Transmissions are a mythological mystery to those who do not understand them. But we will start here with the Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems. We start our vehicles every day expecting them to work perfectly, but what happens when they start acting up? This experience can be incredibly stressful, but I ask you to read on. By the end of this article, you will feel a lot more confident about keeping your transmission in top-notch condition!
Let’s dive deep into how we can keep our Chrysler Town & Country running like a dream.
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Common Problems with the Chrysler Town & Country
After working on countless Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Dodge Caravan models, I can safely say there are some components that are far more prone to fail on these vans than others. Among these Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems is the transmission itself!
One of the top components whose failure rate is legendary among mechanics is the 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission. Ever since its release in 2007, this transmission has been a source of torment for vehicle owners.
From 2008 to 2016, owners have commonly run across issues ranging from shifting solenoids going out to complete hydraulic pressure loss preventing any shifting. Once the transmission starts to lose hydraulic line pressure, it will start dropping gears. The 62TE uses high-pressure fluid to switch gears, but that fluid is also used as a lubricant and to disperse heat. If the transmission loses line pressure or fluid circulation, catastrophic internal failure is bound to happen—and that is when very high repair bills come into play.
Another major culprit behind shift solenoid and pressure switch failures is a clogged transmission filter that has never been changed. Most vehicle owners do not even know their transmission has an internal filter, which has created a steady, winning situation for local transmission shops. This causes most the Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems.
Simple Ways to Prevent Catastrophic Transmission Failure
Let’s go through the easiest way to prevent catastrophic failure to both your vehicle and your bank account: preventative maintenance.
On the driver’s side of the engine bay, right above the transmission and next to the coolant reservoir, you will see a black plastic cap that says “For Dealer Use Only.” If you remove this cap, you can insert a specialty transmission dipstick that you can purchase online.
Note: This dipstick is a diagnostic tool for testing purposes only. You must remove it and reinstall the black “Dealer Use Only” cap when you are done checking your levels.
The 62TE transmission is scheduled to be serviced every 70,000 miles, but many are forgotten and run well beyond that limit. If you need a visual reference on how to correctly check your fluid levels using this dipstick, check out my video tutorial below:
Mopar Engine Codes to Look Out For
There are two specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to keep a close eye on with these Mopar minivans: P0944 and P0868.
- P0944 (Loss of Hydraulic Pump Pressure): This indicates your transmission’s oil pump has lost prime. In most cases, this is due to a severe fluid restriction.
- P0868 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low): This indicates that line pressure has dropped below the threshold required to operate the clutches safely.
Because many vehicle owners are unaware that there is a filter inside the transmission pan, it never gets replaced which causes ALOT of the Chrysler Town and Country transmission problems. Just like your engine oil and filter require replacement on a routine basis, your transmission fluid and filter need to be serviced on their own 70,000-mile maintenance interval. When a filter is neglected, it fills with normal friction material and clutch debris over time, ultimately causing a complete hydraulic blockage and ruinous pressure drop.
Prevent yourself from being stranded on the highway with an overheated vehicle. Here’s my article on How often should I replace my car’s thermostat?
What to Do If You Are Already Experiencing Shifting Problems
Sadly, if you are already experiencing low pressure codes, slipping gears, or erratic shifting, the time for preventative maintenance has passed.
In many cases, the component that needs to be replaced is the solenoid valve body assembly (solenoid pack). Having this repair completed at a professional auto repair shop can easily cost an average of $1,600.
If you want to tackle this job yourself and save a massive chunk of change, I have a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough video tutorial on our YouTube channel showing you exactly how to swap the unit out in your driveway:
Save Money by Doing It Yourself
Routine maintenance is the ultimate shield against auto repairs, but when components do fail, the easiest way to save money is to turn your own wrenches.
Do-it-yourself mechanics have been around forever, and they aren’t going anywhere. Everyday folks are looking for ways to save money so they can afford the things their families need. Let me help you master your own auto repairs so you can keep your family safe on the road without draining your wallet.
Did one of my online video tutorials save you some serious cash? Check out the Super Thanks option on our YouTube channel to send a tip—this entire channel runs on caffeine and motor oil! ☕⚡
Conclusion
If there is one key takeaway from this article, let it be this: preventative maintenance is the absolute key to avoiding costly repairs. If you stick to your scheduled service intervals, you can rest assured that your family caravan will run safely and reliably for years to come.
Remember, manufacturers often make a massive percentage of their profits from parts sales and high-margin dealership maintenance packages. To them, it’s just big business—but to you, it’s a massive headache. Let’s work together, keep your van on the correct maintenance schedule, and start saving you real money on your auto repairs!
