Posted 2005-04-28 6:48 PM (#24453) Subject: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
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Posts: 68
Location: Reidsville NC
any one with some advice on transmission repair. I've got my mini van in the shop. I've been told the TCM is bad, they've taken a '97 TCM (same motor size!) and put on my van to try to determine if that's what is wrong. What can (if anything) this other TCM do to my other computer systems on the van? Should I buy a new or rebuilt TCM from them or dealer? I know this is off topic, but you guys know more than anyone I've found around here!
Posted 2005-04-29 1:11 PM (#24486 - in reply to #24453) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
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Posts: 198
Location: Iowa
Well, you really should get a TCM from at least a 1-ton pickup, even better if it's a 1-ton dually with a diesel. Anything less will be totally unsafe, and put everyone on the road, including yourself in grave danger, as well as be totally incapable of doing what you are asking it to do, especially if you live in a hilly area.
Posted 2005-04-29 1:46 PM (#24488 - in reply to #24453) Subject: VAN IS NOT USED FOR TOWING....
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Posts: 68
Location: Reidsville NC
We don't use the van to pull anything. I just wanted to know if putting another vans transmission control modular in mine would screw up my other computers. I have it in the shop and this is what they did, the other tcm was from a '97 Chrysler T&C and now the dash lights and controls are acting up. I don't know anything about transmissions and was hoping someone on here could help. the van is a family tow vehicle only.. doesn't even have a trailer hitch...
I want this shop to be responsible if something has happen to the other computers because of the TCM they chose to use.
Posted 2005-04-29 4:15 PM (#24495 - in reply to #24453) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
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Posts: 198
Location: Iowa
I was joking! ;-) Just pokin' fun at the ever-popular "1-ton dually" advice! Unfortunately, I don't have the answer to your question. You might get more response here:
Posted 2005-04-29 4:31 PM (#24496 - in reply to #24453) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
Expert
Posts: 2689
They (the shop) should know how to do a reset so that the 'new to your van' TCM and your van's other computers can get along. I've swapped around junkyard TCMs on the '94 Intrepid with no ill effects - other than to verify that it wasn't a TCM problem, the trans went out at 132 or so Kmiles.
So, since we're O/T... what were/are the symptoms that they're trying to scare away with a TCM swap ?
BTW, there is a regular attendee at events around here that shows up with Mom and daughter in the minivan, two 15 or so HH horses in the trailer behind and a Mountain bike. They ride the hossies while he heads out on the Mtn bike. Seems to go and stop OK...
Posted 2005-04-29 5:41 PM (#24497 - in reply to #24453) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
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Posts: 1416
Location: sc
reg,
what kind of minivan is it? i know i tow with a small vehicle, but id have to draw a line somewhere. i belive the only mini that still has an actual body on frame is the chevy astro. the rest of those "uni's" would make me to nervous. id have to stop every time i heard a squeak and check the rear floorpan for cracks. i, at the very least, want a nice solid frame to bolt the hitch to. although i did go look at the dodge website, the caravan is rated at 3800.................
Posted 2005-04-29 6:01 PM (#24498 - in reply to #24497) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by chadsalt on 2005-04-29 5:41 PM
reg,
what kind of minivan is it? i know i tow with a small vehicle, but id have to draw a line somewhere. i belive the only mini that still has an actual body on frame is the chevy astro. the rest of those "uni's" would make me to nervous. id have to stop every time i heard a squeak and check the rear floorpan for cracks. i, at the very least, want a nice solid frame to bolt the hitch to. although i did go look at the dodge website, the caravan is rated at 3800.................
Generic minivan, Chryco at a guess, probably the 3.8L engine.
I'm due back at one of the sites they go to in a couple of weeks, I'll look out for them. I think you're right about the Astro.
Posted 2005-04-29 7:34 PM (#24504 - in reply to #24453) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
Regular
Posts: 68
Location: Reidsville NC
Hi, We had the tranny replaced with less than 100,000 miles, and keep having little problems with it since then. We took it back to the shop because the service engine light was on and a few little jerks here and there. The shop called and said they thought the TCM was shot and put a used one in the van to see if that made any difference. Once they installed the '97 TCM the instrument panel started flashing and I guess a few other things. SO I questioned the installation on the '97s TCM in my '99. I picked the van up today with a used '99 TCM installed and the service engine light is still on, but they're telling me my tcm is bad. Now I'm wonderin how they know. I've not driven it enough to know if the jerks are still there, so we'll have to drive it a few days with this used TCM in and see if there is any difference. I guess its good the company is offering to test the tcm for us for free, as the dodge place charges $77.00 to test. I still have to figure out why the service engine light is still on an if its set any codes.. MJ
Posted 2005-04-29 7:57 PM (#24508 - in reply to #24504) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by M&R on 2005-04-29 7:34 PM
Hi, We had the tranny replaced with less than 100,000 miles, and keep having little problems with it since then. We took it back to the shop because the service engine light was on and a few little jerks here and there. The shop called and said they thought the TCM was shot and put a used one in the van to see if that made any difference. Once they installed the '97 TCM the instrument panel started flashing and I guess a few other things. SO I questioned the installation on the '97s TCM in my '99. I picked the van up today with a used '99 TCM installed and the service engine light is still on, but they're telling me my tcm is bad. Now I'm wonderin how they know. I've not driven it enough to know if the jerks are still there, so we'll have to drive it a few days with this used TCM in and see if there is any difference. I guess its good the company is offering to test the tcm for us for free, as the dodge place charges $77.00 to test. I still have to figure out why the service engine light is still on an if its set any codes.. MJ
21
It could be due to a bad ignition switch.
The jerks and bumps are probably from unplanned/unexpected shifts, it is almost natural to suspect the TCM. A lot of confusion happens with ignition switch problems (-:
Anyway, we're O/T. I think you should ask it in a Dodge Forum, I'll send you a mail message when I go through my bookmarks and find my favorite ones.
Posted 2011-07-18 10:23 PM (#135810 - in reply to #24453) Subject: RE: '99 Chrysler T&C mini van ?
Member
Posts: 12
Originally written by M&R on 2005-04-28 6:48 PM
any one with some advice on transmission repair. I've got my mini van in the shop. I've been told the TCM is bad, they've taken a '97 TCM (same motor size!) and put on my van to try to determine if that's what is wrong. What can (if anything) this other TCM do to my other computer systems on the van? Should I buy a new or rebuilt TCM from them or dealer? I know this is off topic, but you guys know more than anyone I've found around here!
Thanks MJ
TCM is good depending on how it is tuned. If that part is not properly fixed for the car's condition, that wouldn't be good at all. There are many Chrysler repair shops in NC that would help you if can't adjust that transmission to maximize the efficiency of that part even if it is TCM.