I see those vehicles are widely known for transmission problems. Which transmission to you have? There is a four speed and a six speed.
Best advice is to have a remanufactured transmission installed. Cost is usually $3,500 range installed.
The trouble with having a local shop do it, is that they do not usually have hyperclean environments, whereas factory type establishments do. With modern transmissions if there is the slightest contamination you are back where you started in no time.
When it is fixed dump it, and look for a Toyota or Subaru. Subaru have a real reputation for longevity.
6 speed. I have the 3.6 six cylinder engine. I had 7 or 8 Grand Caravans and Town and Countries with the same basic engine and tranny since I started the medical route in 2008. So I am aware of Chrysler's transmission issues especially with this particular drivetrain. I have been through this a few times. But I thought that this Journey would be less susceptible to transmission issues since I have far less weight to pull around. You can really tell the difference, especially along the river road in Prescott, Wisconsin with all the hills and dales.
If you know of a place that has a reman for $3500, let me know! I have paid $6000 at Kennedy in the past. "Auto Pros of Apple Valley" has it currently. They haven't diagnosed it yet as I'm typing. They used to be called Transmission Doctor or something like that, but they now do it all, not just trannies. I think they are the same outfit as Richfield Transmission. They actually rebuild the thing. They ship it up to their shop in Blaine to be rebuilt. If it does need to be rebuilt, they already told me it's $6000 plus tax.
I will likely retire or go part time next year. I am not in a financial position to switch vehicles.
This is a huge expense for me at this time. Fortunately, I can pay for it. I have no debts, except still around $500 on the turntable, which I got zero interest for 6 months. So I did that. But I could pay for that of course right now too. I paid off my home in 26 months back in 2020. I have not paid a dime in credit card interest in 18 years.
I am going to search for a reman tranny now.
