Friday, July 3, 2009

We have a transmission issue with a 1993 Chrysler town and Country van.?

We have a transmission issue with a 1993 Chrysler town and Country van.?

The van's tranny slips and sometmes won't go into gear at all. Have been told this may be a solinoid issue in the transmission. Is this a possibility? How much to fix? Worth it if all other stuff on the van works well?
THanks!

Asked by: Terry A @ 2009-06-30 11:21:16

Answers ::
Sometimes the solenoid pack will cause those problems, other times the transmission will need to be replaced.

If the transmission is bad, the cost of repair will exceed the value of the vehicle. Because of the history of problems, most used auto parts dealers will not even sell that transmission.

The only real choice is a rebuilt unit, and you are looking at several thousand dollars for that.
fire4511

Is the engine light on and are there any codes showing up bec if it's a transmission control issue there should be a code.

Try putting the key in the ignition then place it in the run position then turn it backwards to the aux position then back up to the run position then back to the aux position then back to the run position and leave it there.The engine light should be lit a second then it should start to light up again , example it flashes once then pauses then flashes twice in a row that is code 12= battery has been disconnected at some point of time within the last 50 to starting 100 cycles.When all the codes are finished or there is no more stored codes code 55 will show up.

Really you need to know if any codes exist and work from there but are the speedo and rpm gauges working on it or is the rpm gauge going up high bec it has only the basic gear and its in the limp mode?

If no codes involving the transmission relay circuit etc exist it could be a case of a worn out transmission or simply worn out transmission fluids or a dirty transmission filter.See Dodge uses a special chemical additive in their transmission fluids and it is designed to stop the kicking or bucking or slipping issues , plus can wear out and cause such problems.

Do yourself a huge favor and don't rush into spending any cash until you have several opinions or diagnoses bec those are misdiagnosed a lot.


Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way find out what the codes are and get back to me I can offer you much more help once I know what codes exist and if its the solenoid pack that could cost you from 250 to 350 bucks for parts and labor .
helpful bob

Ok you have the electronic transmission with a 3.0 L V-6 engine? You can find a used regular automatic non-electronic controls and install it. It will only be a 3 speed and your fuel mileage will drop some, but you will still have a driveable van.
Look for transmissions in Short wheel base vans, Dodge Spirits and Plymouth Acclaims
We have a 1993 Voyager with regular auto tranny, I would make a mojor repair in a heartbeat to it . It is a fantastic vehicle yet in very good to almost excellent condition. I would not put a lot of money into a rust bucket tho. .
FleetTech

Very rarely is a slipping issue linked to a solenoid. A solenoid is either on or off, slipping occurs when fluid pressure is not quite where it should be (usually from a lip seal leaking in the trans. This would also cause a sensation of the trans not going into gear. I would lean more to an internal issue than a solenoid pack. A reputable trans repair shop can overhaul your trans for around $1500, give or take. That should give you an idea. Don't waste time trying to put a 3 speed trans in it, because the computer that controls the engine will be confused by the lack of trans signals.
Moose

Easy way to tell, drop the trans pan, if there is a lot of material in the pan, you will need it rebuilt. And if the trans has never been worked on for a 93 the solenoid pack will need to be replaced anyway. As far as the trans costing more than the van is worth, can you afford a new van?
Chrysler mini van overdrive trans are very pricey and I would not have the neighbor hood trans shop rebuild it, Since the introduction of the over drive trans in the mini van, there have been over 125 updates to the trans, and the 3 speed trans is the popular choose of Chrysler trans mechanics, a lot easier and cheaper to fix
rick b

If you check the fluid and it smells burnt then it is slipping internally. If it is then at least you know it has to come out for repair or replacement. If you install a Mopar reman. and update the Transmission Control Module you can get out under 3000. But tell them to back flush the trans cooler and lines also. If you see alot of metal in the fluid on the dipstick, same thing.Don't put a 3-speed in it. That 4 speed was a fine unit. I repaired almost as many from transmission repair shops then from customers.That was a nice van and your not going to replace it for any good price. You can't access the Trans module through the dash codes unless they are common to the powertrain control module. Inthe hundreds of those I repaired only 2 or 3 had bad solenoid packs in that 41TE.
Solu

The solenoids are notorious for problems such as that. Your local dealer's parts dept. will know the number off the top of thir head as long as it's a 4 speed. They leak more than anything but it's the first place to look. The parts is about $250 retail. If it is the trans, you can go for a reman (the dealer and Jasper are close in price with the same 3 yr 1000,000mi warranty), or a local junkyard depending on how much you want to spend. The engines are actually quite reliable so it should be a decent investment either way depending on mileage.
mr huh


What is the best tire for a 2004 chrysler sebring?

Any suggestions?

2004 Chrysler Sebring LX sedan 205 60/16

Asked by: sweetsupplies85 @ 2009-07-01 08:43:27

Answers ::
I think Michelin is the best brand of tires but they're pretty expensive. IF you travel out of town a lot I'd say Michelin or Firestone or you can go to Discount tire and they'll give you some good tires that'll look nice with your car and will be useful.
M.L.C

Lots of good tires in that size. Michelin is usually the best overall in quality, but Bridgestone and Goodyear are also top brands.

If you want to save some money, check out Yokohama, BFGoodrich and Toyo. You can find a good quality tire in that size for about $75-80 each, plus install.
Uncle Bo

I recently bought 4 new tires for my Dodge Stratus sedan, rim size 15, I bought Hankooks. They not 2 expensive and are not cheap looking tires.
Felix

The Tire Rack has seven pages of tires that will fit your car. To know what is the best tire for you, we need some information about your driving habits, budget, the kinds of roads you usually drive on, whether you live in the snow belt, whether you ever drive to ski resorts, etc., etc., etc.

