Expert: Roland Finston - 7/26/2011

Question
HI,I HAVE A 96 CHRYSLER VOYAGER MINIVAN THAT HAS A TRANSMISION PROBLEM. MY FRIEND HAS A SCANNER DEVICE AND GOT THIS CODE-PO 731-I WENT AND PURCHASED THE BOOK FOR THIS MODEL AND THE CODE WAS NOT THERE. DO YOU NOW WHAT THIS CODE NUMBER MEAN? PO 731?

Answer
Hi Ricardo,
The 0731 means that the input (turbine) sensor rotational speed as compared to the output (wheels) sensor rotational speed is not what should be expected. This may be due to a sensor error, a wiring error, an error in the transmission controller, or an internal problem with a clutch inside the transmission (slipping) which usually would point toward a rebuild of the transmission.
Because of the cost of rebuild, it may be worth investing some funds in checking out the sensors, sensor wiring, and the the controller before committing to the rebuild. The transmission defaults to only run in 2nd gear when this and 27 other possible fault codes are noticed by the controlled. It is designed to minimize further damage and is called 'limp-in mode'.
Probably the best strategy would be to ask friends for recommendations about transmission repair shops and if you find one take it there for evaluation. The nationwide franchise-type shops are focussed toward rebuild/replacement choice so I would not seek an evaluation there. Once you are satisfied what needs to be done you can then do comparison shopping about the cost of the repair job.
You didn't say how many miles the transmission has gone, but if you are over 150,000 then It is probably a rebuild situation.
Roland