1998 Chrysler Town & Country Transmission/Radiator Replacement (Part 1) -Fixing it Forward

[@garretts91]

Chrysler thought of everything!..... On a positive note, your camera man does an amazing job! Seriously, the filming angles are dead on perfect. Makes the viewer feel like they're standing next to you while you do the work!

[@RexenPrime]

garretts91 cameraman Brian

[@Dcs-Brasil]

Ericthecarguy produces the best youtube car repair videos. There is no doubt.

[@RexenPrime]

Marco77acv DCS Brasil Chris fix does good vids too

[@pospc2]

I like that you don't just cut your video to make it look like no struggling took place. Thank you for showing the struggle.

[@jimjette8107]

Once again Eric comes thru with just the video I need. It's like he knows what will break on me next and wants to ease my pain.

[@SushiPac]

I want to not only thank Eric for te video. But the person that is operating the camera does a great job. 👍🏼

[@grizzlydan8]

I like this format of fixing all the parts that need fixing on the same vehicle. That way we get to see a wide variety of repairs, big, small, electrical etc. It also reminds me of my younger days when I would buy something like that old van and dive into fixing it up. Brian is doing a great job with the videos.

[@pilatus421]

I used to work at a transmission shop and I have pulled out hundreds of these 604's back in the day. Watching you struggle with is one made my day. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Those back 3 mount bolts, easiest way to remove those is by running an air ratchet at full speed and then dropping it on the bolt.

[@pilatus421]

Also, you do not need to remove the subframe!

[@pilatus421]

+Adub 408 what do you mean it locked up? Did you leave one of the torque converter bolt loose so it hit on something?

[@BigDaddy28027]

im ready for the next parts of this series, i follow EricTheCarGuy and really find his videos informative and just like how he goes into detail about the repairs. makes it good for a self taught mechanic as myself as knowledge is always good. Keep up the good work eric!!!

[@LenMoret]

Hey Eric, Just want to say that your efforts to fix this car forward for whoever is in need of a fixed car, is the primary reason I became a premium member of your channel. Thanks for the effort and for making this idea happen.

[@nicknicu1787]

I personally missed ETCG " every nut and bolt " type of videos. Well done!

[@gglovato]

finally 60fps!, it's soo smooth makes for a much much better repair video!

[@ryansauto93]

Awesome video so far Eric! Really liking the editing and the shots with the GoPros. Also, what a difference the lift makes in getting good shots. Looking forward to the other parts!

[@pssst3]

Erik: As an amateur, I'm in somewhat the same position as you when working on an unfamiliar model. I know approximately where components are located, but unfamiliar with the bracket, connectors and the sequencing tricks for getting major components off the vehicle. My observation is that having a clean engine compartment makes the work go better. It's hard to locate and disconnect unfamiliar fasteners when they are clean, much harder when they and the surrounding area are covered in dark, dirty, oily grime. Cleaning the engine compartment of an older vehicle before starting teardown not only makes teardown easier, it prevents contaminating parts that will be reused and makes reinstallation a much more pleasant experience.

[@logmegadeth72]

I can hear so much enthusiasm in Eric's voice. lol

[@andreww9910]

Finally! more in depth repair videos like in the old days! Seems you, and some of the other KZbin mechanics aren't posting as many "major surgery" videos these days. Glad to see this one!

[@shadetreegiants9407]

This van was designed to be put together one time at the factory. It seems like there was no time spent thinking about how things would be taken apart for repairs. Lots of metal brackets and shims...

[@EarmuffHugger]

Trying to diagnose if it's the bearing, CV axle or the tranny causing a roaring noise after 20 mph on the drivers side of a 2000 road rusted T&C with 217,000 miles from WI roads. I'm only to the ball joint right now but thanks a heap for this video so I know what the help I'm doing!! 👍

[@PieterHansma77]

great cliffhanger! looking forward to the following video's in this series.

[@ericthecarguy]

I've made you wait long enough. Let's get started on this transmission/radiator replacement. #FixingItForward kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJKbo6GMqtmmfa8

[@Darren.G]

Steven Akn1 minus all the bull crap ads, the product pushing ie......this is better than tv!

