What's wrong with my Dodge Caravan transmission?

The 3.6 litre six-speed auto power train in recent (2011–2020) ones can be pretty reliable. Older Caravans with the four-speed transmissions often fail at 100,000 miles or less.

One problem that Dodge identified was likely a result of a snap ring that was not properly fastened which led to extra weight on the drum which can then cause premature wear and tear. Two other Dodge Grand Caravan A604 transmission commonly reported problems are slipping between the gears, or really hard shifts. There are a number of OE design flaws that cause these problems to occur:

The OE pressure regulator sleeve is made from steel, and it’s known to wear out prematurely. This can lead to excessively hard shifts, which is why the best fix is to install a much more durable anodized A604 PR sleeve.

A solenoid block with a complete recalibration kit should be installed along with updated servos and stronger valve body accumulators that have exhaust holes drilled into the 2-4 pistons to vent the excess fluid pressure that sometimes causes hard shifting

Another common Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problem is the complete failure of the torque converter. This can be caused by a number of OE design flaws, overheating, or simply using Dexron ATF, instead of the correct Chrysler-specific Type 7176 ATF.

Dodge has announced that 26,299 vehicles have been affected by a transmission recall. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) recalled certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

If you live in Sacramento and are having these problems with your Dodge Caravan, bring it into our shop and let us determine exactly what's going on.