Caravan and transmissions

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What is the cost to remove and replace a 42TE vs a 62TE? I tried google and I get the impression that it's $2k vs $4k but I don't know if those are good numbers.

So I'm working on getting a minivan, but I want to make sure I understand all the costs going in. Automatics have lousy reps for long life, minivans moreso, and Caravans especially. Since I'm after TCO I'm toying with a 3.3L/4AT instead of the much better 3.6/6AT on that premise--cheaper to buy & cheaper to repair. What I don't know is actual repair cost.

I did a bit of watching on youtube and realized that I probably could rebuild a 42TE, lots of parts but outside of some snap ring pliers it doesn't look bad. Just need space and a clean one at that. But removing the transmission is beyond my ability and means I think. Ergo, if I go this route then I need to be prepared for this contingency. And yes, I know, not all fail at low miles.

Oh: I watched a few vids on spark plugs. It looks like pre-2000 is harder to work on the rear of the engine than 2000 & newer? Both have removable cowls but it looks like the intake manifold is in the way on older engines? The 3.6 does require intake manifold removal, FWIW.
 
Don't do it, man. These vans also have electrical gremlins from the no-lead solder, and decomposing harnesses. The computers are VIN-tied so you can't just get junkyard ones.
 
From what I saw it seemed like somewhere in the early 2000s was much improved and sometimes they go 300k miles on the original transmission. I would also pick the 3.3 over the newer 3.6 for reliability. The 3.6 isn't proven yet and there have been some issues with cylinder heads. How common the issues are in not really sure. The 3.3 sometimes leaks at the intake manifold or timing cover but probably only due to lack of coolant changes. The aluminum seems to corrode. Other than that they're an amazing engine.
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Don't do it, man. These vans also have electrical gremlins from the no-lead solder, and decomposing harnesses. The computers are VIN-tied so you can't just get junkyard ones.


I'm thinking pre-2000, avoid any title issues, even if it's harder to work on. I thought the leadfree was 2001 and newer?
 
2001-2002 area.After then Daimler cheapened them by removing the wiper heaters and one of the 2 cargo/tailgate lamp.The tranny is a lightweight 41TE not 42TE.The "1" being the lowest of the torque ratings.These are heavy vans,and need a heavier duty tranny that Chrysler never gave them.I blame though the electronic tranny controls for most of the problems.The programming is very shaky on shift times and don't even mention downshift quality.What mainly happens is torque converter clutch material winds up blocking the screens on the solenoid pack and it unable to fill the clutches fully,leading to slippage ("incorrect gear ratio" error code)and trans failure.If you buy one,change out the fluid and REPLACE THE SOLENOID PACK immediately.Flush the trans cooler too.
 
Ah, thank you, keep forgetting there is a 41 in there too. A604, 41, 42 ... Figured I'd be changing fluids like any good bitog'er, and probably install a trans cooler.
 
I had company provided Chrysler and Dodge minivans. All had the 3.3L. Never any issues with motors or transmissions. Had out of 3 vans 2005-2008, one fuel pump, one window motor, one egr valve. All were driven over 135K. My 2006 Chrysler T&C had 186K when turned in. Great vans as for me. Before we had Ford Windstars. My first one had brake issues that put my van under the rear wheels of a semi on the ice. Next one lost the tranny at 9K miles and the next one had the tranny go at 21K. Stay away from those. They rode terrible compared to the Dodge too.
 
Why not just buy a new Honda , Mazda or Toyota to transport the family ?
No way I’d buy a vehicle with so many known problems.

I’d buy a CX-5 sport model (base).
 
I don't see too many pre 2000 minivans driving around that look like they would be worth rebuilding the transmission in. Minivans tend to get used up all over in addition to their transmission. What purpose do you want to use this vehicle for?
 
I've had a 96 Caravan, 98, 99 Sport and I still have a 99 SE Caravan. I didn't plan it this way but friends practically gave me their old vans. They have been the most reliable vehicles I have ever had and I love them. Never had a lick of trouble with the transmissions but the 96 and 98 had the transmissions replaced before I got them. I drive them very easy.

I cannot see any way you are going to get a 1999 Caravan that isn't rusted and or worn out. Pay attention to the front strut towers. They rust to the point the struts pop up through the hood.
 
FWIW, among my regular customers I have at least 10 '06-14 Caravans, both 3.3/3.8 and Pentastar powered with both transmissions, and I've yet to deal with a transmission or deep electrical issue. A few of them have had the transmissions replaced, but that's the way of all automatics of that age and mileage.

The 3.8 is a tough engine, albeit can burn oil, but I think the benefits of the 3.6/6-speed are enough that I'd go for that combo. Just be prepared to do the oil cooler assy. and the transmission cooler lines may leak before their time, too. Transmission fluid changes every 30-50K? and it should last a good while.
 
The 3.6 has been around long enough so that many have reached 200k miles. Seem to be a pretty good engine. It also seems the 6 speed tranny got the bugs worked out over the first couple model years. Many of these vans have their original trannys well past 100k miles. I recommend 2012 to present 3.6L. I know a handful of Toyota Sienna owners that have had to replace transmissions before 100k miles. This is a $5000 bill on the awd's.
 
To me, the engine and transmission would be the least of my concern on an ~18yr/old Caravan. Like said, rust, electrical components, HVAC problems, etc are much more trouble potential than general engine or trans work.

But on that topic, given the numbers of Pentastar and 62TEs that are out there now in all sorts of applications vs the number of problems you hear about them? I'd say it's a well proven drive train.

Much of your general under the hood maintenance like spark plug changeouts has been a pain since the inception of the V6 powered FWD minivan.
 
3.6 has good power and the 6 speed gets good mileage. Dorman makes a replacement trans pan with a drain plug for cheap. Atf check requires a dipstick that doesnt stay in the trans tube and a scan tool capable of reading trans temp pid.
 
Mazda--rust buckets from what I've seen. And the wife says no SUV, not as good as a minivan. Honda--timing belts, glass transmissions and usually Honda gets knocks for road noise (while commanding a premium). So only interested in Dodge and Toyota, and I can't afford the Toyota premium either. Kinda narrows down the field.

Trying to keep this to a $10k budget. What I can sell my truck for, hold back some money for snow tires and any foreseeable repairs. Wife wants us to put the house on the market soon so she doesn't want a loan to hurt future mortgage options. And i can't raid our savings account, not with a move coming up (if anything I need to add to it on account of that). $10k is a little sparse for 3.6's, and I still don't know what it costs to replace a 62TE.
 
Originally Posted By: JamesBond
What purpose do you want to use this vehicle for?


The usual family duty. Probably 10-15,000 miles a year? Have two kids, a beagle and might add a Great Dane, so a Camry isn't going to seat all of us on family trips. Plus more cargo space can be nice at times. Might not be a daily driver, as I don't see a reason for us to get rid of the two Camry's just yet.
 
If pre 2000 is in the running don't worry about the transmission. If the transmission you'd be nuts to invest $2000 let alone $4000 into one. They are like diapers, disposable at that age.

Buy the best caravan you can afford to throw away if a repair exceeds $x00.
 
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