1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager...what causes this?

IntegrityAutoCare · July 23, 2013

Need you guys to throw out some ideas for me. Transmissions are admittedly a weak point for me as I know very little about them. About 6 months ago the transmission went out on my service van (1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager 3.8L) and so I bought one from salvage, changed the filter and fluid, and replaced it. It has done well up until this point, but lately I have noticed it has started to shudder on acceleration (feels like the whole front end is shaking from side to side!) at about 20 or 25 mph and then if you get up and faster than it will keep shaking even after I let off the accelerator. I have discovered that if I shift it into neutral while this is happening that it will immediately smooth out. Initially I thought it was a tie rod or something suspension/steering related, or maybe a bad axle, but wouldn't it keep shaking even in neutral if that was the case? Any and all help would be appreciated!

Jeff · July 23, 2013

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ATLAuto · July 23, 2013

My first thought on this was axles and/or the torque converter lockup. Both can cause this issue. Plymouth has a ton of TSB's out for this issue (example: 18-05-94 SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONV EMCC OPERATION -41TE/42LE). Worn out axle ends will cause this as well. Apparently the remanufactured axles don't get new inner tripods, making the issue continue even after replacement.

This is a bit of an odd forum to post this question in. Do you have access to IATN ($15/month) or Identifix ($130/month)? Both of these services are absolute lifesavers. IATN is a forum tool for asking those really complex questions. Identifix is a massive database of searchable fixes with numerical likelihoods that your issue will be solved by a certain fix. They are worth every penny.

IntegrityAutoCare · July 24, 2013

Thanks to BOTH of you guys for the responses. I was actually wondering about the inner cv joint as well (due to the shudder being on acceleration) and at $55 for a new one I think I'm just gonna replace that and maybe take a close look at those mounts to make sure everything looks good.

This is a bit of an odd forum to post this question in. Do you have access to IATN ($15/month) or Identifix ($130/month)? Both of these services are absolute lifesavers. IATN is a forum tool for asking those really complex questions. Identifix is a massive database of searchable fixes with numerical likelihoods that your issue will be solved by a certain fix. They are worth every penny.

Just out of curiosity, why do you find it odd that I would post this question here? Where better to get repair/diagnostic help then in a "repair/diagnostic help" sub-forum of a website for auto repair shop owners? *lol*

I have actually never heard of either one of those services you recommended, but I will definitely look into the IATN as it is much closer to my price range (one bay shop, single owner/operator/receptionist/bookkeeper/administrator/janitor/etc). I was using a forum called "ask-a-tech" through my Mitchell ProDemand membership but then they decided to require an ADDED paid subscription to use that forum on top of what I am already paying for pro-demand so I decided to boycott them. *lol* Petty I know. I am in my first year of business, though, and barely in the black....gotta really watch my expenses! As the old saying goes, a penny saved is a penny earned!

As for today I have saved at least 15,000 pennies by picking you guys' brains instead of going to a paid website. Hopefully one day I will have the opportunity to return the favor and share some of my own knowledge with you or someone else who needs it. And why SHOULDN'T we share information like that and help each other fix cars and save money (thus running our businesses more efficiently)? Isn't that what this website is all about?

Edited July 24, 2013 by IntegrityAutoCare

Jeff · July 24, 2013

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ATLAuto · July 26, 2013

Just out of curiosity, why do you find it odd that I would post this question here? Where better to get repair/diagnostic help then in a "repair/diagnostic help" sub-forum of a website for auto repair shop owners? *lol*

I probably did not explain that statement very well. My apologies. For auto shop owner material, this forum is the best I have found, hands down. The fact that I can come on here and ask a random question like "have any of you guys tried adding an express oil change lane to your shop?" and get some answers is priceless.

With that said, I have not used this forum much for diagnostic questions. I usually use IATN for all those really tough one as 1000's of techs view that site every single day. Not saying that Auto Shop Owner cannot answer these same questions, no one has really used this piece of the forums yet.

Maybe it's time to start, though?? I've had a check engine light on in my VW diesel for the past 12 years. Nobody on IATN could solve it. Dealership says "new ECM required." I've spent 30+ hours on it. Maybe I should throw that one out for the group.

Edited July 26, 2013 by Wes Daniel

IntegrityAutoCare · July 26, 2013

maybe

Maybe it's time to start, though?? I've had a check engine light on in my VW diesel for the past 12 years. Nobody on IATN could solve it. Dealership says "new ECM required." I've spent 30+ hours on it. Maybe I should throw that one out for the group.

It can't hurt to try! *lol* Make a new post with the year model and engine size, etc and what code it's tripping and who knows what the brains on this forum might be able to do for you....

Dee1234 · June 1, 2014

Hey integrity i sympathize with you. Im a 1 woman show here. Advice: iatn does have free membership. Read the fine print. As for a penny saved...well it depends on what the penny is for. Im in my 2nd year and just getting a few months in black. But ive learned that somethings are worth that penny that you don't think you have. Ex: iatn has more provileges if pay the $45 per quarter. And if you don't make your money back off it its because you don't have any work...in which you have other problems any way lol. Another idea, if its allowed, share the identifix cost with another colleague. Ill tell you 1 thing i have learned is that i can't do everything myself :-)

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