1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Sep 23, 2004 · Transmission · 109,000 miles · IL

The consumer stated the transmission malfunctioned. As a result the vehicle hesitated before shifting gears. Please provide additional information.

Filed Jan 17, 2001 · Transmission · KY

When the vehicle comes to a stop the transmission jumps and then the vehicle dies. This only happens when the vehicle is in the first gear. Once the vehicle shifts out of first gear it does not have any problem with shifting. However when the vehicle begins to down shift when it comes to a complete stop as the transmission shifts to first gear it begins to jerk, hesitate and then the engine dies. This problem also exists in reverse, overdrive, third gear & low gear. The transmission was replaced by the dealer at 26000 miles. I serviced the transmission every 25000 miles thereafter. With only 58000 on the "new" transmission the torque converter and front pump have fallen apart. Is there anything on this vehicle that is not a piece of junk? Other parts replaced are as follows: water pump, both front door seals, turn signal arm, drivers side visor, both front struts, both rear shocks, front brakes had to be rebuilt, a complete rear brake job (drums,wheel cylinders,spring kit & shoes),fan switch resister is going bad, antifreeze lines going to rear heater core, both oxygen sensors, both side door power lock mechanisms,spark plugs once by the dealer and most recently me, a complete fuel system power flush by the dealer,battery,fan relay switch(recall), and the van is currently on its third transmission, belt tensioner,passenger sun visor, serpentine belt, (,pcv & air) filters are replaced every year & the fuel filter every two years. The emergency brake has not worked for over two years. It is being replaced today. The dealer also recommended another flush of the fuel rails and to clean the throttle body assembly. Lest I forget the ABS relay/solenoid.

Filed Jun 17, 2000 · Transmission · GA

Noticed hesitation during highway driving. Mechanic reports transmission is pulling apart and would need to be rebuilt or replace w/in 6 mos.

Filed Jun 9, 2000 · Transmission · MI

Hesitates when put into gear, also slips while driving, causing much fear. The speedometer also goes up and down at will, even when driving a steady speed. Has been to the dealer three times now, and they have yet to locate the problem. This is causing much aggravation for our family.

Filed Feb 26, 2000 · Transmission · MD

When first starting out in the morning, I put the shift lever in reverse and noticed a hesitation before it engaged. After backing out I dropped ithe lever in drive and started to pull forward-again hesitation,then a clunk, when it shifted to second. I then drove it to a transmission shop to have them look at it. They said dodge caravan transmission problems were not uncommon. They put the van on their test equipment and nothing showed. The shop owner suggested that since the van had so few miles on it, a filter and fluid change may take care of the problem. When he dropped the pan he found alot of metal in the base of the pan. I am planning to contact dodge monday morning to discuss their shared responsibility in this matter.

Filed Sep 22, 1999 · Transmission · CA

While driving vehicle stalls/ hesitates and jerkes. This may cause a loss of vehicle control and a potentialcrash. Dealer cannot determine the problem. Please provide further information and VIN#.