Transmissions are a mythological thing to those who do not understand it. We start our vehicle expecting it to work perfectly, but what happens when it starts acting up? This experience can be a very stressful time, but I ask you to read on. I know with this article you will feel ALOT better and more confident by the end of reading, with keeping your transmission in top notch condition! Let’s dive deeper into how we can keep our Chrysler Town and Country running like a dream!
Common problems with the Chrysler Town and Country
After working on countless Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Caravan models. I can now say there are some components that are more prone to fail on these models than other components on the vehicle. One of the top components that are so prone to fail on these models that it is LEGENDARY amongst mechanics, is the 62TE transmission. This transmission ever since its release in 2007 has been torment for the vehicle owners. From 2008 to 2016 the vehicle owners have all ran across the transmission losing vacuum pressure to shift solenoids going out and preventing any shifting. Once the vehicle starts to lose vacuum pressure it will start to lose gears. The transmission uses high pressure fluid to switch gears in the transmission, but the fluid is also used as a lubricant, and to disperse heat from the component. If the transmission loses pressure, or circulation of the fluid catastrophic failure is bound to happen and that is when the VERY HIGH repair bills come into play.
Another culprit to the shift solenoid malfunctioning is the transmission filter never being changed at the maintenance interval put forth by the auto manufacturer. Most vehicle owners do not know they have a transmission filter so this has been a winning situation for transmission repair shops. Knowing that they have a steady flow of customers due to the poor maintenance put towards transmissions. Are you needing to know how to replace the transmission filter in your Dodge Caravan? Here is a step by step tutorial I have on my Youtube Channel!
Ways to Prevent Catastrophic failure
So let’s go through the easiest way to prevent catastrophic failure to both the vehicle and our bank accounts! This secret way is, maintenance, you read that correctly vehicle maintenance. With this model on the driver side of the engine, above the transmission, by the coolant reservoir, you will see a black plug that says for dealer use only. If you remove this plug, you can insert the testing transmission dipstick that you have to purchase. Click here to get your Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Caravan Transmission Dipstick!
The Transmission dipstick is for testing purposes only, so you need to reinstall the black plug when you are done using the transmission dipstick. The transmission is supposed to be serviced every 70,000 miles, but many are forgotten well beyond that mileage. I have step by step video tutorials on my Youtube channel if you need a visual reference of how to use the transmission dipstick. Click Here for that Video!
Engine Codes to Look out for
P0944 and P0868 are two engine codes to keep an eye out for with these models of minivans by Mopar. P0944 means that your hydraulic pump has lost pressure, in most cases it is due to a blockage. P0868 indicates that there is a problem with the transmission fluid pressure and needs to be corrected. Since many vehicle owners do not know there is a transmission filter inside the transmission they do not replace it. Just like your vehicle’s engine oil and filter need replacing every 7,000 miles, your transmission with it’s filter and oil need replaced as well on their own maintenance interval of every 70,000 miles. When the filter is not replaced it can be filled with debris overtime. Debris is common and is constantly filtered out by the transmission filter. This can cause the blockage and loss of hydraulic pressure in your transmission
What to do if you are already experiencing these problems
Sadly, if you are already experiencing the engine code that I stated, loss of pressure, or loss of gear shifting, it is too late for prevention, it is time for replacing. The component that is going to need to be replaced is the solenoid valve body. I have a detailed walkthrough video tutorial on our Youtube channel that can be found here! This repair can cost on average $1,600 at an Auto Repair Shop! I will show you how to do the repair for ALOT less, so you can put that money towards you and your family!
How to Save money on your Auto Repairs
Maintenance will be the way to prevent auto repairs but when auto repairs do happen the easiest way to save money on them is to do the repair yourself. Do it yourself mechanics are not a new thing nor will it ever be phased out. People try everyday to make more money so they can afford the things that they need completed. Let me help you with your auto repairs so you can put that money towards other things and still have a safe running vehicle! Did one of my online video tutorials help you save money? Check out the Super Thanks option on our channel to send a tip, we Run off COFFEE!!
Conclusion
So if there is one thing that you take away from this article let it be, to prevent costly repairs you need to service your vehicle on a scheduled maintenance interval. If you keep to this interval you can rest assured that your vehicle will run correctly and safely for you and your family for years to come. If your vehicle needs repair and is needing a little TLC, do not fret, auto manufacturers are not helping you with this. Auto manufacturers make 80% of their profits from their maintenance packages and replacement parts. To them it is big business, to the vehicle owner it is a huge headache! So let’s work together and get you on the correct maintenance interval and start saving on your auto repairs this year!
