I have a 2014 Chrysler Town and Country with 76K miles. The transmission works properly most of the time. No problems shifting through the gears. Usually OK from stationary into reverse or forwrd gears. Except, occasionally, there is a jarring clunk into first gear. After the jolt, everything is OK. I haven’t been able to determine any pattern to when it occurs-it seems pretty random. Of course, I can’t check the transmission fluid as there is no dipstick and access under the vehicle is limited. Has anyone had a similar issue or have an idea of how big of a problem this might become?
Tester
When I had to replace my radiator, I was concerned that I lost trans fluid. I just stopped by the trans shop I use and they pulled it in to check it on the rack. Just a few minutes and no charge. Since there are other possibilities, you might want ask them fir a more complete check while you are at it.
Back down driveway, let off brake, shift to neutral, reapply brake and shift into drive. That’s how I kept the 2014 Caravan from doing that.
I recommend taking it to a trans shop to have it checked out, you could have low ATF and or torque converter drain back causing a delayed engagement, torque converter drain back can be caused by a worn pressure regulator valve and TC limit valve bores…
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If it is torque converter drain back, you can always start the vehicle and then shift to neutral for a few seconds before putting it gear, that should fill the converter and stop the delayed engagement…
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I am pretty sure that your have a transmission dipstick tube with a rubber plug in it instead of a dipstick, you should be able to buy the dipstick from the dealer so you can check your ATF level…
It may just need a TCM (Transmission Control Module) reset. There are several Youtube videos on this topic. This works for me on my 2017 Pacifica. Briefly:
Push the On switch twice, without your foot on the brake. The engine won’t start because of that. Instrument panel will light up.
Hold down the gas pedal for 10 seconds.
Keep the gas pedal down. Push the On switch once more. That will turn off the instrument panel lights.
Release the gas pedal. Let the car sit for 2 minutes or more. Next time you start, the TCM will have been reset and the harsh shifts will be gone. This doesn’t last forever, so you may find yourself doing this from time to time.
Good luck and please let us know how it works or if you have questions.
That kind of works. Thanks
I appreciate the input. I haven’t located such a tube - but I have found dip sticks for Chrysler transmissions.
This kind of works! It helps lessen the jolt. Thanks
It might not be easy to see, it does not come above the trans side (valve body) pan, it will be a short tube compared to normal dipstick tubes… And being black with a black cap on it will make it even harder to see… I recommend once (if) you find the tube, buy the dipstick for it from the dealership using your VIN number, or you could get the wrong length dipstick giving you an incorrect reading…
Have you tried starting the vehicle and then shift it to neutral 1st for a few seconds before putting it in gear, that should fill the converter and stop the delayed engagement that you and pleasedodgevan2 are describing…
I have tried that. A little patience helps, too.
Thanks for the additional info on the trans. tube. I’ll take a bright light and look again.
I’m going to give this a try. Thank you. I’ll report the results.