1996 Chrysler Town and Country: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jan 29, 2002 · Transmission · CA

Automatic transmission does not shift gears properly. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further details.

Filed Sep 18, 2001 · Visibility · KS

Our problem resides (as we've been told by the local chrysler dealer and numerous mechanics) within the steering column in the windshield wiper activator switch. I can't tell you how many times the wipers come on (not turned on) all by themselves when you turn the key to start the engine. To compound the problem, they usually don't want to turn off either, despite repeated attempts at turning the switch on & off and even shutting off and re-starting the engine numerous times. Eventually, you can get them to shut off. We have discussed this problem with friends and acquaintences whom also own chrysler, dodge and/or plymouth mini-vans and most of them report the same problem. Every chrysler dealer service manager and repair shop mechanic I've talked to is well acquainted with this same problem. The problem has now progressed into what I now consider a safety issue. This same electrical snafu in the steering column is now affecting the electronics (I'm guessing) which control the shifting in the automatic transmission. If, while you are driving, it begins to rain, and you turn on the windshield wipers; the transmission will shift down into low gear. This is especially hazardous at highway speeds on wet pavement. It will not shift out of low unless you bring the vehicle to a complete stop; shut off the engine and re-start it. Once again, not a safe maneuver along a busy highway. Beginning again, the vehicle will shift back into low as soon as you achieve sufficient ground speed for the transmission to reach "drive". Needless to say, who knows how much damage or strain and wear this is placing on the transmission needlessly. First and foremost, I see this more and more, not just an inconvenience, but a real safety issue with this vehicle. My wife is afraid to drive this mini-van if rain or snow is forecasted for theday. I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts and would appreciate a reply if possible.

Filed Feb 27, 2001 · Electrical, Transmission · MD

1st failure: transmission shifted into limp mode without prior warning while driving on a major interstate. 2nd failure: engine quit without prior warning while driving late at night on a rural two lane highway.

Filed Jan 23, 2001 · Lights, Steering · OH

Automatic transmission occasionally would not shift into overdrive. Often occurred after deceleration from highway speeds. Only way to know was to observe engine RPM. Sometimes could reset by pulling off to side of road and turning engine off for a few minutes, then re-start. First remanufactured transmission also had problems. Second has been okay. Wipers on intermittent settings would wipe several times in a row, then not wipe for an extended period. Created visibility problems. First repair replaced multifunction switch. This didn't solve problem. Second repair replaced wiper motor. Noticed that the heater was not working. Shop determined the evaporator was not working correctly due to leaks. Only way to replace evaporator is to remove instrument panel; very expensive and time consuming.

Filed Feb 21, 1997 · Transmission · CA

Transmission would not shift properly.