So thankful to have found this video! My van was doing the same thing. Took to a mechanic who wanted $1200 to replace the spark plugs and “see if that worked” Found this video, paid a friend to put it on and saved $1000
This was the exact issue we had with our Minivan. Picked up the part (had to pay up $50 from dealership but thats way better than $2k transmission) and had it back on the road in less than 48 hrs. Shifts better now than it has in years!! Gas mileage is way up as well. Thank you!!!
What the heck? First you help me with the work I need to do on my ‘48 Chevy. Now your showing me in advance what to do with my 2009 Grand Caravan when it takes a dump. It’s good to have you around.thank you.
I just wanted to "Thank You" for posting this video. My van was doing the exact same thing your wife's van was doing. I did end up taking it to a mechanic that I trust! Gave him all the info you posted and asked him to fix my van. He naturally wanted to run some diagnostics.....did show a misfire and one of my plugs was bad! (I had him replace the plugs, after all, I did have about 140,000 miles on them.) He was very reluctant to replace the sensor you mentioned.....I honestly think, he didn't want to get into a whole "transmission overhaul" ! Short story.....I specifically told him to replace the VLP Sensor you replaced and felt that would fix my problem!!!! He ordered the part and replaced it!!!! He called me up and told me that he'd hire me to diagnose "other" car problems!!!! You definitely saved me a TON of money by not having to go to the dealership....for sure they would have charged $3000 to $5000 to work on my transmission!!! Keep up the good work Brother!!!! You've got a fan here in Syracuse, NY. Cheers! PIper Jack Heins
Ok so I watched this video 3months ago thinking I had the same problem well I just replaced this sensor finally last week. I commented before I’d have an update.. well here’s my update .. this was in fact the issue dodge said it would be $3,000 to fix I bought the sensor for what like $30-$40 and did it myself in my driveway and it took me 1-2hours . You are the best and thank you for posting this video. My 2016 grand caravan 125k miles drives perfectly now!!!
Thank you so much for this video. This was our exact symptom and fix! The van was running just fine, parked and left running then went to drive again and it stalled. Reverse and neutral worked fine. Had it towed home, picked up the VLP solenoid (torque converter clutch solenoid) from the dealer. Installed, waited 24 hours for RTV to cure and the van is fixed!
This video was spot on at diagnosing my van’s problem. Mine hadn’t quite gotten as bad as the one in the video (it wouldn’t die every time it would go into drive), but it wasn’t definitely bad enough to where my wife didn’t want to drive it. I did also notice though that at idle when it was in gear, I had to hold the brake pretty hard, almost like I was trying to let the clutch out if it were a stick shift. Although obviously different mechanics in an automatic, I guess that’s basically what the van was trying to do with the bad solenoid. After replacing it, both problems were fixed. Thanks for the video. I never would’ve figured something like that little part being the source of the problem on my own!
I greatly appreciate your video! Had this exact issue with my 2010 minivan and repaired for less than $100 with a filter and ATF flush. It took two days because of rainy weather delay but was able to replace the part and get her back on the road. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for this video. I have a 2012 Dodge G Caravan with the same issue, and thanks to your advice!!! I saved time and money, and the issue went away. Please continue sharing your knowledge, it is greatly appreciated on my end.
@@TheJayhawker ok we have a 2010 Dodge 4.0 caravan. It always stuttered around 45 to 55 mph and would die sometimes. My husband changed this exact part. Did not change the tranny fluid. Got in it to test drive and it drove fine for about 10 miles then stopped shifting as I got off the interstate. So changed it again thinking it was a bad part but same outcome. Did never do this before we changed this part. Any ideas?
@@TheJayhawker ok we have a 2010 Dodge 4.0 caravan. It always stuttered around 45 to 55 mph and would die sometimes. My husband changed this exact part. Did not change the tranny fluid. Got in it to test drive and it drove fine for about 10 miles then stopped shifting as I got off the interstate. So changed it again thinking it was a bad part but same outcome. Did never do this before we changed this part. Any ideas?
Well Jayhawker, you saved another one hundreds to thousands of dollars. THANK YOU! Very grateful for you and your video. Here's my 2c... I have the 3.8L with the lovely exhaust crossover and dipstick in the way of the cover coming off easily. We had a little better luck removing some stuff underneath. I beat the exhaust up on top some and dented some clearance, but ultimately realized I didn't need the cover to be fully removed to get to the sensor and replace it. The only drawback is when putting it back together it made putting some gasket maker silicone a bit more difficult than if I would've had it completely off. Overall, this was definitely one of the bigger PAINS of a job I've done on this van. Limited clearance and accessibility to get the bolts off, rusty rounded off bolts I had to heat up to get out on the bottom of the cover, and all that fun trying to put gasket maker on it to close it up again (fingers crossed on that). But all was worth it when it did the trick. I would say if you're just a change your own oil, maybe brakes, kind of guy (like me), you MAY be biting off more than you can chew (at least with the 3.8L). If not for my wiser and far-better-equipped-with-tools father, I would've been dragging this problem to someone else (or driving it there in reverse). Cheers again! Got a venmo or paypal link I can toss ya a tip to?
Hey, so glad it worked for you. Sounds like a bit more of a pain though. I'm not asking for anything, but if you really want to you can click on the superthanks button on the video's page. thanks!
thanks for the video! my 08 gr caravan did this with my wife driving about 90 miles from home. even with a $300 tow you still saved me a lot of money. One shop said it needed a new transmission and another said probably. This did the trick! I always buy used vehicles but change trans fluid when i buy a veh since this is often over looked. I bought the van with 90 k on it and it has 160 k now. I hope to get at least 200 k before i rebuild the transmission. thanks fro taking the time to share this!
