95 Plymouth Voyager Automatic V6
Transmission will not shift into all gears when I first start the engine. After driving it in low gear for a couple of minutes I can stop turn off the van then restart it and then it will shift into all gears just fine. What might I need to check?
Start with checking the fluid level with the transmission warmed up (driven 10 to 12 miles). After that check the shift linkage adjustment, if you can. These are the relatively easy things you do first. Then, since your car will actually get you from point A to point B, monitor this post till one of the transmisssion guys (or gals, for all I know) posts here. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Check the fluid level once the van is warmed up. Like mentioned already, that’s about 10 miles worth of driving. However, it can not be sustained high speed driving, or the reading will be innacurate.
Post back after you have checked the level and topped off if necessary.
-Matt
have you ever had the fluid changed? How many miles on the van? Any red puddles on driveway after you park it?
Be sure tpo use the correct trans fluid for it.
Consider adding a bottle of ATP synthetic friction modifier to the trans fluid as it helps correct issues like this one.
Just had the Transmission rebuilt 12 months ago…Check the levels monthly and has no leakage on the ground…Still has the red color to the fluid. It does have about 165000 miles on it but the engine runs great. After the rebuild it ran fine but of course after the warrenty expires it started acting up…ha ha.
I thaught it might be one of the Sensors going bad but not sure which to check…Speed input, Speed output or Temp Sensor?
Assuming you have the 4-speed automatic, you are experiencing “limp home” mode. All gears except second and reverse are locked out when the transmission control module senses an error condition that might damage the transmission.
There are a number of possible causes for this. The only sure way to diagnose the problem is to scan the TCM for the error codes and CVI values (a measure of clutch wear). However, one thing that will cause the propblem is using anything other than ATF+3 or ATF+4 transmission fluid. Unfortunately, lots of transmission shops will use so-called “universal” fluid or Dexron plus an additive that is claimed to make the same as ATF+3 or +4. NOT! The first sign that the wrong fluid was used is shift problems, and, you guessed it, “limp home” mode. Eventually, the clutches die a very premature death. If you have any doubt that the proper fluid was used in your rebuild, get it replaced immediately. You may be able to salvage the transmission.