Without knowing that, there are a few choices that fit some of the criteria above.

If you're on a tight budget, need an all-season tire that's not just a rim protector, and don't care about a famous brand name on the sidewall, the Kumho Solus KH16 is the best selling tire in that group, at $73 each plus shipping and tax (if applicable). I have had experience with Kumhos and they have nothing to apologize for.

The top rated tires among Grand Touring All-season tires (good performance and ride) are the General Altimax tires, at $81 each (plus shipping etc.) for the H-rated version. (You don't need the "V" rating.)

If you are in the sun belt, once again the General Altimax is the favored tire among High Performance Summer tires. They also look sexy.

If I were buying tires for my family car, and that were the original equipment size, I would upgrade to what's called a "plus one-half" size. That means going up a size in width, while going down a size in aspect ratio (the ratio of height to width). That gives you more tread on the road while maintaining your rolling circumference, so that your speedometer and odometer are not affected. It also protects your wheels from curb scrapes.

For your car that means 225/55-16. On my family car I made that switch to plus one-half and chose Yokohama Avid VS4 tires. They are a good compromise in performance and comfort v. value at $104 per tire plus shipping etc.

To make your own selection, go to http://www.tirerack.com/ and click on "select make," then on "Chrysler." Click on "select year" and then on "2004." That will give you the model list. Click on "Sebring LX Sedan" and click on "tires" below. Then follow the menus to select what kinds of tires you want to choose from.

If you want to go plus one-half, select by size and follow the menus.

If you are like me, it's like being in a candy store. Have fun, good luck, and good motoring.
theomdude

I like Michelins too. I got some at BJs for under $100 each. Be sure they put a sealing bead inside to bond the tire to the rim. Chrysler rims rust and need the extra sealing. I expect to get 80K miles out of my new set...if the rest of the car lasts that long.
Greg C


How old do I have to be to drive a Robin Reliant?

Also can i reverse in these and what license will i need to drive one? how long will it take to get my licence? can i get the license at the age of 15 by any chance?

Asked by: LoopDeLoop @ 2009-06-30 06:00:18

Answers ::
17, and you can drive one on a full motorbike licence,as it has only 3 wheels, it will depend hoew your lessons go, but you will need at least 10 car lessons or motorbike lessons.
NEIL

70 and you must be senile, mad or both
beefy

you used to drive it when you was 16 on a motorcycle provisional license, but i dont know what it is now,,
syco noodles

above are wrong ( apart from beefy ! ) you could drive one on full bike licence one time but not since 2000 when the law was altered you now must have a full car licence . reverse gear has never been a factor . btw its Reliant Robin . you dont say escort ford do you .
Jacko

About 90 and in the final stages of dementia! These heaps of cow dung on wheels are a bad bad joke. They were utter crap when brand new and even more so now. I have owned 32 cars and have driven hundreds of others but i have never, ever, driven anything any where near as awful as a Reliant Robin. I actually bought one - probably when your dad was in nappies - drove it for half an hour and took it straight back to the dealers. Get a licence at 15? Only a licence to get your head examined if you even consider one of those death traps.
COLIN T


70-74 Plymouth Duster insurance ratings?

I am 15 and a big fan of mopars. I have less than a year till i can get my license. I am going to be looking at 70-74 Plymouth Dusters and Dodge Darts on craigslist. My price range is about 6500 dollars. Whatever engine it has wheter it be the 318, 340, or 360 just depends. It will probably be a 318 or 360 though, but maybe if I get lucky I will find a 340. Regardless of what engine I get I want to do a semi rebuild with a new carb, intake, heads, headers, etc., so even if i have a 318 it will still have performance. Anyway In all the articles and videos I have seen about the Plymouth Duster they have said back then insurance saw it as an economy car even with the 340. Is it still considered and economy car by insurance today? If not what kind of insurance do you people who own these cars have to pay.

Asked by: ............... @ 2009-07-02 10:46:14

Answers ::
depends on driver and the overall condition of the car
O-Ryan

The amount you pay for insurance has more to do with the driver than the car. As a young driver, you rates will be the highest, regardless of what you drive. If you are talking about insuring the car against theft, then it depends on the value of the car. If you just consider it an old used car, then it's value is lower than if you consider it a 'classic' car with much higher value. The reason they make a difference for economy cars, is that usually they have small engines, can't go very fast, and don't weigh much, so they don't do much damage in an accident that your insurance will have to pay for. But the Duster is no longer considered an economy car under those standards.
roscoedeadbeat

Usually the older the car the less you have to pay...Since it,s alot easier to fix an older car than a newer.Go for the basics...It seems you are mechanically inclined so tell them you,ll fix it youself if you are in an accident...Your age is the only thing that will hurt you...The insurance will be alot cheaper than if you bought a new challenger or camaro...Don,t forget to check out the 70 and 71 demons also...I,m a fan of the demons because they only made them a couple of years and the trim packages(taillights) look better...Mopars are cool...I got a 67 gtx that i,m buliding for a street /srtip car,,,,
Johnny Rotten

The only way, bottom line you are going to get a price is to fix the car and have it inspected by your insurance agent and have it insured for the appraised amount. If you do all that work, keep the recites and take photos for that un eventful day something does happen to the car, they will only pay you for market value of the car not what you think it is worth unless you have a custom made policy.
I had a 71 Challenger bone stock with a 318. IN side was mint, I rebuilt the engine and trans had all the paper work 2 month later a kid pulled out in front of me and BAM. Long story short, the insurance company only paid me $2500 for the car and I turned it in, Big mistake.
I could have made a clone cuda out of it and had a 100,000.00 dollar car. So I get the "Dumb A-- "of the year award. Lesson learned, and you too should learn from this
rick b