Thank you for the video. On the 3.8L engine you can unbolt the crossover exhaust just at the front and leave the back bolted. Then with a jack and a 1” X 24” stick of wood you can raise the front crossover exhaust just enough to get the trans valve cover off. Once you have the solenoid out you can test the ohms. It should be on average 15 to 25 ohms. You can also connect the solenoid to your car battery and see if the plunger moves.
Hey my man , thanks for this video, I just saved a lot of money, I couldn't beleive my transmission was done, like the mechanic said, always seek for second advise.
My neighbor found this for me but yeah smh this is what I have been wreaking my brain about for a week now so thank you so much for this video and thank you neighbor Mr.Norman.
Great vid! You make yours the way I make mine, doing it step by step in a real-life situation. I just don't work on modern cars much, because frankly. what's the point? Too many non-user serviceable components these days. This just happened to my daughter's 2011 Caravan, when she called and told me what it was doing my first thought was that she had fallen of the wagon. Strange failure with no easy way to temporarily disable the converter lock-up. There is a mechanical engineer out there that spent seconds coming up with that design, not to mention the no dipstick. AT least that has ANY way to access the fluid, my 2006 Explorer is totally sealed, you have to go through the pan with a weep tube to check the fluid level on it. Ridiculous!
Another thank you sir. I took my 2010 dodge grand caravan to the mechanic for this same exact issue (or should I say I had it towed to my mechanic). They had to contact the local Chrysler dealership to get the replacement sensor. Their transmission tech swore this would not fix the issue and that I needed the entire solenoid pack. But he was wrong and the sensor was the fix.
Thank you! This was the problem I had with my car! We fixed it and it worked! I’m soo happy and thank you so much for your video. My car was on the way to be scraped because no one know what to do. But the problem is fixed and I’m over joyed!
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this video. My 2011 dodge grand caravan was doing this exact same thing. Took apart the car using your video. Got the part. Put it back together and it worked. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Thank you so much for this video, this was the exact issue with my Caravan. Your instructions were fantastic and exactly what was needed to fix my issue. Thank you again for making it.
Very good sir! Similar experience, car died twice while my significant babe was driving. I looked at your video and said not me! 3 to 4 weeks later, it happened; 3 miles from work after driving 40 miles. Anyways did same things, although; I took the big top radiator hose closer to the top on my 2008 4.0L temporarily and left the coolant metal lines on. Just enough space to get the reservoir tank out the way on top from the radiator hose. And oh yeah it would not start like the other cliffhanger comment. Turns out it was the impact not driving the nut (Tourque hand power) ground wire on the transmission by the bottom towards the tire. It was lose to the hand move 😅
Thanks a bunch for this video! My gal’s Dodge Journey just all of a sudden would die going into drive, but reverse worked as normal. I replaced this sensor and it fixed the issue. I’m sure it saved us a bunch of money…
Thank you sir! We just had these exact symptoms in our 2009 TnC yesterday. Caught your video, popped into the local Chrysler dealership and got the VLP sensor and all the OEM supplies we needed to get the job done same day it broke down and all for around $100! Saved me hundreds of dollars!
Got the same symptoms… was driving off the interstate exit and the car stalls loses all power. Put in park. Car starts fine and can reverse and go in neutral. Upon putting in drive and applying gas the car lurches forward and immediately shuts down. AAMCO says I have a p129E code but they want to tear apart the transmission and rebuild it…
Bought a 09 caravan last week to haul guys around for work...and this exact problem just happened today. Called dealer they wanted 90$ just to look at it and who knows how much more to fix it... Thanks to your video im gonna try this on my own😳...little worried about the silicone part getting the cover back on without breaking the seal but we will see. Thanks in advance man....maybe.
I've got a 2013 T&C and I hate this car. Everything is plastic, and it's got all sorts of built in problems. Thanks for this video. I have noticed my van stalling in reverse when backing out of the driveway and just yesterday it stalled in drive when I came to a stop at a light. It feels like dropping the clutch without revving the engine in a manual transmission.
Thank you for your video! My 2009 Chrysler Town and Country had this exact problem! My husband was able to fix it with your video! Just a question have you had any other problems after fixing this? Is it still running?
I have the exact same situation on a 2009 T&C with 188k miles. I ordered the part. I've been told $4k for a used transmission installed or $6k for a remanufactured. I'm praying this fix is all that is wrong. Will post an update after I try this fix...
My sons van is doing the exact same and I am really praying it is just this. Can you tell me where to get it or what to ask for? We ate in Virginia and every parts place says they can't find anything under vlp sensor so we don't know how or where to get it.
I hope you're keepin' track of all the asses you've been savin'. Go ahead and add me to the list. Died in the middle of a crazy highway in stop and go traffic, your video came up and you helped me get from the center lane to the emergency lane with the first part of your video. Then I ordered the part and swapped it out and I'm back on the road. This is my family's only car and it doubles as a wheelchair van for my kid. Can't properly thank you enough in the comments so you'll have to pretend I'm givin' you a high five and a 12 pack of your favorite wobble pops. To add for anyone who's got the 3.3l or 3.8l, there's a section of exhaust that runs over the top of that front facing pan with the dip-stick spout and the big electrical plug. Lots of videos and people saying you have to remove that section of exhaust BUT YOU DON'T! The exhaust has a heat shield around it and if you get you a good hammer and a screw driver you can hammer that heat shielding in right where it's touching the pan. That gives you the 3 or 4 cm you need to lift the pan up, forward and out. That dipstick spout is long and goes deep into the Tran pan, but if you hammer that exhaust in a little bit you'll be able to pull that pan off and clear the inner dipstick spout without having to remove that exhaust. No harm no foul, just be sure to put that padding/shield back over the pan (3.3 and 3.8 have a partial metal covering to reflect heat on that outer pad where the exhaust meets the top corner of the front facing tran pan). Anyway, sun just set and I'm done working on the van. Just wanted to stop back by and thank you from the bottom of my heart bud. Hope you have a good one and many more after that.
