'05 Short Wheelbase Caravan with 2.4L engine, 41TE trans. 103,000miles. Fluid/filter changed twice.

Out of nowhere, the tranny started whining (like a bad power steering pump). At "in town" speeds (35mph +/-) it started to "slip" (engine race, intermittent "grab" into gear). It threw a MIL dash light. When stopped, it hesitates to shift into forward or reverse, but it can still be driven. I don't think it went into limp mode (not sure). Fluid level shows ABOVE the high mark (it has been normal). We had it towed home.

It has a single code of PO733 Gear ratio error in third.

Diagnostic procedures suggest: reflash PCM, shift lever check/adjust, Solenoid pressure switch assembly, Speed Sensors, internal problem.

Any opinions before I send it for repair? Thank you.

 

I had an '04 Caravan 2.4 same trans.
It started with an occasional slip in top gear at cruising speed and progressively got worse. It would drop from 4th to 2nd while cruising at 70 on the interstate (not pleasant) then hunt between 2nd and 3rd and sometimes go into 4th. Every dealer I visited said the same, nothing wrong with the tranny while it was under warranty. Each time I took it to a dealer the first words they said was "software", then did a reflash and a reprogram and said it was fixed. But nothing ever improved. They did replace the solenoid valve body (because the gasket was leaking and you can't get a gasket?) and tranny fluid/filter. When the warranty was finally up they offered a new tranny for $6000 (parts, labor and a week long vacation for the service manager I guess). The vehicle became undrivable and I got rid of it. Sorry I don't have a fix, just a tale of woe.
Maybe check with a transmission specialist.