[@chadgardee1496]

Should have use a 18 gear wrench for the three top back bolts

[@Trials-and-Tribulations]

EricTheCarGuy Is ETE Remanufacturing owned by Jasper Engine and Transmissions. I notice they are both based in the same state.

[@BloodStainedTear]

***** They are? Ete is headquartered in Milwaukee WI.. Jasper unless they moved was headquartered in Jasper IN

[@autocadwiz4103]

Thank you ERIC for this very helpful video.Keep it up pal!

[@CMDRSweeper]

Finally more vids on this "Fixing it Forward" It was looking like a "Fixing it backwards" there for a while :P

[@wysetech2000]

Excellent repair video, Eric and Brian.

[@aychmorgan21]

A good brew with some Eric the Car Guy Videos!

[@Blazer02LS]

For the lower control arms, and anything like that where you can't get a good hook on the parts, Put a C clamp on the part and use it to put the bar through. Or make a couple of C hooks to use for the same purpose. I used some re-bar, heated it with a torch and bent it around. Makes life easier.

[@sumaznkid]

Great job Eric. I like your thought process and methodology.

[@jalford383]

Dude, the reverb, in your shop is amazing!

[@maonstad1]

I have a 97 Plymouth Grand Voyager that is close to this video. Only thing I have is a 3 speed tranny and its a 31th model. Even the front mount is wore out. I attacked it today and everything is the same. Thanks for the video!!!

[@aliawladthani1422]

I appreciate your hard work Which absolutely helped me a lot The video is more than a mechanical lecture It teaches us how to be patient when doing hard car work I'm really excited to watch part 2

[@jronayne88]

Eric, not sure this video/series is the place to do it but I've had great luck using 3m window weld to "fix" broken motor mounts such as those, granted mine wasnt completely disconnected but it was split and "floppy"

[@griffnut666]

I'm exhausted from watching that. Goodnight !

[@toyotatechMDT]

I've got nothing against battery power tools, I have several. However, I think air tools would have been a better choice for all those 18s! Nice series Eric.

[@batbawls]

I picture Chryslers being made using a giant room sitting on hydraulics into which they can toss in a couple tons of parts and shake violently for a few hours until something resembling an auto pops out. Alright, boys! It's a van! Slap a sticker on it!

[@thelonelywolf88]

I'm also subscribed to Scotty Kilmer, and you give a more thorough explanation. *Subscribed*

[@stevem9141]

That Q Bond is some good stuff. I've actually repaired radiators with it before. Also if you are in a pinch you can use baking soda with super glue for similar but less effective results.

[@nesthell2]

Hey Eric at 12:23 I noticed that you used sparkplugs to plug up the transmission lines.. Me and my dad always used golf tees to plug up gas and transmission lines, i guess you should try it out they fit better in the hose better than sparkplugs. EricTheCarGuy

[@Pokemonguy16RS]

damn it come out with part 2 already, I was so excited when u were about to take the transmission out.

[@ServusLibertate]

So impatient to see the next parts!! Thank you Eric.

[@gabrielsauceda2683]

ABSOLUTE AND SUCH AN INCREDIBLE MULTIPLE PARTS ON THIS 1998 CTAC... NOW I FIND MYSELF IN THE SAME SITUATION ON MY 98 CTAC, TRANSMISSION SHIFTING ISSUES.. REPLACE THE TRANS. SHIFTING SOLENOID, INPUT & OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR, TRANS. OIL FILTER AN NEW OIL, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR... AND YET STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH SHIFTING, IN OTHER WORDS LIMP MODE SHIFTS 1ST TO 2ND TO 3RD, BUT WON'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE, INSTEAD REVS. RPM'S AND DW.SHIFTS A GEAR. IT'S PRETTY FRUSTRATING HOWEVER VARIOUS SHOPS HAVE SCANNED IT AND NO TRAN. CODES ANYMORE AFTER REPLACING INPUT AN OUTPUT SPEED SENSORS.. NOW HERE'S MY QUESTION MR. ERIC, TRANS. HAS NO ISSUES IN DRIVE FWRD. OR REV. , COULD BE POSSIBLE THE TORQUE CONV. BE SOMEHOW THE ISSUE NOT LETTING IT SHIFT PROPERLY? NEVERTHELESS THE TRANS. HAS TO COME OFF EITHER WAY. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH YOUR HONEST OPINION MY BROTHER... IN THE MEANTIME I'LL BE REPLACING RADIATOR AND STARTER... THANK YOU SIR

