Two problems related to transmission not engage have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving at approximately 60mph Caravan began to slow down to about 40mph and did not want to accelerate when gas pedal was pushed down. Pulled off to side of road and put van in park. Waited a few minutes then put van in drive and tried to pull back onto shoulder. Van would not move and heard a squelling noise. Put van back in park. Tried again to pulle onto highway, this time it went into drive but seemed to be slipping or not fully engaged in gear. Finally made it to a service station a couple hundred yards from where I pulled off of the highway. Had van towed on flatbed to liberty Dodge. Upon initial inspection of transmission found dip stick not properly seated/sealed in transmission. Liberty Dodge suggested transmission be pulled and tore down for further inspection. When mechanic started to remove transmission noticed transmission mount busted loose from transmission case and transmission case cracked. Mechanic finished removing transmission fron van and reported to service manager transmission would have to be replaced due to mount being busted and case cracked. Van has only 44,292 miles on it. Service manager and mechanic could not tell me what or how the transmission mount or case could get cracked. Suggested maybe van had ran over something or hit a big pothole in road. Dealership would not pay any part of the replacement cost of transmission because they said the factory warranty was only 36,000 miles and the van had over 44,000 miles on it. Van was broadsided in may 1999 on drivers side. When it was hit it was parked. Was knocked approximately 4 to 6 ft up over a curb and stopped in a grassy area adjacent to parking spot. Had front door, front fender, door jam, replaced with realignment done. Approximately $4,000 to $5,000 damage. Wonder if this might have cracked the transmission case and it evevtually cracked enough to break the mount off and loosing all fluid then quitting altogether.
When driving uphill and taking foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle rolls backwards. Also when stepping on the accelerator pedal, the transmission does not engage. The problem was reported to the dealership. Most of the gears in the transmission were replaced by aamco for the second time.