AutoBanter - View Single Post - dodge caravan auto transmission life add tranny oil cooler

**Steve[_1_]** · January 17th 07, 02:30 PM posted to rec.autos.makers.chrysler

wrote:

> since 1990 on 4 older caravans I must have gone thru 10 transmissions,
> although AAMCO covered some under a lifetime warranty. A good friend
> has a 90 dodge spirit on 3rd transmission.

Well, AAMCO is probably responsible for about 8 of those failures if
that's the transmission shop you're using. RUN AWAY!
>
> will a oil cooler help extend tranny life?
Generally, yes. Keeping the transmission temperature down is always a
good thing. And the electronic Chrysler transmissions are a little hard
on the fluid because they run full hydraulic pressure all the time,
unlike older transmissions that reduce pressure when the throttle is
lightly applied. Running full pressure allows the computer to always be
able to modulate clutch application correctly, but it does generate a
bit more heat.

On the other hand, the most common causes of problems with these
transmissions are not related to heat. The most common thing is not
running the correct fluid (ATF +3 or ATF +4) and scAAMCO has been
notorious for just throwing Dexron fluid in them. That's certain death.
The other most common problem is sensor failure- whenever the input or
output speed sensor fails, the transmission will go into "limp" mode
(2nd gear all the time) and people tend to keep driving them that way,
turning the key off and back on to reset the transmission. That's rough
on them, because when they get reset they try to run through the gears,
but with an incorrect speed reference the shift characteristics are wrong.

The third common cause of failure is hardware problems with the early
(pre-93 for the most part) transmissions. Cracked snap-rings, things
like that. But those should have been fixed LONG ago in any new
transmission that was installed.

>
> as of today I have a 92 and 94 both with possible tranny troubles.
>
> I carry a lot of weight but dont beat the vehicles, use them for work

That should be fine, but it is a case where a cooler would be helpful.
The best thing you can do is get service IMMEDIATELY if you have
"possible tranny troubles," and go to a shop that knows Chrysler
transmissions and stocks the correct fluid. Make sure they show you
bottles of ATF +3 or +4 sitting on the shelf before you agree to let
them service the car. If they say anything about using Dexron with any
sort of additve that "makes it compatible" with Chrysler transmissions,
run like HELL. And call them idiots over your shoulder.