Nine problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The differential pin came loose making a hole through the transmission case. Transmission fluid leaked into the torque convertor area and then onto my garage floor. This vehicle has only 74,789 miles. The mechanic told me that this is very common with these transmissions. He said it occurs when one wheel spins while the other wheel is stopped. In other words, if you live in a climate with snow or ice, this failure can occur at any time to your vehicle. I have contacted the manufacturer and they tell me this is not a defect and that they do not know of any problems with their differential pins. I contacted the service manager at the local dealership, he said that he has certainly seen this problem before, but since it occured outside of warranty, I am on my own. The minivan has been repaired, but since the replacement differential is the same as before, a serious defect still exists in my vehicle. I have retained the worn/broken differential unit in case Dodge engineers want to inspect it.
1) when you would start the van it would not go into drive for @ 5 min. Then would finally go into gear. (2) when travelling @45 to 50 the van would start to shudder bad and would lose all of its power for a couple of seconds and then would be alright. (3) when stopping at a light/ stopsign or yield the van would not go. Told at the Chrysler dealership it was the transmission and torque converter.
Transmission went out while consumer was driving at about 60-65 mph. When checked fluids were all bubbling up, and transmission was burned up. Contacted dealer. Consumer states torque converter was also replaced, also brake pads and rotors had to be replaced.
Sudden loud noise and short moment of locked front wheels, engine stalled and after when I stopped, huge oil leak from the transmission. After transmission disassembly big hole in trans housing around 3" in diameter to the torque converter side,damaged torque converter, pieces of differential parts went of the hole. Have the transmission for verification, pictures.
When starting vehicle in first 5 minutes vehicle would not shift into gear. Soon afterward vehicle would travel normal. The original transmission failed at 20,233 miles and the second one failed at 53,167 miles. The transmissions needed complete teardown, reseal and a new torque converter.
When the vehicle comes to a stop the transmission jumps and then the vehicle dies. This only happens when the vehicle is in the first gear. Once the vehicle shifts out of first gear it does not have any problem with shifting. However when the vehicle begins to down shift when it comes to a complete stop as the transmission shifts to first gear it begins to jerk, hesitate and then the engine dies. This problem also exists in reverse, overdrive, third gear & low gear. The transmission was replaced by the dealer at 26000 miles. I serviced the transmission every 25000 miles thereafter. With only 58000 on the "new" transmission the torque converter and front pump have fallen apart. Is there anything on this vehicle that is not a piece of junk? other parts replaced are as follows: water pump, both front door seals, turn signal arm, drivers side visor, both front struts, both rear shocks, front brakes had to be rebuilt, a complete rear brake job (drums,wheel cylinders,spring kit & shoes),fan switch resister is going bad, antifreeze lines going to rear heater core, both oxygen sensors, both side door power lock mechanisms,spark plugs once by the dealer and most recently me, a complete fuel system power flush by the dealer,battery,fan relay switch(recall), and the van is currently on its third transmission, belt tensioner,passenger sun visor, serpentine belt, (,pcv & air) filters are replaced every year & the fuel filter every two years. The emergency brake has not worked for over two years. It is being replaced today. The dealer also recommended another flush of the fuel rails and to clean the throttle body assembly. Lest I forget the abs relay/solenoid.
The vehicle would not shift properly.
The torques converter failed causing the vehicle transmission to perform poorly. Nlm.
The torque converter gave out while the vehicle was being driven at 70 mph. The steering and transmission were lost.