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2011 Routan wouldn't move

4K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  ImperialCrown 
#1 ·
This week our Routan refused to move when placed in gear, either forward or reverse. It sounded like it was shifting. We found a few things: if you gave it some gas, it would move, but it moved like something was intermittently impeding motion; we also found that you could get it to move forward by putting it into drive, then into reverse, and finally back into drive -- this works the other way if you need to back up.

Of course we're thinking transmission. We had it towed to a reputable transmission shop today. When I moved the van out of the driveway so that the tow truck could hook on, it was fine. And it's fine at the transmission shop. They're going to take another look at it Monday. When I first talked to the guy there, he was wondering if it could be a brake problem, like a caliper hanging up. It has about 160,000 miles on it, had new rotors and pads 2 or 3 years ago. I'm wondering if moving it back and forth is making the caliper let go? The brakes have been functioning fine. Is there something else we should be looking at?
 
#3 ·
. . . .This week our Routan refused to move when placed in gear, either forward or reverse. It sounded like it was shifting. We found a few things: if you gave it some gas, it would move, but it moved like something was intermittently impeding motion; we also found that you could get it to move forward by putting it into drive, then into reverse, and finally back into drive -- this works the other way if you need to back up. . . .
Test #1. Put transmission in PARK position. Put the van on a lift and raise it such that all 4 wheels are free and not touching a floor. Rear wheels should spin freely. If there is any drag then there is a brake drum / caliper problem at the rear.

Test #2. Transmission in PARK position. Spin 1 front wheel in forward motion. Opposite drive wheel should spin freely in opposite direction. No movement or dragging movement indicates front brake caliper drag. In this test the differential ring gear is stationary. Only movement through the differential is the spider gears.

Test #3. Put transmission in NEUTRAL position. This will release the PARK pawl that keeps vehicle from rolling when parked. With vehicle on lift so wheels are free, have someone hold left front wheel. Simultaneously have someone turn right front wheel. It should turn freely with no strange noises. With 1 drive wheel held stationary and turning the opposite drive wheel, the differential ring gear and carrier should turn freely.

If vehicle passes these tests then there is probably some internal transmission problem or electrical control problem such that clutches are not being activated properly.
 
#4 ·
Drop the 62TE transaxle pan and look for metal chips at the pan bottom and on the magnet. It is possible that the geartrain is breaking up and locking any gear motion.
If metallic debris has circulated through the transaxle, installing a reman may be the best course of action. A shop would likely recommend a reman at this mileage anyways. Have the ATF cooler checked for flow if debris has circulated with the fluid.
 
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