1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: jerking or lurching

Filed Mar 18, 2004 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · TN

When driving on the highway and going 65 to 70 MPH, the car loses RPM's, backfires, jerks, loses speed. I am unable to give it gas. I have to pull off into the emergency lane and it slows to a stop and stalls. I cannot start it back, however if I set for a few minutes, open and slam the hood, it will start back. My service engine light comes on and the code that was found said that a misfire was found in cylinder 6. It has happened since fixing that problem, but the service engine light went off. I have been told to try to fix many different problems but no one, not even the chrysler dealership can tell me for sure what is wrong and needs to be fixed. This is amazing to me, because I can find many people who have the same problem, and not only with 1996 grand caravans. This is a very dangerous problem because of the sudden stalling at such high rates of speed. If should be required to be recalled and found what the problem is. I would like to know for sure what to do to fix it because I cannot afford to purchase another one and I love this van (less this major problem). Please help.

Filed Jan 31, 2004 · Transmission · PA

Transmission failure 1996 dodge grand caravan. Will not go into gear, will not drive or go in reverse. Loud clunking noise and car jerked. Could have caused accident.

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · GA

If the vehicle was in overdrive and the gas pedal was depressed from the idle position, the vehicle jerked forward/stalled out. This was caused by automatic transmission failure.*ak at 60,000 mile the transmission failed and chrysler would not honor any warranty.*cb

Filed Sep 9, 2003 · Acceleration · SC

Cruise control was activated without driver's knowledge which caused the vehicle to suddenly accelerate when trying to slow down. It was very hard to stop the vehicle, and vehicle lurched forward after it came to a complete stop.

Filed Apr 2, 2002 · Transmission · VA

Transmission would start to make a loud noise. Also, vehicle would start jerking while consumer was driving. *jg

Filed Jun 4, 2001 · Transmission · IA

Our transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. It began with the gears slipping, the transmission would jerk, shutter at low speeds. The engine would stall when trying to shift from park to drive or reverse. I have contacted daimler chrysler customer service, but no help there as it is not under warranty. After seeing hundreds of similar transmission problems for this particular year of caravans, I am furious. There has got to be a defect in the transmissions of these vehicles. Is there any help out there?

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 Dec 5, 2000 · Airbags, Brakes · FL

Right before vehicle shifts into overdrive there is a jerky motion. Dealer cannot find problem, at 40 -45 MPH. Also, transmission has to be rebuilt, and airbag light stays on. Dealer says it's due to an open circuit, brakes replaced twice, rotors replaced. *ak the consumer had transmission problems numerous times. Noise in engine while driving due to serpentin belt and tensioner failure.

Filed Nov 7, 2000 · Transmission · IL

Transmission gear cracked and teeth broke off. Van now moves in park. Also occasional gear jams and van jerks to a stop while moving from 1 to 10 MPH.

Filed Sep 1, 2000 · NC

I was changing a flat tire. This is the first time the jack has been used since the vehicle was purchased. Just as I was about to put the spare tire on, the jack twisted and collapsed. The vehicle lurched slightly. The surface the vehicle rested on was perfectly flat so the vehicle did not move forward or backward. I believe that there was a stress defect in the jack. I had to borrow the jack from my buick to complete the tire change.

Filed Nov 26, 1999 · Brakes · NM

My complaint is on the ABS system of my vehicle--not the airbags!!! When I attempt to stop at an intersection or stop sign the brakes are locking up on me while jerking to a stop. The brake pedal has locked up completely and the ABS light continuosly comes on when you use the brakes. I have spent in excess of $600. Replacing parts, changing tires, etc. I have been to 5 mechanics including the dodge dealership and no one can figure anything out. I must have an answer to what this is before my children or myself are killed because the brakes fail. I am so frustrated and am currently not even driving the vehicle except to the next mechanic. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Sep 3, 1999 · Transmission · MN

Going 60 MPH. Van jerks and shifts into neutral or low. Needed to stop, turn van off and then everything is fine again. Same problems occurred at 35000 and a replacement transmission was installed.