[@teet8345]

Thanks Eric, Very detailed video. I Have the 1999 Town and Country. Similar. Reverse slips and jumps a little. Going forward all good. Fluid level good and red. Should I try replacing fitter and new fluid first?

[@s0nnyburnett]

Brings back memories of doing my Stratus transmission. Granted it lasted over 200k but now that I think back it was still just as nonsensical as this town and country. Chrysler takes an organic approach to car design. "We'll just put the big stuff in the middle and place everything else in here as needed!" Chrysler and GM make awful machines to work on.

[@MarkFox]

Nice camera work/ lighting in this video!

[@kmcca08]

I'm amazed by the places you can fit that dewalt impact gun😄

[@trollaphobic]

I work on semi trucks and other heavy duty vehicles in the field. They also love to use those locking connectors. Half the time because of all the grit and harsh road conditions they brake. Nobody bothers to replace them. Zips ties for the win

[@tscooter22]

You have a lot more patience than I do! Thanks for all of your extremely helpful tutorials. Btw, the lighting is excellent in this video, but it's not just that, the video quality is excellent too. I see you have a bunch of ceiling mounted fluorescent lights and the drop light. Are you using anything else behind the camera? Sometimes I use a pair of 500 watt halogens (you know, the ones on a tripod like mount) but those suckers can make a hot environment even more miserable. Thanks again! /waves from St. Louis

[@genterousman]

The rotor wears unevenly due to caliper guide pins loosing their special high temp lube. Every time I do a disc brake job, I pull the little accordian boots back and pull those pins out. If they are dry and rusty, I sand them down, the rub a coat of the high temp lube on them before putting them back in,the caliper mount. If they are frozen in place, replace the caliper mount. If one does not lube those pins with every brake job, the brakes will never fully release causing premature brake wear and poor mileage. Word.

[@therealuncleevil]

I don't know whether to be impressed or appalled that the factory starter outlasted that transmission.

[@francistheodorecatte]

therealuncleevil the factory starter on my 2000 voyager outlasted everything else on the car.

[@ericrollins8960]

***** denso is not made by toyota. Denso supplies things of that nature to just about all manufacturers I am 99% sure denso is not owned by anyone.

[@austin1002]

Eric Rollins Nippon Denso is owned by Toyota but basically independent and supplies numerous electric parts to various automakers. My Mazda has Denso and Mitsuba parts all over it.

[@born2flyau]

Eric, this is why i hate front wheel drive cars. My old EH & HQ Holden's were easy to work on as they were rear wheel drive. When it came to changing the clutch or diff I could have a new one in in under an hour (25 years ago) using jack stands. Too much electronics in today's modern cars.

[@northstar2007]

ohhh you tease you! getting to the juicy bits! Hope the next comes out soon :)

[@jetjazz05]

I bet one of those polaroid cubes would be awesome for doing in engine shots (like the one at 15:50). They even have a magnet so you can stick it to things.

[@int53185]

I love changing the rear spark plugs on these vans.

[@drewqqq]

Hey Eric, why did you switch from the yellow DeWalt impact to the red AC Delco impact? Looking at your tool reviews, the DeWalt is 3/8" and the AC Delco is 1/2" - did you swap just based on what sockets you were using or is one better than the other? Looking at buying an electric impact soon and the switch caught my eye.

[@jcharles1470]

I Enjoy so much your amazing videos!! I Congratulate you!!

