Date: Thu, 04 Jan 96 11:05:15 CST
From: Thomas Cantwell 
To: Charlene M Blake 
Subject: Re[2]: transmission problems

On Wed, 3 Jan 1996, Thomas Cantwell wrote:
     
>      
>      
>      I saw your posting re: transmission problems and wanted to find out 
>      more, if possible.  I had the abs and master cylinder replaced in my 
>      1991 Dodge Caravan and I spent $1100.00 of my own money and my 
>      extended warranty paid an additional $1800.00.  If there are known 
>      issues with the 4 speed/3.3 liter engine (A604 trans??), then I want 
>      my money back!  What can I do at this point?
>      
 
 Charlene,
 
 Thanks and sorry for the rather confusing message.  The trans problem is new, 
 the abs problem is old - I got the 2 kinda mixed up.  Yes, please send me all 
 info on the abs problem.  I can possibly use this as leverage to get my money 
 back, though I am not optimistic.
 
 Yes, I am the original owner - Dodge Caravan.  I live in Austin, TX.
 
 1) ABS failure - symptoms were pulsating brake pedal and abs failure indicator 
 on dash.  They initially replaced the abs components ($1100.00) and then had to 
 replace the "master cylinder" ($1800.00), since the abs replacement did not 
 resolve the problem.  I find it astounding that those 2 to 3 components can 
 comprise 1/3 to 1/2 the value of my minivan!!!!  The abs failure happened at 
 about the same time as yours - 2-3 years old, though I canot remember the exact 
 time/date (it's in my "well organized" records somewhere....).
 
 2) The trans problem (at 58,000 miles) has been diagnosed as an 
 "overdrive/underdrive failure" which requires a teardown.  It is covered by the 
 7-70 powertrain warranty.  The service writer did mention that the "fix" could 
 run the gamut from rebuild to replace the transmission.  I have been diligent 
 about replacing the trans fluid at the stated intervals (12,000 miles, I 
 believe) and in some cases have replaced it more often if we were going on a 
 long trip.  
 
 If this level of "quality" is what I can expect from Dodge, you can bet I will 
 never buy another one!
 
 Hope this helps.  I will contact Brian and see what can be done about getting 
 my money back.  Thanks again, and let me know if there is any other information 
 or details I can provide to you! 
 
 Tom Cantwell
 
 Thanks for the response, Tom.  Yes, there are significant 
problems with the infamous A604, which you have if you have the 4 sp/3.3l 
engine.  They have since renamed the trans. the "41TE" in the '93-'95 
models.  I have no idea what the '96 has, but I have been told it is the 
same one, too.  As a matter of fact, I have corresponded with one owner 
of a '96 van who has gotten a NEW VAN because the trans. failed ALREADY! 
If you have escaped the trans. failure, count yourself among the VERY 
lucky ones!  As the ABS problem unfolds, many are revealing they had the 
trans. failure either before or after the ABS failure, too.  Many have 
had repeat failures with high repair costs after the warranty expiration 
period.
 First, in regard to the ABS, are you interested in getting 
reimbursed for the repairs?  If so, write to "DBH1959@aol.com" who
is Brian Hufford.  He has filed a class action suit on behalf of owners 
who have had the problem.  There is no risk and you will be among over 
100 others who have already agreed to take part.  With this many owners, 
the suit becomes a NATIONWIDE suit and has more far-reaching potential.
 Also, do you want my on-line info on the ABS matter?  I can send
it in seconds if so, but you will have to "digest" it as some of the 
articles are lengthy.  I do not have such info on the trans.  I do have 
a Technical Service Bulletin on the trans. controller problems the CC 
minivans have been having.....e.g. a "jolt" or "clunk" when the van
downshifts from 2nd to 1st gear and when it accelerates from a stop.  This 
seems to be VERY widespread.  I had to have a new controller AFTER the
2nd and 4th gears snapped and were repaired while in Disney World....the 
controller began to act up just one month later.  My van had 12,513 miles on 
it then and was one year old.  The ABS failed at just 2 1/2 years of age. 
When did your ABS fail?  Where are you located....city and state?  I live 
outside of Washington, DC.
 
 As for the trans. woes, I have compiled some owner stories recently.
I regret not keeping up with all the posts at the same time as the ABS 
matter as there have been plenty.  But, I only have so much time to do this 
sort of thing.  I have found that if owners do not rally with each other 
on matters such as this, it can be a lost cause.  Thankfully, many owners 
are benefitting from the ABS public disclosure and the internet networking 
has been INVALUABLE.  I think the same can be true for the trans. situation 
if owners stick together and demand a solution.
 Get back to me on what ABS info you would like.  And trust me,
the trans. is bad news.....but maybe you will escape the problem.  What
is your mileage now?  Are you the original owner?  If not, do you know the 
repair history?   I found a few owners of previously owned vans who had 
trans. trouble after purchasing....then they found out it was NOT the first 
failure.  The same is true in the case of the ABS failure.  One woman got 
rid of her van only to find out the new owner had to replace the same 
components when the ABS failed a second time!  We have NOT gotten what
we paid for in this van.  I think those who feel they have are few and 
far between!!   
     
Charlene Blake
Springfield, VA
email: cblak1@osf1.gmu.edu
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