'Jolting' from Trans. when braking

[coopns]

Just took the wife's 2002 out and everytime I would go up to about 40 then begin to slow down, around 20 -25 I would get kind of a jolt from the transmission. The jolt was like it was gearing down but would shake the whole car, not hellish but something is wrong. My friend mentioned trying some Lucas Trans...might be slipping?

What could it be and should I try an off the shelf product to try to resolve it? Trans has 125k on it with a drain around 80k.

Please advise.

 

[brianl703]

Could be worn out engine/transmission mounts.

 

[simple_gifts]

car is a ________

 

[coopns]

Sorry 2002 Grand Caravan.

 

[crazyoildude]

That is known as bump shift
Those 41te transmissions are very sensitive to fluid it should be clean and only atf-4
There is a nice article on allpar.com (Bob the oil guy is the best!)
Extremely common on them.

 

[coopns]

The tranny did have a bit much fluid in there.

Any other recommendations for repairing it?

Thanks.

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: coopns
Sorry 2002 Grand Caravan.


Uh oh....

 

[caravanmike]

if you just had the fluid changed, the 41te will harsh down shift until the tcm learns the new viscosity values, or you can get a quik learn done, but that is only if you just put new fluid in it.

 

[EricF]

make sure to check the fluid level with the tranny in Neutral so the solenoids will actutate and give the correct reading level.

+1 to the ATF+4

 

[coopns]

Got the rig back from the repair shop - Oh, dear, said the tranny is on it's way out. Really didn't want to hear that. I drove it really easy too. The bugger.

I looked at crazyoildude's allpar info. and it sounds like it is called 'bump down'.

I looked at allpar and allpar1

1. Should I get a dealer to look at it or is it not worth the $70 bucks.
2. Should I have a tranny guy look at it? I am finding info about a 'quick learn' that reset the CVI and force the computer to relearn where the clutches are. Can only the dealer do that?
3. Should I try some off the shelf products as a last resort?

Thanks.

 

[crazyoildude]

If you know an honest trans guy that will be great otherwise they all want the total rebuild thats where the money is i use an honest guy here in north jersey but they are far and few.. And some are not dishonest they just don't know..

 

[digitaldrifter91]

change the fluid, rebuilt it when it dies. and check the motor mounts.

Irionically my moms 07 tl did that from the factory, it annoys me. Its not harsh but you feel it.

 

[440Magnum]

Of COURSE the transmission shop says its on its way out. About 80% of the "problems" with Chrysler 41TE transmissions after ~1993 were because shops, even DEALER shops, couldn't or wouldn't diagnose a $20 sensor any differently than a $2500 rebuild.

Change the fluid, using ONLY ATF+4 and NO ADDITIVES!!! Drive it for a while and see how it does.

Watch carefully for any quirky behavior with the speedometer needle (jumping, etc.) because that can indicate a failing output speed sensor, which can contribute to odd shifting in the 41TE. If aren't averse to a little "shotgun" repair method- replace the output speed sensor while you're doing the fluid/filter.

 

[coopns]

Update:
Figured I would try the dealer:
So they plugged it in and they came back with a code that indicated low pressure, he said probably the filter/o-ring needed to be replaced and they flash the computer. $300. That hurts, cause I can change the filter/gasket but wife needs it then I need time to change it and then would have to take it back to dealer to flash it (another $100) so I figured they can do it. He mentioned they have seen this before.

Is it difficult to change the output speed sensor, that that a DIY project or would I need the dealer for that?

Thanks.

 

[440Magnum]

Low pressure could be a clogged filter.... here's hoping! A re-flash with the latest firmware is never a bad idea either.

Originally Posted By: coopns

Is it difficult to change the output speed sensor, that that a DIY project or would I need the dealer for that?

Thanks.


Very easy- both the input (turbine) speed sensor and output speed sensor just screw into the transmission case and have plug-in wiring connectors. Getting at them may require some contortions. Google and you can find directions, or better yet buy/beg/borrow/steal a service manual.

 

[coopns]

Update 2:

From the invoice:
Scanned TCM. Found code PO944. Loss of Hydraulic pump prime. Changed filter/fluid. Filter had dislogded sligtly. Erase Code. OK.

Does that make sense?

By Jesus, that seems to have done it. I was nervous and well see but to think I was ready for a new tranny 1500 later. This cost $307. I drove her home and it was fine.

Could anyone else have found the code and erased the code or did it have to be the dealer?

 

[Whitewolf]

It could be a sticking TCC valve. I had a similar sounding problem some time ago and that proved to be the cause.

 

[caravanmike]

Originally Posted By: coopns
Update 2:

From the invoice:
Scanned TCM. Found code PO944. Loss of Hydraulic pump prime. Changed filter/fluid. Filter had dislogded sligtly. Erase Code. OK.

Does that make sense?

By Jesus, that seems to have done it. I was nervous and well see but to think I was ready for a new tranny 1500 later. This cost $307. I drove her home and it was fine.

Could anyone else have found the code and erased the code or did it have to be the dealer?


alot of tranny shops have the capabilities. It is not about capabilities, but it is about honesty. sounds like you got a very fair shake! mike