Caravan shifting issues

[twinners]

This is what is happening.  When pulling out it seems like we just get going and then it is as if we are in neutral again.  The engine will rev up and when the rpms come down it will shift hard into gear.  We don't go into limp mode or get stuck in 1st or 2nd like I have read about online, it seems to be okay after that.  It has happened 4 times I think now but spread over several months.  My wife was stranded in front of oncoming cars for a bit tonight so I need to get this fixed or get rid of the car if it is an expensive fix.  2003 Dodge Caravan 3.3 liter v6 approx. 85000 miles.  I changed the trans fluid last summer and the level has looked good but will recheck tomorrow. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Woodchuck]

Sounds like possibly trans turbine speed sensors. There should be some sort of code in it for that if it is the case. If you do have a code for 1, do them both, is a fairly easy fix.

[jackelope]

Sounds like possibly trans turbine speed sensors. There should be some sort of code in it for that if it is the case. If you do have a code for 1, do them both, is a fairly easy fix.

Roger that...there'd be a check engine light on with a bad speed sensor. I agree, do both while you're there.

[sirfunkeybut]

I believe you can turn the ignition on and of three times in a row leaving it on the third time and it'll tell you if any codes have been thrown.

[Mudman]

Some good tips.  I lean towards low fluid and possibly the pump is weak or a seal is bad but after some heat and fluid it reseals.  These rigs are known to have some trans issues.  Google it on forums and you may find an answer.  I doubt it will strand you soon unless you rev and abuse it before it warms up and begins working.  Good luck.  I have an 09 with newer elect. 6 sp trans and what an improvement!

[twinners]

Nothin better than trying to work on a vehicle in the snow.  We have not seen the check engine light come on at any point.  At least she has not told me about it.  From looking online sounds like I need to take it to a good shop or the dealer to have them read transmission codes.  Does that sound right?  It would be great if it was just a sensor.

[Woodchuck]

CEL bulb could be out. Just an OBD II scan should show the code. Lots of parts stores will do it for free.

[jackelope]

Nothin better than trying to work on a vehicle in the snow.  We have not seen the check engine light come on at any point.  At least she has not told me about it.  From looking online sounds like I need to take it to a good shop or the dealer to have them read transmission codes.  Does that sound right?  It would be great if it was just a sensor.

Go to Shucks or somewhere they can read codes. Most auto parts stores can and they'll do it for free. They may not be able to read trans codes, but there will be a p0700 code in the pcm if there are any trans codes in the TCM. P0700 is a code that sets in the powertrain control module indicating there is a transmission code stored in the transmission control module. Kind of lets you know you need to go further. If that's there, keep going. If not, forget about codes and probably forget about speed sensors being the problem.
 

[coachcw]

knowing what the cvi vollum is would be good . often the output speed sensor faults you will loose the speedo . we change quiet a few solenoid blocks on those lil buggers .

[twinners]

Went by Oreillys and scanned it. said there were no stored tcm codes or something like that. I was expecting the p0700 code to show up.  Checked the fluid but I am going to check it again after driving further and parked on a better, more level surface.  The speedo has been working fine as far as I know.