[@nitesfer]

my friend has a caravan what a nightmare to access stuff great job ETCG

[@The85Maxim]

Hey Eric, what are your methods for keeping track of your order of operations? there are a lot of steps that could potentially be mixed and make you lose a lot of time.

[@cedicol]

G Allen Just take paper and rite it down. When your on the job follow those steps. Use your brain and think methodical. don't start hammering on things when they are stuck but go back and check ther are no more fastner on ther that need to be ondone.

[@Cerebrality]

G Allen he watches the recorded portions to know where everything goes lol or leave bradcrumbs/trail like he does Putting the cradle and bolts together on the ground etc.

[@jerri0401]

Apparently Chrysler likes to torture Technicians

[@GilZu]

This is the most American engineering

[@OSTKCabal]

jerri0401 A lot of carmakers do, especially American ones.

[@wowantonlavey]

OSTKCabal no especially german ones

[@deanrokz]

wowantonlavey ^incorrect, German vehicles tend to make things very accessible. With my experience anyways, haha.

[@GilZu]

Well I have Korean car and everything is simple

[@TheGreasemonkey87]

a steaming pot of coffee and watching ETCG :)

[@Coverman66]

There is no me without you...if you have any questions feel free to ask or email me! Thanks

[@martingardener]

Nice to see you got a lift now! Good for the back ;o)

[@mikecieslinski8870]

I broke the same cruise control plastic nipple on that battery tray. Had to go the Pick n Pull junkyard for a "new" one.

[@colj001]

good ol Chrysler. the only car manufacturer that instead of giving you a transmission dipstick, it has a little cap on the dipstick tube that reads "for dealer use only" yes thats a fact, i used to work at a Chrysler dealership. all the new jeeps have it.

[@martingardener]

Good quality camera too. Whats the make and mode?

[@TheSavageGarage]

Nice video eric

[@rsattahip]

Thanks to Chrysler quality, many car mechanics have been able to send their kids to college.

[@layuptech]

I have that van different year though honestly if I didn't drive a chrysler I might not have a need for your videos sorry to say but very true. I have a problem with the charging system right now I watched your video but nada.. basically the alternator is not charging the battery the had it checked and was told it's working battery I semi new also

[@MrHemi4spd]

surprised how good condition the strut towers are in. If its not transmissions that end the lives of these vans, its the rotten strut towers. especially this body style 96-01 and if you put that ball joint bolt in from the front (threads facing the rear), that steering stop will never be an issue again. plus the threads will be more secluded and not rust up as bad as facing towards the front.

[@Camilo19832001]

Id like to see you tackle a newer car, but your videos are awesome!!

[@jronayne88]

Camilo19832001 I think he got his fill on that when he worked at the dealership ;) lol

[@nadroj3968]

its always a good episode when @EricTheCarGuy works on his favourite brand "chrysler" hahaha

[@jhonjohnjonjondoe5011]

EricTheCarGuy how long would it take with a estimation on replacing something like a radiator or a transmission individually if you were to only have to replace one of them. Also keep in mind from a un experienced guy. Thank You

[@chrisbrannan3784]

What is that tool you used (little notched screw driver looking thing) to pull the coolant lines off at ~12:30? I just replaced the heater hoses on my wife's town and country and it would have been super handy. That pipe flange makes those hoses so tight I thought for sure I was gonna bust a hole in a fuse box or puncture my wrist every time my pliers slipped off at 100mph tugging on those things :-). Awesome set of videos, learning a lot. I am starting to see the "value" in spending more in repairs than what my truck is "worth" on the market.

[@chrisbrannan3784]

Also, how in the heck do you keep all that stuff organized to re-install. The pieces I replaced were 2 Y connections with 3 hoses each and I was drawing diagrams/taking pictures to make sure I didn't accidentally cross the lines and cause a flow/pressure issue. I can't imagine remembering how all these brackets, hoses, which length bolt goes where, etc. Is all of that in the shop manual?

[@BaronVonJace]

Hey Eric, I know this video is old news but why not just replace the shift solenoid? My mother owns a 1999 Plymoth Grand Caravan. Could only go into reverse and 2nd gear. I replaced the shift solenoid, right under the transmission intercooler lines, and now its shifts exactly as it should.

