Dodge Caravan Trans Warning: Neglected Fluid May Be Culprit

Had similar transmission problems with my 2015 Dodge Journey. The automatic transmission warning and emergency mode are typical symptoms of transmission control module issues, often triggered by undervoltage. The irregular shifting patterns you describe match what happened with my car. While old transmission fluid can cause problems, the emergency mode usually points to electrical or control module problems. In my case, the transmission control module needed reprogramming and the transmission fluid was indeed contaminated. Here is what to check first: 1. Battery voltage and charging system 2. Transmission fluid level and condition 3. Error codes from transmission control module A transmission flush was part of the solution, but not the main fix. The control module reprogramming resolved the emergency mode issue. This is a serious problem that should not be ignored as it can lead to complete transmission failure. Recommend getting it diagnosed at a shop that specializes in automatic gearbox repairs. Make sure they check both the electrical system and transmission fluid before any major work. These symptoms rarely fix themselves and usually indicate underlying transmission problems that need professional attention. When getting quotes, request a complete diagnostic report before agreeing to repairs. This helps avoid unnecessary work while ensuring all transmission problems are properly addressed.

Thanks for sharing those details. The symptoms you described with your Dodge Journey match exactly what happened with my Caravan last year. The slipping transmission and emergency mode were quite scary at first. After the repair was sorted out I got my car back running perfectly again. While I remember it was not a cheap fix due to the combination of electrical work and hydraulic fluid replacement, I cannot recall the exact amount. Would you mind sharing what you ended up paying for the full repair? Also curious if your transmission has been running smoothly since the fix or if you encountered any other issues? Always helpful to know what to expect long term with these car transmission problems.

After the repairs my transmission has been running perfectly for over 8 months now. The automatic transmission oil was indeed badly worn out, but the main culprit was the undervoltage issue affecting the control module. The total repair came to 240€, which included diagnosing and fixing the electrical problem. The transmission performance has been flawless since then, no more emergency mode, no irregular shifting, and the warning light has stayed off. A transmission flush was recommended as preventive maintenance, but my mechanic confirmed it wasn't necessary after checking the fluid condition post-repair. Getting the electrical system sorted was the key to resolving the automatic gearbox issues. Make sure to stay on top of regular transmission maintenance going forward, it helps catch potential problems before they become serious. From my experience, addressing these transmission problems promptly helps avoid more expensive repairs down the road.

Thanks for the helpful advice. I finally got my Caravan fixed last week and wanted to share my experience. The transmission problems turned out to be exactly what was discussed, a combination of electrical issues and old hydraulic fluid. I took it to a transmission specialist who first ran a complete diagnostic. They found low voltage affecting the control module and contaminated transmission fluid. The total repair came to 280€ which covered: Control module reprogramming, Complete transmission fluid change, New filter, System diagnostic The automatic transmission is now shifting smoothly again with no warning lights. Really glad I addressed this before it led to major transmission damage. The mechanic was upfront about exactly what needed fixing and explained everything clearly, no unnecessary work suggested. Just wanted to close the loop and confirm this common issue got resolved successfully. Having the car back in proper working order is a huge relief.