Transmission Slip Out Of Gear problems of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph the vehicle failed to accelerate and shift out of second gear. The battery failed, windshield wipers turned on, the interior lights were flashing and horn was beeping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer courtesy Chrysler Dodge located at 607 enterprise directions, breaux bridge, la 70517 (337) 909-2111 where diagnosed that the control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 87,159. Ap.

Upon start of vehicle, wipers turned on(switch pos off), washer fluid sprayed(button not pressed), horn sounded (not pressed), could not get it to stop. Started vehicle, continued to do all three, vehicle placed in drive, would not shift out of 1st gear. Shut vehicle off, started again, same things. In days prior to this incident, the vehicle would stall unexpectedly, fortunately while approaching stop sign, or stop light and not on highway, resulted in loss of power steering, and all engine/speed indication. Dodge dealership in valdosta duplicated problems, replaced $500 electrical box. Been two days since repair, no repeats yet.

I am writing to Chrysler canada because we are very unhappy with our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, one that I would classify as a runaway vehicle creating a potential safety hazard. Current odometer reading 25347 this vehicle went for its first service February 9, 2009 to a vehicle check-up peace of mind inspection. Primarily with an inquiry to check the brake system since the brake pedal felt somewhat spongy when applied. The inspection indicated the brakes pulsated because of a warped disk. The warped disk is most likely caused by high heat generated from prolonged braking. This appears to be in contradiction with the instruction in the 2008 Dodge owner's manual page 334 under note: to select the proper gear position for maximum deceleration (engine breaking), simply press and hold the gear selector lever to the left (-). The transmission will shift to the range from which the vehicle can best be slowed down. This is clearly not providing the desired result. To assist the vehicle in maintaining control downhill, shifting the automatic transmission into 3rd gear (at 60 kph. ) should enable the vehicle to maintain control without having to ride the brakes. This is not the case; the electronics controlling the shifting system in the automatic transmission drops out of low gear (3rd) into high gear (d) under the slightest downhill momentum, thus making it impossible to control the speed of the vehicle. Page 337 in the 208 Dodge owners manual specifically warns that riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly an accident. As we have experienced to our horror on numerous occasions driving on the west coast (vancouver island), while trying to maintain vehicle control on a downhill stretch of paved road, this 4 speed electronic transmission system is incapable of providing any engine braking assistance whatsoever. The only alternative is to ride the brakes to maintain vehicle control.