[@canmore0001]

5 minutes in and a realized 2 things. How can you possibly do a some of these things without a lift? How can you keep track of all those different connectors without filming it? Eric, you ever have to go back and check your footage to figure out how some things go back together?

[@texan176]

The engineers at Chrysler should have made it so you can drop the entire engine and transmission out of the car by taking out 4-6 bolts on a cradle holding everything in after you do the disconnect of stuff like wiring, fluid lines, a/c compressor, etc. Sort of like the old air cooled VWs. This design must be a nightmare to even put together when it is brand new and on the assembly line. No wonder so many of these vehicles get junked as soon as something like what you are doing is required to fix it. When the cost of the repair gets to 40-50% of what the whole car is worth after the repair is done it often makes more sense to replace the car.

[@SirDeanosity]

And now for the transmission replacement in Fixing It Backward.

[@johnazhderian5734]

How much does it cost to replace the transmission (parts and labor) in this vehicle?

[@woodmann61]

to hold the engine up take a 1 in sq tube weld a bent 3/8 rod to 1 end , the fab a sliding bracket to adjust for other projects ---- this works to span the hood opening then strap o chain the engine up

[@xxRamD3yruxx]

very handy of course dude, have you ever seen eric weld? its flu season the amount of booger welds.

[@vandammefan34]

Great video! You must have done a ton of editing. I wonder how long the uncut version is.

[@ericthecarguy]

vandammefan34 6.5 hours

[@Darren.G]

Eric, What type of wrench were you using on the torque converter bolts?

[@Aleksa809]

I'd say that those steering stops are a good way of keeping your suspension together if the lower balljoint nuts would work themselves loose.... just saying :D

[@francistheodorecatte]

Aleksa809 Chrysler balljoints never fail! They're perfectly designed and made with the utmost care to last the life of your vehicle! :|

[@eriksved7880]

thank you eric!

[@serafinsilva1055]

LOL! Is that a hole in the valve cover? Looks like that engine compartment could use a pressure washing.

[@pt324157]

Serafin Silva not a good idea too many electronic parts ud cost urself a ton of money doing that

[@--RadiatorAC]

Sweet Video Eric!

[@donofthestates]

is replacing the transmission the same thing as when people say they need a 'new clutch' here in England

[@unknownguy1123]

Daniel Blackwell No. What you have to do is drop the transmission to replace the clutch assembly.

[@frankschwartz7405]

>>is replacing the transmission the same thing as when people say they need a 'new clutch' here in England

[@seahorse4448]

Hi Eric/folks whoever can help, I am trying to replace the differential bearings on a 1999 dodge caravan which I think same as your demo van. I need to take the differential out of the transmission but obviously the removal of the whole transmission is quite a big work for a backyard mechanic. I am thinking to remove the front and rear engine mounts and tilt up the engine from the front a little bit to give room to roll out the differential from the back. Do you think it is gonna workout? I am not sure if there is enough room to release when the engine is pushed to the front. if yes, will the side engine mounts support the engine well enough to rotate? I appreciate if you can give me some tip about this project, as long as without transmission removal Thanks in advance.

[@lompeOELEWAPPER]

thank you Eric for showing me i should NEVER buy a chrystler

[@lompeOELEWAPPER]

lompeOELEWAPPER OR WORK ON ONE

[@cedicol]

lompeOELEWAPPER my thought exactly. :-)

[@3rdGenGuy]

lompeOELEWAPPER Chrysler has some terrible cars. the sebring or Dart.

[@ayitsyaboi]

SANIC I drive an Avenger (basically a Sebring) with 206k and she's still running strong.

[@3rdGenGuy]

Garrett Barnhart and you did a bunch or repairs to keep it alive. My mom had a status, and that thing was a complete POS.

[@markryl-kuchar2373]

No wonder it cost so much to have the broken driveshafts replaced in our old 1996 3.8 v6 4 speed Van. Chrysler makes everything deceptively easy and then it's really super difficult.

