Joe wrote on 05/01/2007 12:34 ET :
> I have a '99 Grand Caravan, 3.8L, auto-stick on the column.
>
> Symptoms are as follows:
> -If I shift into auto-stick mode at any speed, there is no perceptible
> change anywhere--gear indicator stays on 'D', no change in gears, etc (this
> could be normal, as it has never worked so I'm not sure how it should behave
> when first engaged)
> -Once in auto-stick mode, clicking the up or down switch causes no
> perceptible change...gear indicator stays on 'D', the gears do not change
> -The overdrive button at the end of the shift lever also does not work--it
> does not disable overdrive at any speed
>
> My Chilton's guide has no auto-stick info at all, nor is it included in the
> wiring diagrams, so I'm not sure where to start--can't find a fuse or relay
> for auto-stick, and I don't know where the common failure points are.
>
> If anyone has any suggestions or info I'd be much obilged.
>
Sorry, this reply is too late to help you, but perhaps it will help others
reading. I had the same problem on a '99 Dodge Grand Caravan ES with the
autostick. The van worked fine in D (drive) but would not turn on the autostick
function when the transmission lever was placed in the next slot. Since I live
in the mountains, it is essential to be able to downshift on a long grade.
People who don't burn their brakes out quickly and are dangerous on the passes.

My van also illuminated the "AUTOSTICK" when the engine was off and
transmission selector was in autostick position, but not while running.
Transmission shop said it would take them a few days to figure it out, but that
it sounded electrical and would be best to go to the dealer. Dealership said
there were several possibilities (lever select pawl, transmission control
module, and others) but it would cost $189 to look at it and then they would
call with a repair estimate after their diagnoses.

I read that a common problem with the autostick was a broken wire running from
the steering wheel to the transmission select lever and then going inside it to
the autostick buttons. There are two wires; every time you shift from park to
drive, the wires are bent. Eventually they break.
After taking all of the covers/panels etc. off, I found the wires and they
looked fine. However they were broken inside the insulation. I spliced and
soldered both back together and it worked! Saved hundreds of dollars and only
took a few hours (going slowly and with interruptions). Hope this helps
someone
else out!