This video has been the biggest surprise of all! So many grateful people with the same problem. I'm so glad that I could help you out and thanks for the input on the smaller engines. Oh, and do I detect a Vise Grip Garage fan? Love it!
Hello, my husband followed your video and changed out the solenoid! Sadly, it did not work for us, it still having the same symptoms as your caravan. What was part name that you said you might have to end up changing if the solenoid didn’t work? Also, I wanted to let you know you have a great video here sir! Very detailed thank you very much!
The larger piece under the top cover is called a solenoid pack. I'm wondering if you had the same three symptoms exactly that I outlined in the video (3:35).
@@TheJayhawker yes we are having the exact same issues! Can go into reverse like normal, but once we put the van in drive and it will shake and cut off, we had to literally put it in neutral when we had to stop just so it wouldn’t die on us
You should do a complete flush of transmission oil including cooler, most of the time people just change oil in transmission including pan and just add new oil but what happens soon that dirty oil mixes with new oil and makes it dirty and plug the screen on new solenoid that you guys installed and problem remains the same. Also when you done charging all the oil you need a scan tool to re learn transmission and after all the work you will see the difference.
Thanks man I did it my self and used the part number you gave me to order my part, but my cost was $40! Thanks van runs great! But to add to help out the video remove the ground from underneath to help get the pans offf! And you will lose some tranny fluid, about a half of quart!
I just tested a 2016 Dodge Grand caravan and the transmission would stay stuck in 3rd gear and the engine would stall and to change the valve body and solenoid pack it's around $2000 dollar's to fix and around 5hr of labor to do the job.
Great detail in your video, thank u 🙏 I’m about to just change the tranny fluid and filter and plan to suck out the old fluid first thru the fill tube so hopefully dropping the pan and getting to the filter will be easier/cleaner. I also picked up an aftermarket transmission pan that has a drain plug but not sure if I’m going to install it depending on how well sucking out the old fluid works.
Hey I think my 2016 grand caravan is having the same issue. Not as bad though. To anyone having this problem were you having weird shift problems like I am? I’ll be going 45mph come up to a stop sign and it shifts goofy from 3rd to 2nd then weird to 1st like hesitant. Anyone else’s doing that? I just got home from work last night and it stalled while in drive but stopped at my mailbox. This is the 3rd time in 2weeks it has stalled on me. Needless to say I’m going to be getting this part and trying it thank you for the video. I’ll have an update in the near future on if this was the problem.
I wished rhis worjed for me its not dieing going into drive now. At this point it wasnt shifting properly so we added more transmission fluid now its dying when stopped but starte back up at thus point i give up.
The 62TE trans is decent. Besides the sensors that fail Where you messed up is Having a 4.0 in that van. That’s the WORST motor Chrysler produced To assure you get a 3.6 v6. You need 2012 and later. Until late 2011. They used a 3.3 3.8 and 4.0 All garbage motors besides the 3.3 Also seen you just reefing on the wires to the harness I did the same thing and had 1 come unpinned. Took me 2 days to find the issue
Mine just started this today. Find this video on a Google search. Went to my UA-cam app to subscribe and I was already subd because of the Corvair content. Thank you for the videos
Wow 👌🏿 is all i can say for now im going to try it lol i bought a dodge grand caravan for $100 same problem 😅 im sure your right looking at all these successes in the reviews ill let you know in a few days.
Did the van stall when coasting to a stop sign, Runs rough like a misfire at idle? I'm working on a 2016 caravan and I'm wondering if this is the issue. When I'm pulling up to a stop sign it just cuts off. if I pop it in neutral it starts right up. No codes and no power loss(lights, dash radio,) the engine just cuts off. Does that sound like your symptoms
@@TheJayhawker yeah I had a brain fart, I seen you listed the symptoms. I'm a diagnostics tech that diagnose for other shops. This Van's been to 2 other shops with no success. Just by chance I googled the symptoms 10 mins in because I had no real deraction and your video popped up. the credit goes to you because that did fix it. I dont understand why professional mechanics get ashamed or think less of them self for UA-cam or Google. I use everything at my disposal. Thanks for the video because it saved me alot of time
Detailed Video sir! question was the transmission slipping, I could go only about 30 to 40 km and it made whinning noises? do you think it could be same prob as yours
That sounds more like a problem with the transmission itself. If I were you I would first make sure you have enough transmission fluid and possibly try changing it and the filter. Do you know if that has even been done on yours?
just got this problem on my 09 town and country ban. my wife toke it to advance auto to get some coolant and the guy spilled some on the transmission solenoid wiring harness area. i wonder if this is the cause of the issues, and doing what you show here will help. ill update...
update: it worked, after 3 days of hard work under the hot Florida sun. replaced the sensor with an amazon one, "refurbished" which i regret because it looks like crap. did the transmission oil and filter change also. i've never done that before, and by the looks of the oil, it really needed it. so im glad got to do that also. thanks for the video. it really helped!
@@jairoacosta8940 I have an 09 town n country too with the 3.8l and I'm in Florida as well. I've got the job half way done just waiting on the part from Amazon... You're right about it being too hot for this lol! I've never done any of this either, my first time, I hope I have good luck like you!
Apologies if this has been asked already, but is it required to change the fluid after this is installed, or just recommended? Thanks for the great video! Tackling this week.
Hey Jayhawk, I'm working on a 2013 dodge grand caravan with the same transmission. I'm having a similar issue, however it was dying out when going into reverse as well. you can get it to move but you have to stay on the gas or it stalls out (same with when it was in drive). Should I try this out? I ran a scanner on it (cheap scanner) and I found no tranny codes. One shop that is was brought too just said it needs a new tranny but it drives 100% once it starts moving. Thank you
I can't find it right now but someone recently posted a comment on the same issue and they simply tapped a small dent in the exhaust pipe where the restriction was and they were able to get the cover off. Certainly not something I would do on someone elses car but it's certainly an option!
