recovered the codes from the computer and they are all over the tranny. P0731(gear ratio1) P0732(gear ratio2) P0720 (Output speed ckt malfunction) and P0700 Trans control ckt malfunction. I was kinda hoping the book would tell me more about each code and some reasons for or things to check but it dosn't. The VSS is easy enough to get at and so is the Tranny control module but the gear ratio sensors are inside the tranny I believe anyway. Electronic tranny's are a pain. Can anyone shed some light on whats next or where to get info on the codes. I have checked the TSBs and some other code links from the tech tip section and other threads but haven't gained much ground on my problem. Thanks ahead of time for any help.

James

 

I ain't got a clue, but why not buy her a 2004 Dodge Cummins and show how much you love her. Then she can mash the minivan with the truck

 

Try replacing the selenoid pack.....164.00 dealer. The packs on those tranny's are notorious for going "south". A plug and three screws very easy job. If you have the old style, there is a updated part that eliminates the shim plate, and plastic cover. That should fix your prob.

I've already been able to clear codes and have the car return to working. Just disconnect your batt. for a few minutes and see what happens, but then someone else that has to diagnose won't have engine codes.

Rick

 

I replace input and output speed sensors on the 41te trans on a regular basis. Should be around 17-20 bucks at the dealer. If you want to diag it get access to a scan tool that can monitor the sensors. I'm sure by the other codes you are describing that you would find that you have an intermittant or no signal from the output sensor. I would replace both of them as the newer ones seem to last a bit longer. Other than a leak here and there, I rarely find a prob with the solenoid pack.

 

alright, so if I replace the pack and the ins and outs I should still get out of the overhaul and abouts 1200$ in labor. I knew you guys would come through. If that sounds sarcastic, it is but I mean the last part. I will look at what the dealer tells me tomorrow and go from there. If he is honest and comes back with one of the ideas you guys came up with and not an entire overhaul I should know if he is a swindler or honest. Thanks again and I will probably be back with more questions on the how too's and the where ats. I really don't like automatics with electronics.

James and his none gonna get a 2004 wife.
P.S. pumpdaddy, if I could afford the 2004 CTD. It would be for me and the expense of fixing her tranny would be a laughing matter vice the ulcer forming.

 

Ok, personally if it were mine and I wasn't at work to use the drbIII I would throw an output speed sensor at it. They are externally mounted and easily accessable by removing the air cleaner.

 

Don't be scared by multiple codes. One small sensor malfunction can cause multiple codes, which does not mean multiple failures. Since your speedo is inaccurate also I would suspect a component which senses speed. It has been suggested the output speed sensor. Maybe pull it and check for physical damage?

 

I took it in and the output speed sensor was the culprit. This minivan has been in a texas flood and ever since has been a nightmare to keep going. I got the tranny fixed once and for all along with all the other gremlins. The wife now drives a 2500 ram with the HEMI. Wanted her in a 2500 CTD but just couldn't get the price down far enough. Amazingly enough the cheapest 2004 on the lot was a the one we got. Thanks for all the good advice and hope to be of help to ya'lll in the future.
James