Transmission will not shift into high gear?

AFOSTER3083

MEMBER
2005 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

I am thinking about buying a van that does not shift into high gear. They say that it still drives but that they have not done so at highway speed for quite some time. It's a really good deal and I really need a vehicle, but I want to make sure I am not setting myself up for failure if I decide to purchase this one. What could be the cause and what is the solution?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,509 POSTS

Hi,

Buyer Beware. Are you getting it from a private owner? If so, how long have they owned it? Have you driven it, and does it shift normally in lower gears? What happens when it is to shift to a higher gear?

There are so many possible things that can cause this type of issue. What I would recommend is, if it is possible, scan the can bus to see what codes are stored. That may be the thing that identifies the problem.

CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the different control modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve transmission codes, or any code stored, regardless of which module is storing it.

Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

This is where I would start. If they allow you to do it, it may prove truly beneficial.

Let me know if you can do that. Also, if this is the original transmission, it may simply be at the end of its life.

Take care,

Joe