I have a 2010 Caravan with what seems to be the exact same issue. Big question though...did your engine light come on? Mine has not and all my reading says a bad torque converter clutch solenoid will throw a code.
@@TheJayhawker Thanks. Funny thing is I've looked up that part number and depending on the website, it is called both a VLP sensor and a TCC solenoid. I think TCC solenoid is the generic name used across all vehicle makes and VLP sensor is the Mopar specific name for the equivalent part. Took me over an hour to figure that out to make sure I was getting the right part.
Thank you for the video. My husband replaced the part on our Dodge Caravan 2010 which had exactly the same problem. But after replacing the part the van doesn’t start at all. Any idea what could be the cause of this problem?
@@allanigay2245 I need to know specifically, does the starter crank the engine? Other than disconnecting the battery there should be nothing else that I covered in the video that would prevent the engine from starting. Double check the battery cables and make sure they are clean and tight. Beyond that I would guess that you have a separate issue with the engine.
I am about to do this same project. Judging from the video mine has the same symptoms. Did yours seem like it was taking off in second? Or like you're in driving a manual trans and come to a stop and don't push in on the clutch? Everything is fine with mine in reverse also
I'm not sure about feeling like it was taking off in 2nd. Mine simply would not stay running when put into drive unless I would force it to keep running by flooring it. It would also feel like it was stumbling or almost a miss feeling from the engine when coasting or cruising through town. But reverse was fine and the check engine light was not on.
@@TheJayhawker my check engine light is not on either. I just picked up the solenoid today. Going to put it on tomorrow hopefully it works. If not I'm gonna have to pull the trans and swap the torque converter. Not to excited for that being front wheel drive.
I seem to have the same symptoms. It may not be taking off in second. Hard to judge when you're trying not to destroy something else while pretty much neutral dropping it just to get it rolling. Can't be good on it lol
yep, my brother drove a late 80's Oldsmobile...something or other. Same car as the Pontiac Grand Am. The nice thing about those is that you could simply unplug the torque converter lock and keep truckin.
Your video was very helpful but unfortunately I can’t find this part at the auto store is it possible you can give me more details of the name & description of it and what local part store did you get yours from
Please try this and let me know if it works it worked for me . Use a blow gun and in your key socket for fob blow high pressure air in it .get all the dust out and I shit you not it will work.
So thankful to have found this video! My van was doing the same thing. Took to a mechanic who wanted $1200 to replace the spark plugs and “see if that worked”
Found this video, paid a friend to put it on and saved $1000
Wow 1200 bucks to change the Pluggggs??? Ouch! Right in the Tenders!
You saved me so much money and time. bought all my parts and took about half a day to fix my van, you are a saint
This was the exact issue we had with our Minivan. Picked up the part (had to pay up $50 from dealership but thats way better than $2k transmission) and had it back on the road in less than 48 hrs. Shifts better now than it has in years!! Gas mileage is way up as well. Thank you!!!
What the heck? First you help me with the work I need to do on my ‘48 Chevy. Now your showing me in advance what to do with my 2009 Grand Caravan when it takes a dump. It’s good to have you around.thank you.
I just wanted to "Thank You" for posting this video. My van was doing the exact same thing your wife's van was doing. I did end up taking it to a mechanic that I trust! Gave him all the info you posted and asked him to fix my van. He naturally wanted to run some diagnostics.....did show a misfire and one of my plugs was bad! (I had him replace the plugs, after all, I did have about 140,000 miles on them.) He was very reluctant to replace the sensor you mentioned.....I honestly think, he didn't want to get into a whole "transmission overhaul" ! Short story.....I specifically told him to replace the VLP Sensor you replaced and felt that would fix my problem!!!! He ordered the part and replaced it!!!! He called me up and told me that he'd hire me to diagnose "other" car problems!!!! You definitely saved me a TON of money by not having to go to the dealership....for sure they would have charged $3000 to $5000 to work on my transmission!!! Keep up the good work Brother!!!! You've got a fan here in Syracuse, NY. Cheers! PIper Jack Heins
lol, never get tired of hearing these stories! So glad it worked out well for you.
would of been nice to know how much it cost you? $3-500? I'm guessing
I've been looking for this solution for years. I had two vehicles with the same problem. Thank you for your knowledge!
Ok so I watched this video 3months ago thinking I had the same problem well I just replaced this sensor finally last week. I commented before I’d have an update.. well here’s my update .. this was in fact the issue dodge said it would be $3,000 to fix I bought the sensor for what like $30-$40 and did it myself in my driveway and it took me 1-2hours . You are the best and thank you for posting this video. My 2016 grand caravan 125k miles drives perfectly now!!!
Thanks for the video. I had the same problem. Followed your video and now I'm driving again.
Thank you so much for this video. This was our exact symptom and fix! The van was running just fine, parked and left running then went to drive again and it stalled. Reverse and neutral worked fine. Had it towed home, picked up the VLP solenoid (torque converter clutch solenoid) from the dealer. Installed, waited 24 hours for RTV to cure and the van is fixed!
This video was spot on at diagnosing my van’s problem. Mine hadn’t quite gotten as bad as the one in the video (it wouldn’t die every time it would go into drive), but it wasn’t definitely bad enough to where my wife didn’t want to drive it. I did also notice though that at idle when it was in gear, I had to hold the brake pretty hard, almost like I was trying to let the clutch out if it were a stick shift. Although obviously different mechanics in an automatic, I guess that’s basically what the van was trying to do with the bad solenoid. After replacing it, both problems were fixed. Thanks for the video. I never would’ve figured something like that little part being the source of the problem on my own!
