1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, Slipping under acceleration, especially when warm, Limp mode with check engine light, trans stuck in 2nd gear, Whining or grinding noise from bell housing area

Fix: The 41TE (A604) four-speed automatic is fundamentally weak for this vehicle's weight. Solenoid pack failures are temporary Band-Aids; clutch pack wear and valve body scoring require full rebuild or replacement. Rebuilt unit installation: 8-12 hours labor. Used transmissions often fail within 20,000 miles.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Typical onset: 110,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy knocking from crankcase, worsens with RPM, Metal shavings in oil, glitter visible on dipstick, Low oil pressure warning at idle when warm, Sudden loss of power with catastrophic noise

Fix: The 2.4L suffers rod bearing and crankshaft thrust bearing wear, often from oil sludge accumulation due to 7,500-mile intervals. Requires short block or full engine rebuild. In-vehicle rebuild: 18-24 hours; engine R&R for machine shop rebuild: 12-16 hours plus shop time.

Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil that looks milky or foamy, Overheating in traffic or under load

Fix: The 3.0L Mitsubishi engine (not the Chrysler 3.3L) develops head gasket leaks between cylinders and coolant passages. Both heads typically need resurfacing. Includes timing belt replacement while apart. Labor: 14-18 hours.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Red fluid puddles under front of vehicle, Transmission fluid low repeatedly despite no visible pan leak, White or pink residue around radiator lower connection, Transmission overheating, burnt fluid smell

Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they pass over the crossmember and at radiator connections. Often leads to low fluid condition that damages the already-weak transmission. Replace both lines and flush cooler. Labor: 2.5-4 hours depending on corrosion severity.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle that improves with light throttle, Engine visibly rocks forward during hard acceleration, Steering wheel shake between 45-55 mph

Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail internally, allowing excessive engine movement that accelerates CV joint and transmission wear. Front and right-side mounts typically go together. Replace both: 3-4 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Symptoms: ABS and brake warning lights illuminated together, Grinding or buzzing from ABS pump at startup, Spongy brake pedal with increased stopping distance, Complete loss of ABS function, conventional brakes still work

Fix: The Bendix 10 ABS system pump motor seizes or the control module develops internal faults. Used units available but often have same issue. Reman unit preferred. R&R and bleed: 2.5-3.5 hours.

Estimated cost: $650-1,200

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start with no fuel pressure, starter cranks fine, Intermittent stalling when fuel level below half tank, Whining noise from rear when key is turned to ON position, Hesitation or stumble during acceleration

Fix: In-tank pump wears out; tank sender corrodes in rust-belt vehicles. Requires tank drop. Check tank interior for rust perforation while apart—common in salt states. Pump replacement: 2.5-3 hours.

Estimated cost: $450-750