2005 T&C Touring 3.8 70,000

I'm noticing an annoying tranny problem that seems to have just started. At speeds around 30 - 40, the tranny seems to be hunting for the right gear. The van starts jerking forward slightly, just enough notice but not like there is something majorly wrong. Outside of this speed range the tranny seems fine.

I'm planning on dropping the pan and changing the filter, replacing with fresh fluid. I might do an actual flush as well if the fluid looks bad. Is there a sensor or something I should replace at the same time? Is this just a symptom of a tranny that's starting to fail?

 

Good place to look would be to hook up a scan tool and look at the clutch volume index numbers. Will tell you if the clutches are worn out. Major repair if so.

Usually will throw a code if it's serious. Sometimes the transmission controller will throw a code, but it doesn't get communicated to the ECU with lights the check engine light right away, so hooking up a scan tool may also reveal a code that currently there.

Otherwise changing the oil and filter is suppose to be a good start for that type of problem.