You are a life saver man, this fixed my grandma's van on her fixed income budget instead of having to buy a tranny rebuild
I greatly appreciate your video! Had this exact issue with my 2010 minivan and repaired for less than $100 with a filter and ATF flush. It took two days because of rainy weather delay but was able to replace the part and get her back on the road. Thanks again!
Jay, seriously can't thank you enough. You are the man! You've truly restored my faith in humanity. Need more like you sir. 🤙🏾
Thanks so much for this video. I have a 2012 Dodge G Caravan with the same issue, and thanks to your advice!!! I saved time and money, and the issue went away. Please continue sharing your knowledge, it is greatly appreciated on my end.
Same here just did it an now running great
What a perfect video!! I followed your steps and fixed my van with ease today, thank you Sir
Had this happen the other day on a 2009 Grand Caravan. 4.0l. Was indeed the torque converter clutch solenoid. Thanks for the video!!
The EXACT issue I started having yesterday with my Chrysler town and country. You are a life saver man.
Happy to help
@@TheJayhawker ok we have a 2010 Dodge 4.0 caravan. It always stuttered around 45 to 55 mph and would die sometimes. My husband changed this exact part. Did not change the tranny fluid. Got in it to test drive and it drove fine for about 10 miles then stopped shifting as I got off the interstate. So changed it again thinking it was a bad part but same outcome. Did never do this before we changed this part. Any ideas?
@@TheJayhawker ok we have a 2010 Dodge 4.0 caravan. It always stuttered around 45 to 55 mph and would die sometimes. My husband changed this exact part. Did not change the tranny fluid. Got in it to test drive and it drove fine for about 10 miles then stopped shifting as I got off the interstate. So changed it again thinking it was a bad part but same outcome. Did never do this before we changed this part. Any ideas?
Well Jayhawker, you saved another one hundreds to thousands of dollars. THANK YOU! Very grateful for you and your video. Here's my 2c...
I have the 3.8L with the lovely exhaust crossover and dipstick in the way of the cover coming off easily. We had a little better luck removing some stuff underneath. I beat the exhaust up on top some and dented some clearance, but ultimately realized I didn't need the cover to be fully removed to get to the sensor and replace it. The only drawback is when putting it back together it made putting some gasket maker silicone a bit more difficult than if I would've had it completely off. Overall, this was definitely one of the bigger PAINS of a job I've done on this van. Limited clearance and accessibility to get the bolts off, rusty rounded off bolts I had to heat up to get out on the bottom of the cover, and all that fun trying to put gasket maker on it to close it up again (fingers crossed on that). But all was worth it when it did the trick. I would say if you're just a change your own oil, maybe brakes, kind of guy (like me), you MAY be biting off more than you can chew (at least with the 3.8L). If not for my wiser and far-better-equipped-with-tools father, I would've been dragging this problem to someone else (or driving it there in reverse).
Cheers again! Got a venmo or paypal link I can toss ya a tip to?
Hey, so glad it worked for you. Sounds like a bit more of a pain though. I'm not asking for anything, but if you really want to you can click on the superthanks button on the video's page. thanks!
@@TheJayhawker Done. Thanks again!
thanks for the video! my 08 gr caravan did this with my wife driving about 90 miles from home. even with a $300 tow you still saved me a lot of money. One shop said it needed a new transmission and another said probably. This did the trick! I always buy used vehicles but change trans fluid when i buy a veh since this is often over looked. I bought the van with 90 k on it and it has 160 k now. I hope to get at least 200 k before i rebuild the transmission. thanks fro taking the time to share this!
Ours just passed 280,000. Never have pulled the engine or transmission. Our goal is 300,000 then we'll see. Who knows we may just start a new goal.
Thank you for the video. On the 3.8L engine you can unbolt the crossover exhaust just at the front and leave the back bolted. Then with a jack and a 1” X 24” stick of wood you can raise the front crossover exhaust just enough to get the trans valve cover off. Once you have the solenoid out you can test the ohms. It should be on average 15 to 25 ohms. You can also connect the solenoid to your car battery and see if the plunger moves.
Hey my man , thanks for this video, I just saved a lot of money, I couldn't beleive my transmission was done, like the mechanic said, always seek for second advise.
My neighbor found this for me but yeah smh this is what I have been wreaking my brain about for a week now so thank you so much for this video and thank you neighbor Mr.Norman.
Happy to help!
Great vid! You make yours the way I make mine, doing it step by step in a real-life situation. I just don't work on modern cars much, because frankly. what's the point? Too many non-user serviceable components these days. This just happened to my daughter's 2011 Caravan, when she called and told me what it was doing my first thought was that she had fallen of the wagon. Strange failure with no easy way to temporarily disable the converter lock-up. There is a mechanical engineer out there that spent seconds coming up with that design, not to mention the no dipstick. AT least that has ANY way to access the fluid, my 2006 Explorer is totally sealed, you have to go through the pan with a weep tube to check the fluid level on it. Ridiculous!
Another thank you sir. I took my 2010 dodge grand caravan to the mechanic for this same exact issue (or should I say I had it towed to my mechanic). They had to contact the local Chrysler dealership to get the replacement sensor. Their transmission tech swore this would not fix the issue and that I needed the entire solenoid pack. But he was wrong and the sensor was the fix.
how much $?
@@jessebunch621 I don't remember now, but it was like $25-$50 plus a couple hours labor to do the repair. I don't have those vans anymore.
Thank you! This was the problem I had with my car! We fixed it and it worked! I’m soo happy and thank you so much for your video. My car was on the way to be scraped because no one know what to do. But the problem is fixed and I’m over joyed!
You're welcome! I'm happy to help!
