Exceptional '93 Voyager

My '93 Plymouth Voyager which I bought used in 1998, has been a heaven-sent blessing for 10 years now. Things are starting to fail - like the power steering rack leaking fluid.
I'm driving it without power until I can afford to replace the rack ($250).

The latest problem is with the transmission (most likely, maybe not). For the last few weeks it started to act funny by slipping
out of gear, whether in any of the three forward drives or reverse. The last few days it would not shift out of 'low' or 'drive 3' until I shut off the engine and restart. After the car warmed up and was driven for awhile, it performed ok...


...until yesterday - an unpleasant whirring and cranking sound started coming from underneath the car.

Q: Does this sound like a tranny problem, something else with the drive train, maybe a computer module problem or a combination of these?

I feel that the car is worth repairing since it has been a true warrior in all my travels with it. Maybe most here will not feel the same way about it.

Any input or info would be appreciated, since I am a true layman of sorts with cars.

Thanks.
StGeorge

 

Are you sure you have a 3 speed or perhaps the 4 speed electronic?

 

You didn't mention how many miles were on it, but a 15 year old vehicle I'm guessing has to be pushing 200,000 miles. That would put it at the upper limits of life expectancy on the tranny, so I would have to assume it's on its last legs. Rebuild on that tranny is going to run you about $2,000, probably as much as the van is worth, especially when you add the other items needing attention. I think I would be looking for a replacement rather than spending $2000+ on on 15 year old van.

 

Hopefully it's not the 4 speed. Those were notorious for failing...I had a 93 Plymouth Voyager with the 4 speed. Bout it used, and the transmission went out just like you described.

 

Exactly why I asked- we are in possession of a 1994 Dodge Caravan with the infamous 4 speed, filled with metal filings and leaking fluid. It sounds like you are describing the limp-in mode those tranny computers can go into. They require the correct type of fluid, there was a misprint in the owner's manual allowing Dexron lll I believe when it in fact kills the tranny.

 

That's what my manual stated. Dexron III...That's how I killed it...by following the manual...Lasted about a month...then all heck broke loose. I even tried switching to ATF +4 when I found out about the problem, and the tranny was too far gone.

 

To: the_tow_guy
It has just over 155,000 miles on it. Thing is, this car, even at it's age can outrun most cars, and some sports cars. Maybe it's the driver. I never really beat it, but the 3.3 liter engine is the best I ever drove, and it lasted longer than I expected it to. But I guess it's time to part with sentiment and be realistic about the cost of it's needed repairs.

Are there do-it-yourself tranny kits or at least checks that can be performed before passing final judgement?

To: Coryy
Not sure if it's a four speed automatic or not. I would think since it has 'D' (drive) '3' (lower drive) & 'L' (lowest drive), that would mean it's a three speed. My manual does not specify, at least what I checked through so far.

 

Do you have an overdrive switch? Also the Ultradrive is more boxy when looking under the hood or underneath, and the dipstick tube is longer, at least on my model.

 

if you have a d, and a 3, you have a three speed with overdrive: in essence 4 sp auto.

 

Would that be A-604? Because That's how my A-604 was set up

 

To: speedwrench & Codyy

Yes, I have those gears on the gear shift plus overdrive.
I guess that used to be called 'passing gear', when you hit the throttle and it takes off like a 747 (or similar thrust, or not)

I guess it doesn't really matter since it's past it's prime. But it was the best car I ever owned.

Thank you all.

 

Since you do have the finicky A-604, do you have the correct fluid in it? As mentioned, this thing needs Mopar 7176 fluid, aka., ATF+4, not Dexron, not Mercon, just ATF+4.

Take a look at this page: http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

Apparently a simple fluid change and filter helped some people before it was too late.