Caravan, again - Tranny and heater core

We just picked up this thing, and guess what? When we first start it, it doesn't/barely moves backwards when giving it gas hard. Sometimes, it won't go forwards. Once it warms up it seems to work a bit better, but when it doesn't, and you give it some gas, you just hear an almost fluid/whooshing noise. Additionally, the fluid was checked and it is leaking. Adding some fluid seemed to help at first, but I think it might have just seemed to help because the thing warmed up.

And now also, we've got the sweet smelling heat again which I know is indicative of heater core, as our other vehicle had the same thing. It also drips some coolant onto the ground. How hard is heater core on a 94 dodge caravan?

Thanks for all the help now and from before everyone. This is now our third caravan, to be plagued with problems.

 

This link might help.

( http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801290e6.jsp )

 

This thing needs some major repair.

Your transmission probably needs a rebuilt ($900+) unless you can get your hands on a salvage yard one.

Heater cores are usually a 6hr+ job on most vehicles.

 

Thanks for the info and link about the heater core guys. I've been reading more about the tranny and saw something called delayed engagement or morning sickness, that mentions problems with the torque converter draining back into the tranny, causing the tranny to leak and having to wait for the torque converter to refill. Does that sound like a possibility, or would that need rebuild probably as well? This thing has 290 000 kms as well...

 

If not already done, I would always try fluid & filter change, before I yank it out, only because I have personally seen it do wonders sometimes. If you do it, use nothing but Chrysler ,( mopar ) fluid, it's your best chance at a cure. Other fluids claim to be compatible, but there have been many chrysler tranny issues caused by these fluids, that have been cured by Mopar transmission fluid.