@@TheJayhawker the cost to change that part at the dealership is $1135.00 I did it myself for $150 with part and transmission oil. I’m so over happy!
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this video. My 2011 dodge grand caravan was doing this exact same thing. Took apart the car using your video. Got the part. Put it back together and it worked. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
You're welcome! That's exactly why I did it!
Thank thank I did it too using this your video sir thank you........
What’s the name of the part?
Thank you so much for this video, this was the exact issue with my Caravan. Your instructions were fantastic and exactly what was needed to fix my issue. Thank you again for making it.
Very good sir! Similar experience, car died twice while my significant babe was driving. I looked at your video and said not me! 3 to 4 weeks later, it happened; 3 miles from work after driving 40 miles. Anyways did same things, although; I took the big top radiator hose closer to the top on my 2008 4.0L temporarily and left the coolant metal lines on. Just enough space to get the reservoir tank out the way on top from the radiator hose. And oh yeah it would not start like the other cliffhanger comment. Turns out it was the impact not driving the nut (Tourque hand power) ground wire on the transmission by the bottom towards the tire. It was lose to the hand move 😅
Thank you Sir,I just replaced the selenoid and works great
Thanks a bunch for this video! My gal’s Dodge Journey just all of a sudden would die going into drive, but reverse worked as normal. I replaced this sensor and it fixed the issue. I’m sure it saved us a bunch of money…
Awesome video
Saved me a bunch of money on my wife’s 2012 town and country
Thank you sir! We just had these exact symptoms in our 2009 TnC yesterday. Caught your video, popped into the local Chrysler dealership and got the VLP sensor and all the OEM supplies we needed to get the job done same day it broke down and all for around $100! Saved me hundreds of dollars!
Great!
Got the same symptoms… was driving off the interstate exit and the car stalls loses all power. Put in park. Car starts fine and can reverse and go in neutral. Upon putting in drive and applying gas the car lurches forward and immediately shuts down. AAMCO says I have a p129E code but they want to tear apart the transmission and rebuild it…
Those little things you snapped off the studs what are they and will I need them when I put the cover back on???
Great video!! What is the exact name of the part you replaced?
Bought a 09 caravan last week to haul guys around for work...and this exact problem just happened today. Called dealer they wanted 90$ just to look at it and who knows how much more to fix it... Thanks to your video im gonna try this on my own😳...little worried about the silicone part getting the cover back on without breaking the seal but we will see. Thanks in advance man....maybe.
If your symptoms match mine exactly then I bet you'll fix it. And you can do it!
Great video... At 14:30 you mention a box of brake clean. How many cans are actually needed to do this job?
I've got a 2013 T&C and I hate this car. Everything is plastic, and it's got all sorts of built in problems. Thanks for this video. I have noticed my van stalling in reverse when backing out of the driveway and just yesterday it stalled in drive when I came to a stop at a light. It feels like dropping the clutch without revving the engine in a manual transmission.
Thank you for all the advice you gave me that is going to fix it tomorrow got the same problem
Thank you for your video! My 2009 Chrysler Town and Country had this exact problem! My husband was able to fix it with your video! Just a question have you had any other problems after fixing this? Is it still running?
You're welcome! That's great that your guy got it going. I did ours last October and it's still going strong.
Thank you for posting this video. I had to make the same repair on my van. Keep the videos coming!!!!
I have the exact same situation on a 2009 T&C with 188k miles. I ordered the part. I've been told $4k for a used transmission installed or $6k for a remanufactured. I'm praying this fix is all that is wrong. Will post an update after I try this fix...
I feel the same way about these modern cars, not a fan of computer operated . That was a great job very interesting.
Thanks!
What is the name of the part you just change?
@@3stanJazzSoundsAndLights SENSOR. TRANS VARIABLE FORCE SOLENOID Part # 0516-9313-AA
My sons van is doing the exact same and I am really praying it is just this. Can you tell me where to get it or what to ask for? We ate in Virginia and every parts place says they can't find anything under vlp sensor so we don't know how or where to get it.
I hope you're keepin' track of all the asses you've been savin'. Go ahead and add me to the list. Died in the middle of a crazy highway in stop and go traffic, your video came up and you helped me get from the center lane to the emergency lane with the first part of your video. Then I ordered the part and swapped it out and I'm back on the road. This is my family's only car and it doubles as a wheelchair van for my kid. Can't properly thank you enough in the comments so you'll have to pretend I'm givin' you a high five and a 12 pack of your favorite wobble pops.
To add for anyone who's got the 3.3l or 3.8l, there's a section of exhaust that runs over the top of that front facing pan with the dip-stick spout and the big electrical plug. Lots of videos and people saying you have to remove that section of exhaust BUT YOU DON'T! The exhaust has a heat shield around it and if you get you a good hammer and a screw driver you can hammer that heat shielding in right where it's touching the pan. That gives you the 3 or 4 cm you need to lift the pan up, forward and out. That dipstick spout is long and goes deep into the Tran pan, but if you hammer that exhaust in a little bit you'll be able to pull that pan off and clear the inner dipstick spout without having to remove that exhaust. No harm no foul, just be sure to put that padding/shield back over the pan (3.3 and 3.8 have a partial metal covering to reflect heat on that outer pad where the exhaust meets the top corner of the front facing tran pan).
Anyway, sun just set and I'm done working on the van. Just wanted to stop back by and thank you from the bottom of my heart bud. Hope you have a good one and many more after that.
This video has been the biggest surprise of all! So many grateful people with the same problem. I'm so glad that I could help you out and thanks for the input on the smaller engines. Oh, and do I detect a Vise Grip Garage fan? Love it!
