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Why Is My Dodge Grand Caravan Not Shifting?

If your Dodge Grand Caravan is not shifting gears, you could have a problem with the transmission. There are many potential causes of this issue, so it’s important to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem correctly.

In this post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of a transmission that won’t shift in a Dodge Grand Caravan.

The most common reasons for Dodge Grand Caravan not shifting gears are:

  • Low transmission fluid levels
  • A problem with the shift solenoid
  • A broken or damaged shifter cable
  • A problem with the throttle pedal pad
  • A faulty throttle housing
  • A faulty throttle position sensor

While that list of possible causes of the issue with the shifting seems long, the good news is that most of them are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix.

The first thing you should do if your Dodge Grand Caravan won’t shift gears is to check the transmission fluid level–this is, usually, the most common cause of Dodge Grand Caravan Not Shifting. If it’s low, simply add more transmission fluid until it reaches the full mark on the dipstick.

How The Dodge Grand Caravan Transmission Works

The Dodge Grand Caravan transmission is a hydraulic automatic transmission. It uses pressurized brake fluid to control the gears and shift them in and out of gear. This system is controlled by a series of valves, which are opened and closed by solenoids.

If any of these solenoids stop working, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears.

There are two types of shift solenoids in the Dodge Grand Caravan transmission–the shift solenoid A and the shift solenoid B. The shift solenoid A is responsible for shifting gears one through three, while the shift solenoid B shifts gear four through six.

If either of these two solenoids stops working, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears.

Why Is My Dodge Grand Caravan Not Shifting?

Common Issues Associated With The Dodge Grand Caravan Not Shifting

The majority of the time, the Caravan has little to no problems that have been reported. One of the most prevalent, nonetheless, is transmission difficulties. The transmission is an important component of a car’s internal combustion engine, and it isn’t going anywhere without it.

Transmission issues are not difficult to repair and may or may not be a deal-breaker when it comes to purchasing a Caravan. The common transmission issues include:

Delayed Gear Shifting

One of the most common issues with the transmission is delayed gear shifting. This can be caused by low fluid levels, a faulty solenoid, or simply age and wear on the transmission itself.

Loss of Power While Driving

Another common issue is a loss of power while driving. This can be caused by low fluid levels or a problem with the transmission’s torque converter.

The Dodge not Accelerating

When the Dodge Caravan is not accelerating, it could be because of a problem with the transmission’s torque converter. This is a common issue that can be fixed relatively easily.

Noisy Transmission

In case the transmission is making a lot of noise, it could be due to low fluid levels, a faulty solenoid, or damage to the gears themselves.

Burning Smell From The Transmission

If there is a burning smell coming from the transmission, it could be due to low fluid levels or a problem with the transmission’s torque converter.

Check Engine Light is On

W the check engine light is on, it could be due to a problem with the transmission’s speed sensor. This is a relatively easy problem to fix.

Why Is My Dodge Grand Caravan Not Shifting?

Why Your Dodge Grand Caravan Is Not Shifting And Possible Solutions?

Low transmission fluid levels

One of the most common reasons for your Dodge Grand Caravan not shifting is because the transmission fluid levels are low. Simply add more transmission fluid until it reaches the full mark on the dipstick.

In case you have to add transmission fluid frequently and the problem still persists, there may be a leak somewhere in the system that needs to be fixed.

A problem With Shift Solenoid

When the shift solenoid A is not working, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears. This problem can be fixed by replacing the solenoid.

The Dodge Grand Caravan has a hydraulic automatic transmission that uses pressurized brake fluid to control the gears and shift them in and out of gear. If any of the solenoids stop working, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears.

There are two types of shift solenoids in the Dodge Grand Caravan transmission–the shift solenoid A and the shift solenoid B. The shift solenoid A is responsible for shifting gears one through three, while the shift solenoid B shifts gear four through six.

If either of these two solenoids stops working, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears.

A Damaged Shifter System

In case the problem is with the shifter system, it will need to be repaired or replaced. This is a common problem that can be caused by several different things, such as a bad shift cable, damaged shifter forks, or worn-out bearings.

A damaged shifter system is one of the most common reasons for your Dodge Grand Caravan not shifting. The shifter system is responsible for shifting the gears in and out of gear. If any of the components in the shifter system are damaged, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears.

A damaged Throttle Padel Pad

The throttle pedal pad is responsible for telling the transmission when to shift gears. If the throttle pedal pad is damaged, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears. This problem can be fixed by replacing the throttle pedal pad.

Why Is My Dodge Grand Caravan Not Shifting?

A Faulty Throttle Housing

The throttle housing is responsible for controlling the amount of fluid that goes to the transmission. If the throttle housing is damaged, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears. This problem can also be fixed by replacing the throttle housing.

A faulty throttle position sensor

The throttle position sensor is responsible for telling the transmission when to shift gears. If the throttle position sensor is damaged, it can cause the transmission to not shift gears. This problem can be fixed by correcting the throttle position sensor.

Dodge Grand Caravan Models With Shifting Issues

There have been several reports of shifting issues with the following Dodge Grand Caravan models:

  • 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan

In case you own one of these models, it is important to be aware of the potential for shifting problems and take action if they occur. If your Dodge Grand Caravan is not shifting gears, it is best to take it to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem.

They will be able to tell you what is causing the transmission not to shift and how to fix it.

How much is a new transmission for a Dodge Caravan?

The cost of a new transmission for a Dodge Caravan can range from $2000 to $4000. The exact cost will depend on the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

Why Is My Dodge Grand Caravan Not Shifting?

When should I change the transmission fluid in my Dodge Grand Caravan?

The transmission fluid in your Dodge Grand Caravan should be changed every 120,000 miles. This will help to keep the transmission running smoothly and prevent any problems from occurring.

In Conclusion

There are several reasons why your Dodge Grand Caravan might not be shifting gears. Some of these problems can be fixed by replacing a part or adding transmission fluid, while others will require more extensive repairs.

If your Dodge Grand Caravan is not shifting gears, it is best to take it to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem. They will be able to tell you what is causing the transmission not to shift and how to fix it.

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