We've got an 89' Caravan with a three speed that is starting to slip in reverse on grades. It doesn't show any signs of slipping on the flat. What would be the most likely cause, adjustment or parts?
Allan.
89' Caravan 3 speed
Oct 23, 2003
7 Replies
How long since the transmission was properly serviced (adjust bands and linkage, change fluid and filter)?
We got the van at 160,000 km this spring, that's when I changed all it's filters, tranny included. The tranny was refilled with ATF+3. The bands haven't been adjusted that I'm aware of. The van now has 171,000km on it.
Allan.
I have the same kind of car. I adjusted the bands (upper and lower) and this fixed for a while. To adjust the low reverse band you should drain the trms oil, remove the trms cover and you have acces to the low reverse band to adjust. You need to use a specia tool to adjust at a couple, I don't know exactly tha values. The same thing for upper adjustment, under the throtle cable.
Cristian
It's long overdue for a band and linkage adjustment -- get it done NOW, and set the bands on the tight side of the spec.
These transmissions work a lot better if the accumulator spring is removed and its piston blocked in the "UP" position and the line pressure is increased via the line pressure adjustment on the valve body, but if you or your transmission service tech doesn't know and feel comfortable about these mods, don't.
DS
Per my Caravan's owner's manual, the bands in that 3 sp transmission should be adjusted at 30,000 mile intervals. They must be set to the specified torque.
My local Dodge dealer sez he does band adjustments, including fluid and filter change for about $125/U.S.
I've got one of the last Caravans that use that transmission. My van is a 2002 model. They stopped using the 3 speed mid year on the
2002's. I've got mixed emotions about that. The 4 speed may give very slightly better acceleration and gas mileage but is a bit less reliable than the old 3 spd.Doug
I did myself the band adjustment, including fluid and filter to the specified torque, using a rent special tool for the torque. This fixed the slepping for a while, but still seams to slip on high grades. Someone reccomended changing the bands. I would like to ask what exactly this operation means or what suppose rebuilding transmission. My car is old indeed, but still in very good shape, I would like to keep it a couple of years, but just the transmission is the problem. The poit is I would like to have a camp-trailer attached, (not yet tried) but after fixing the transmission. Thanks for all the recomendation. Cristian
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