First I wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to ask here on this form about my vehicles issues. Thanks Scotty for all you do with helping others with their cars!!!
I recently purchased a 05 caravan with 85k miles in Hawaii for $875. They wanted 2k but it needed work. Replaced inner outer tie rods and boots. Oil change, trans fluid change, PS flush and change. Spark plugs, wires, ignition coil. Car has 3yead back tax. Car was a one owner. Title says bought at 20miles, many years ago on Oahu. Where it was stored was on dryer side of the island. No rust I can see.
When I first got it. Filled up tank. I noticed a strong smell. Smelled bad. Maybe the gas from it sitting for 3 years? Almost had a half tank of old gas. So filled up, drove it home. Changed fluids other than coolant shortly afterwards. Trans fluid still bright red, changed it anyways. Engine light came on when driving home. Scanned and said misfire in clynder 4. Changed spark plugs, wires and ignition coil. Removed code. Drove several hundred miles so far hasn't come back.
I noticed when driving it home that it shuddered between 20-45 mph. Sometimes it's more noticable than others. Mostly only between those speeds. I can go over 50mph and drive for hours and not shudder once. I do know the front struts or shocks whatever they are called are bad. And over bumpy roads can hear em.
I already checked lug nuts, balanced tires. Filled air. Checked suspension with tire moving method. Both are solid.
I initially thought it was just bad gas. But hasn't gone away.
I also have noticed the monitor that mentions how many miles are left before gas is empty doesn't read fully accurate. it's a decent estimate but can mention 25miles left and few mins late mention 40miles left.
Does shift hard when accelerating low speeds and shifts into lower gears. Sometimes can hear that hard shift after accelerating and letting go of accelerator.
Anyways heater also isn't working. No corrosion that I can see. Coolant full.
I'd say you have numerous problems but shuddering like that it's generally the transmission was a horrible transmissions and they start to shudder when they start to wear out have a tranny got checked at first
I was hoping it wasnt the tranny. Thought I got a good deal with the low miles.
I forgot to mention some important details.
Upon shuddering. It happens only under acceleration. It can be happening and I take foot off gas and it goes away. It doesn't always happen but it's felt often. Already added Lucas during trans fluid change few hundred miles ago. Doesn't seem to have made a difference.