[@fabiodellotto]

eric you are the best!!

[@TriviumDFTS]

Chrysler, the automaker that shoves as much stuff in one small space as possible....

[@frankschwartz7405]

Yeah, you're supposed to leave a couple of the pan bolts in loose when draining the ATF to control the tsunami.

[@richardniggli4262]

Hi Eric, Would love to see part 2?

[@caddyguy5369]

I've always wondered what the reasoning is for not having a drain plug on transmissions.

[@adamedia84]

hello Mr Eric im wait video about Mazda 6 2003 to 2009 can u make video for this car how to we serves engine and transmission and thanks for all ur time for teaching good luck

[@jeffmee763]

Next time Eric leave a couple of loose bolts on the sump so it drops a bit one side less messy.

[@Coldfin9er]

Wil you be uploading pt2 of the AC fix?

[@mds2465]

Since American cars don't have drain bolts in them, it's a good idea to open one side of the pan and let it drain out there first before you remove it completely that way the fluid doesn't splash up all over you as abruptly as this one did.

[@jakecaballero6425]

Eric help please My 98 Pontiac Grand Prix won't start . I replaced the fuel pump and it wouldn't crank so I checked the starter and it was bad. When I put the fuel pump in I turned the key to the on position and we got fuel pressure. Now that the starter is in it cranks over fine. Don't know what to check, I have checked every fuse twice.

[@goenitzlopez9391]

I enjoy watching erics videos as I enjoy seeing how other mechanics handle certain jobs. There is more than one way to skin a cat. However from watching this it seems like a really straight forward transaxle job w nothing out of the ordinary. And for the record I'm a ford guy but this van is great. Stop hating. Chrysler does make some shitty cars but their vans are great. Theres a reason why ford and chevy pulled out of the minivan segment and chrysler is still strong

[@retroguitarmaster]

I worked on a Chrysler dealership for 5 years and let me tell you this one is not that hard, I had to replace one on a 2015 200 and its just insanity, there are literally hundreds of bolts and dozens of brackets and clips to remove before that thing moves, then after you're done you have to program the new one with the witech (chrysler special scan tool) or it wont even take Park with that new knob selector they've put in, and all that pays only 3 hours of labor, only programming it will take you 30 min., and this is just an example of what chrysler does to technicians, but the thing that I really hate about them after all that time its the little square nut and flimsy metal bracket assembly they used to hold the exhaust down pipes on some models, try taking one of those out without murdering a chrysler engineer in your mind.

[@OSTKCabal]

Charlie Prince Well, it is Chrysler. Need I say more?

[@retroguitarmaster]

OSTKCabal That's right, if you try to reason with their logic, you'll be questioning your own profession like what happened to me until I changed manufacturer and couldn't be happier, they are just shitty cars to work on.

[@Cragified]

OSTKCabal It's Fiat - Chrysler. Everything is slowly shifting over to Fiat/Alfa platforms and build design. The real Chrysler died with the complete buyout, just a badge like Mercury and Plymouth now.

[@OSTKCabal]

Cragified That wasn't my point, but you do have one. According to JD Power's 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study, Chrysler vehicles themselves are well above the industry average for "Problems per 100 vehicles", and Fiats completely overtake any other manufacturers in "Problems per 100". If we're only referring to those statistics, Chryslers are still "in theory" on a different platform - it doesn't make them any better.

[@H18136]

OSTKCabal FIAT - Fix It Again Tomorrow.

[@mrc6032]

Gotta love pry bars.

[@The_Twiztid1]

i had to work on a chrysler pt cruiser and who ever engineered it probably did not like mechanics. just to replace the alternator, half of the front passenger side had to be taken apart.

[@tomashton7208]

every time I have had to remove the axle nuts, I end up having to use a cheater bar around five ft long, plus I only do it on the ground, because when I use jack stands I almost rock the car off of em, and I do use my impact wrench, as a first resort, most chrysler transmissions use ATF that you can only buy at the dealer, Is that true?