Hello, my husband followed your video and changed out the solenoid! Sadly, it did not work for us, it still having the same symptoms as your caravan. What was part name that you said you might have to end up changing if the solenoid didn’t work? Also, I wanted to let you know you have a great video here sir! Very detailed thank you very much!
The larger piece under the top cover is called a solenoid pack. I'm wondering if you had the same three symptoms exactly that I outlined in the video (3:35).
@@TheJayhawker yes we are having the exact same issues! Can go into reverse like normal, but once we put the van in drive and it will shake and cut off, we had to literally put it in neutral when we had to stop just so it wouldn’t die on us
Update: my husband replaced the Solenoid Pack (not a easy job, but UA-cam helps) and it fixed the problem!!! 🙌🏼
@@ciarasuarez8915 Great!, I'm glad you got it!
You should do a complete flush of transmission oil including cooler, most of the time people just change oil in transmission including pan and just add new oil but what happens soon that dirty oil mixes with new oil and makes it dirty and plug the screen on new solenoid that you guys installed and problem remains the same. Also when you done charging all the oil you need a scan tool to re learn transmission and after all the work you will see the difference.
Great video. I have everything pulled apart. Getting all my parts tomorrow. I hope this works for me.
Good luck!
there is a gasket available for the transmission pan.
Those filter seals are usually fine. Seeing as they are usually a huge PITA to remove(see your video) I leave them. Never had an issue.
Hero of the day. Thank u sir. 👍
I have a 2013, it's stalling then firing back up real fast around 1-2nd gear then again at 5-6th would this be from the same thing?
Thanks man I did it my self and used the part number you gave me to order my part, but my cost was $40! Thanks van runs great! But to add to help out the video remove the ground from underneath to help get the pans offf! And you will lose some tranny fluid, about a half of quart!
I'm sure the cost has gone up like everything else.
@@TheJayhawker did I miss a video what sensor mine doing the same
I just tested a 2016 Dodge Grand caravan and the transmission would stay stuck in 3rd gear and the engine would stall and to change the valve body and solenoid pack it's around $2000 dollar's to fix and around 5hr of labor to do the job.
I keep losing black handled pry bars and screwdrivers. Seem to leave them in the engine compartment.
Great detail in your video, thank u 🙏 I’m about to just change the tranny fluid and filter and plan to suck out the old fluid first thru the fill tube so hopefully dropping the pan and getting to the filter will be easier/cleaner. I also picked up an aftermarket transmission pan that has a drain plug but not sure if I’m going to install it depending on how well sucking out the old fluid works.
Hey I think my 2016 grand caravan is having the same issue. Not as bad though. To anyone having this problem were you having weird shift problems like I am? I’ll be going 45mph come up to a stop sign and it shifts goofy from 3rd to 2nd then weird to 1st like hesitant. Anyone else’s doing that?
I just got home from work last night and it stalled while in drive but stopped at my mailbox. This is the 3rd time in 2weeks it has stalled on me. Needless to say I’m going to be getting this part and trying it thank you for the video. I’ll have an update in the near future on if this was the problem.
any update?
I wished rhis worjed for me its not dieing going into drive now. At this point it wasnt shifting properly so we added more transmission fluid now its dying when stopped but starte back up at thus point i give up.
Good afternoon. A friend of mine asked me to help with his Chrysler town and country. It dies in any gear but neutral and park. Could this fix it?
The 62TE trans is decent. Besides the sensors that fail
Where you messed up is
Having a 4.0 in that van. That’s the WORST motor Chrysler produced
To assure you get a 3.6 v6. You need 2012 and later.
Until late 2011. They used a 3.3 3.8 and 4.0
All garbage motors besides the 3.3
Also seen you just reefing on the wires to the harness
I did the same thing and had 1 come unpinned. Took me 2 days to find the issue
Having this same issue I ordered valve body along shift solenoid dies soon as I put it in gear
Mine just started this today. Find this video on a Google search. Went to my UA-cam app to subscribe and I was already subd because of the Corvair content. Thank you for the videos
Wow 👌🏿 is all i can say for now im going to try it lol i bought a dodge grand caravan for $100 same problem 😅 im sure your right looking at all these successes in the reviews ill let you know in a few days.
Did the van stall when coasting to a stop sign, Runs rough like a misfire at idle? I'm working on a 2016 caravan and I'm wondering if this is the issue. When I'm pulling up to a stop sign it just cuts off. if I pop it in neutral it starts right up. No codes and no power loss(lights, dash radio,) the engine just cuts off. Does that sound like your symptoms
Yes it does. It should also keep running and have good power in reverse.
@@TheJayhawker yeah I had a brain fart, I seen you listed the symptoms. I'm a diagnostics tech that diagnose for other shops. This Van's been to 2 other shops with no success. Just by chance I googled the symptoms 10 mins in because I had no real deraction and your video popped up. the credit goes to you because that did fix it. I dont understand why professional mechanics get ashamed or think less of them self for UA-cam or Google. I use everything at my disposal. Thanks for the video because it saved me alot of time
Detailed Video sir! question was the transmission slipping, I could go only about 30 to 40 km and it made whinning noises? do you think it could be same prob as yours
That sounds more like a problem with the transmission itself. If I were you I would first make sure you have enough transmission fluid and possibly try changing it and the filter. Do you know if that has even been done on yours?
just got this problem on my 09 town and country ban. my wife toke it to advance auto to get some coolant and the guy spilled some on the transmission solenoid wiring harness area. i wonder if this is the cause of the issues, and doing what you show here will help. ill update...
update: it worked, after 3 days of hard work under the hot Florida sun. replaced the sensor with an amazon one, "refurbished" which i regret because it looks like crap. did the transmission oil and filter change also. i've never done that before, and by the looks of the oil, it really needed it. so im glad got to do that also. thanks for the video. it really helped!
