Voyager Transmission Slip: Torque Converter Warning Signs

I had very similar symptoms with my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica with the same automatic transmission design. Having some experience with transmission issues, the symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, transmission warning lights, rough shifting, and that distinctive grinding noise during gear changes. The engine surge and slipping were clear signs of converter failure in my case. After diagnostic testing, it turned out the lock-up clutch inside the torque converter was severely worn, causing the transmission problems. The repair required removing the transmission to replace the faulty converter. Total cost was 2120€ including labor, parts, and fresh transmission fluid. The shop completed the work in about 3 days. Since the repair, the transmission has performed flawlessly with smooth shifting and no more warning lights. While expensive, addressing converter issues early prevents complete transmission failure down the line. To provide more specific advice about your situation, could you share: Current mileage on your Voyager, When the symptoms first appeared, Whether the transmission fluid has been regularly serviced, Any transmission error codes from the diagnostic scan This information would help determine if your issues match what I experienced and if similar repairs might be needed.

Thanks for sharing your experience. At 32208KM and with my last service completed just 2 months ago, I was hoping to avoid major transmission issues so soon. The engine surge and grinding you mentioned matches my symptoms exactly. Did you notice if your transmission problems got worse gradually or suddenly? My lock-up clutch symptoms seemed to develop over just a couple of weeks. The 2120€ repair cost you quoted helps set my expectations. Since my transmission fluid was changed recently during service, I hope this rules out basic maintenance issues and confirms the converter failure diagnosis. I will get those error codes scanned and post them here to compare with your experience. The auto transmission definitely needs attention soon before any potential catastrophic failure occurs.

Thanks for those additional details. In my case with the Pacifica, the transmission problems developed quite rapidly over about 3 weeks, similar to your timeline. The initial symptoms were subtle, slight hesitation during lock-up, but quickly progressed to the more severe grinding and slipping. Since your fluid was recently changed, this strongly suggests a mechanical torque converter issue rather than maintenance-related problems. Fresh fluid wont fix a failing lock-up clutch mechanism. The rapid onset of symptoms combined with the grinding noise during shifts typically indicates internal converter wear. On these automatic transmissions, once the lock-up clutch starts to fail, deterioration often accelerates quickly. At your mileage, while earlier than typical for converter failure, its not unheard of. The important thing is catching it before the metal particles from the worn clutch contaminate the entire transmission system. Getting those error codes will help confirm, but based on the matching symptoms and similar transmission design in our vehicles, preparing for torque converter replacement is likely the best path forward. The 2120€ I spent was worth avoiding a complete transmission rebuild later. When you get the codes, post them here for comparison. This will help verify if your auto transmission issues follow the same pattern I experienced.

Thanks for the detailed comparison of our transmission problems. This does sound identical to what I am experiencing with my Voyager, especially the rapid deterioration of the lock-up clutch symptoms over just a few weeks. I managed to get the codes scanned yesterday: P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction) and P0733 (Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio). These error codes plus the grinding noise during gear changes seem to confirm the failing torque converter diagnosis. Given how quickly the automatic transmission problems are progressing, I will schedule the repair work next week. The 2120€ cost is steep but definitely prefer that to risking complete transmission failure. Will update here once the work is completed to confirm if replacing the torque converter resolves all the symptoms. Really hope this fixes the engine surge and rough shifting issues completely like it did in your case. Looking back, wish I had investigated the early warning signs of clutch problem when they first appeared. At least catching it now should prevent more extensive transmission damage.