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Transmission Leak

5K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Moby 
#1 ·
We have an 02 Grand Caravan 3.8L, with 34,000 miles. Recently noticed a tranny leak. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the gasket on the solenoid, whatever and wherever that is. Noticed it was still leaking, back again and this time they replaced the solenoid pack.

Anyone run into this and does this suggest other problems and/or issues we should be concerned about?
 
#2 ·
NO problem like that here. Just keep an eye on it to see if it is still leaking. Is it a BAD LEAK? If it is, keep track of the fluid in the tranny and make sure you add ATF+4 to the transmission when adding new fluid.

Good Luck
 
#3 ·
I have a leak on my 2001 DGC on th edrivers side. It is red, so I will assume tranny. If the power steering leaks, what side and what colour? Thanks in advance for any info.
KC
 
#4 ·
MOST 2001 Grand Caravans had the regular power steering fluid which was an clearer oil color, not red. However , some did have ATF+4, so take off your power steering cap and check your fluid to see the color. THEN you can tell if it is RED.

If it IS red, it will USUALLY show leaks on the drivers side , from the radiator back to the transmission. SO, Any red could be from the tranny and/or the power steering. I know that is not alot of help, but without seeing it, is all I can do.
Good Luck
 
#5 ·
Be careful with the transmission

Last month I too had a transmission problem on my '02 T&C, but it became much more serious than yours.

I took my car to get the oil changed, and the next day my 'general warning light came on.' I called Chrysler, and they told me to bring it in.

Well I couldn't get it in fast enough, and because of that, my tranny blew.

Unlike you, there was no apparent leak. However, they said the problem was caused by leaking tranny cooling hoses.

The result was that under the 7 year 70K warranty (or 100K, I forget), they replaced the tranny 100% for parts and labor, however I had to pay for the hoses and the labor...$500. They say they have to take off the bumper to get at the hoses, and because the hoses are 'auxilliary parts,' they aren;t covered by the warranty.

I am vigorously fighting them on this.

Make sure you have the hoses checked, and document, document, document.

Good luck.

Jeff Goldstein
Atlanta, GA
 
#6 ·
You should have seen the leak if it was bad enough to blow the trans #1. Second if you suspected a serious issue why didn't you have it towed? 3. They put in a new trans when perhaps if caught early tightening clamos would have fixed it and prevented the trans from blowing in the first place. Bottom line you're luucky they didn't chalk it to abuse and make you pay for the trans too. Also the hoses are external parts and while covered under 3/36 B to B warranty are NOT part and parcel of the drivetrain and are considered maintenance items like any other hose, brakes etc. Count yourself lucky and be nice to this dealer you got very well treated.
LArry
 
#7 ·
DownInGeorgia, I know your a newbie here and we try to welcome the newbies on the gentle side. However Larry is right. YOU should have not driven it, not to say the tranny would not have blown anyway, since - when the IDIOT LIGHT comes on, it is usually too late anyway. You should have told the dealer to come and get it with a flatbed.
Second, hoses are just like brake pads and light bulbs and wiper blades, they are not covered, because they wear out under normal conditions.
The $500 labor cost is within reason.

THAT is why I remind everyone that the regular 7-70 is POWERTRAIN ONLY WARRANTY.
Anything else cost you. PERIOD
 
#8 ·
Just some general advice to everyone: If you are having trouble that you think might be your transmission, check your transmission fluid level. If it is low, add fluid (of course checking your owners manual to make sure you are adding the correct fluid). If it is leaking, check it daily or weekly.

If it is not leaking (or if you aren't having any transmission trouble), check the transmission fluid level monthly or at least at every oil change. This goes for Hondas and Toyotas too :)

I discovered my 95 leaked like a sieve a few years back. It lost about a quart every two months. My household is very busy, and it is difficult to find time to schedule a day-long service. So, because I knew it was leaking, I checked it vigilantly, every time I got home (and the fluid was hot), and made sure I added ATF+3 if it needed it. It eventually got a complete seal job. But if I had not kept the trans fluid level up, it would have probably left me stranded...or worse. It was definitely out of warranty.

Also, my transmission shop, which does excellent work and who I recommend to people, recommends idling in NEUTRAL rather than PARK, contrary to the dipstick instructions.
 
#9 ·
I took in my 02 thinking I had power steering leak. Nope.....tranny solinoid (sp?) pack. $300.00 I am going to press the 7/70 powertrain warranty. We will see how it goes. According to my usual service garage, this is common and the newer version does not leak. Hmmmm.....
 
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