@@jairoacosta8940 I have an 09 town n country too with the 3.8l and I'm in Florida as well. I've got the job half way done just waiting on the part from Amazon... You're right about it being too hot for this lol! I've never done any of this either, my first time, I hope I have good luck like you!
Thanks my friend you safe lots money and time.❤❤❤
Very helpful video thanks man
What is the name of the part itself?
SENSOR. TRANS VARIABLE FORCE SOLENOID 0 - 90 PSI.
Vlp sensor seems to be the only words that the dealership will understand when asking for this part
Apologies if this has been asked already, but is it required to change the fluid after this is installed, or just recommended? Thanks for the great video! Tackling this week.
It isn't necessary, but if you have 100,000 miles on the fluid I would change it.
Thank you so much for your video. You save me so much money .
Thank you for this video...I belive I can fix my van now...I'll say thanks again when I do this😁😁
Hey Jayhawk, I'm working on a 2013 dodge grand caravan with the same transmission. I'm having a similar issue, however it was dying out when going into reverse as well. you can get it to move but you have to stay on the gas or it stalls out (same with when it was in drive). Should I try this out? I ran a scanner on it (cheap scanner) and I found no tranny codes. One shop that is was brought too just said it needs a new tranny but it drives 100% once it starts moving. Thank you
i did the same and dosent work i have to keep the gas press and if a release it i will stop
ty good video
You Sir, are awesome!!
Where was the solenoid located? My van has the 3.6 and I’m having the same issues
there is a cover on the front side of the transmission, it looks like a transmission pan but is vertical on the front side.
I hope this is what fixes my 2009 T&C.
On the 3.8l the exhaust is in the way. What a pain in the butt!
I can't find it right now but someone recently posted a comment on the same issue and they simply tapped a small dent in the exhaust pipe where the restriction was and they were able to get the cover off. Certainly not something I would do on someone elses car but it's certainly an option!
bro, can I solve that same problem but with a 1994 grand caravan?
What is this part called
AWESOME VIDEO Thank you so much
15:42 was that a fart? lol
😂
Hey Thanks for showing me what to do thanks that's what was needed
I have a 2010 Caravan with what seems to be the exact same issue. Big question though...did your engine light come on? Mine has not and all my reading says a bad torque converter clutch solenoid will throw a code.
Stalls in drive, not in reverse, no check engine light. I replaced a sensor, not a solenoid.
@@TheJayhawker Thanks. Funny thing is I've looked up that part number and depending on the website, it is called both a VLP sensor and a TCC solenoid. I think TCC solenoid is the generic name used across all vehicle makes and VLP sensor is the Mopar specific name for the equivalent part. Took me over an hour to figure that out to make sure I was getting the right part.
Thank you so much!!!, this happened to my wife’s car I did this and it fixed
Great! love to hear it helped
Thank you for the video this worked great for me.
BTW, that Jefferson quote is incomplete. Jefferson was no God botherer.
Thank you for the video. My husband replaced the part on our Dodge Caravan 2010 which had exactly the same problem. But after replacing the part the van doesn’t start at all. Any idea what could be the cause of this problem?
does the starter crank the engine? Go back over all of the electrical connections and make sure they all were plugged back in.
@@TheJayhawker thanks for the reply. He went back and rechecked all connections. But it still doesn’t start.
@@allanigay2245 I need to know specifically, does the starter crank the engine? Other than disconnecting the battery there should be nothing else that I covered in the video that would prevent the engine from starting. Double check the battery cables and make sure they are clean and tight. Beyond that I would guess that you have a separate issue with the engine.
No, the starter doesn’t crank the engine
@@allanigay2245 Do any lights or chimes come on when you open the door or turn the key on?
What size metric nuts did you use when replacing the cover?
I need to know too. Did you ever find out?
I don't remember what size they were. I went to the hardware store and had them match it up with the bolt
Thanks boy , did you have any code ?
Thanks Jay
I am about to do this same project. Judging from the video mine has the same symptoms. Did yours seem like it was taking off in second? Or like you're in driving a manual trans and come to a stop and don't push in on the clutch? Everything is fine with mine in reverse also
I'm not sure about feeling like it was taking off in 2nd. Mine simply would not stay running when put into drive unless I would force it to keep running by flooring it. It would also feel like it was stumbling or almost a miss feeling from the engine when coasting or cruising through town. But reverse was fine and the check engine light was not on.
@@TheJayhawker my check engine light is not on either. I just picked up the solenoid today. Going to put it on tomorrow hopefully it works. If not I'm gonna have to pull the trans and swap the torque converter. Not to excited for that being front wheel drive.
I seem to have the same symptoms. It may not be taking off in second. Hard to judge when you're trying not to destroy something else while pretty much neutral dropping it just to get it rolling. Can't be good on it lol
It fixed it. Saved me from pulling the trans. I was thinking it was torque converter
Does anyone know the name of the part
In the early 90s...caviler ..beretta corsica...had th125 trans with lockup...same shit..
yep, my brother drove a late 80's Oldsmobile...something or other. Same car as the Pontiac Grand Am. The nice thing about those is that you could simply unplug the torque converter lock and keep truckin.
Great video. That squeak in the background though….
Your video was very helpful but unfortunately I can’t find this part at the auto store is it possible you can give me more details of the name & description of it and what local part store did you get yours from
Its a Mopar part, go to your local Dodge, Chrysler, Ram etc etc dealer to get one
What's the name of the part I'd like to know as well
My 2013 dies when downshifting to 1 gear, after first short drive.. Can't they identify the bad solenoid via dealer computer?
this problem specifically did not have a service engine light on which means it was not throwing a code for the scanner to read.
Please try this and let me know if it works it worked for me . Use a blow gun and in your key socket for fob blow high pressure air in it .get all the dust out and I shit you not it will work.
Thanks for sharing 👍
good job