How to Change a Transmission Control Solenoid on a 94 Caravan

The 1994 Dodge Caravan came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. Your transmission, unlike most solenoid-controlled transmissions has all controlling solenoids mounted outside the transmission in a solenoid pack. Anytime a single solenoid has failed, you have to replace the entire assembly because the solenoids cannot be serviced individually. The solenoid pack is mounted on the driiver side of the transmission and is a repair that is well-suited for the home mechanic.

Instructions

Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle into the air with a floor jack and place jack stands under the sub-frame rails. Lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands.

Lay down under the vehicle and look just in front of where the axle enters the transmission. Look just above the solenoid pack and sound shield and disconnect the wiring harness for the speed sensor. Remove the input speed sensor with a deep socket and ratchet.

Squeeze the sound barrier and remove it from around the solenoid pack. Squeeze the locking tab and remove the wiring harness for the solenoid pack. Remove the three bolts securing the solenoid pack to the transmission case with a socket and ratchet, they are between the solenoid pack and the transmission.

Lift up on the solenoid pack and remove it from under the vehicle. Remove both mounting gaskets and the solenoid adapter plate from the transmission. Clean the mating surface on the transmission with a wire brush. Clean both sides of the adapter plate with a wire brush.

Line up the new solenoid pack gaskets with the holes in the adapter plate and position them on the transmission case. Set the new solenoid pack into place on the adapter plate and transmission. Install the mounting bolts and tighten to 105 inch-pounds with a torque wrench.

Push the wiring harness connector into the receptacle on the solenoid pack, it will click when properly installed. Push the sound barrier into place around the solenoid pack.

Clean the threads of the input speed sensor with a wire brush and apply fresh Mopar thread sealer. Install the speed sensor into the transmission and tighten it snug with a socket and ratchet.

Lift the front of the vehicle off of the jack stands and remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Test drive the vehicle to ensure all gears function properly.