Hello, Lisa;
The symptoms you describe are suggestive of a transmission fluid leak that has resulted in internal transmission damage from driving around with a low fluid level in the transmission.
All you can do to try to resolve the problem is to start the engine, and then (using the transmission fluid dipstick located on the driver's dise of the car down nect to the radiator) check the transmission fluid level while it is running in park. If the fluid level is low, use a funnel to add enough to bring it up to the full level on the dipstick. this transmission requires a special fluid type (CHrysler 7176 if it is a 3 speed or Chrysler ATF+4 if it is a 4 speed); using generic fluid such as dexron or Mercon will cause internal damage. The correct fluid is available from any Dodge dealer and some parts stores. Do not let any untrained parts store guy sell you a fluid that he says will work in everything; it must say "meets chrysler 7176" or "ATF+4" specifications on the label or it will damage your transmissiion.
Once the fluid level is full, drive the van to see if it works normally. If it does, then you should ahve the fluid leak repaired to prevent any further damage and you should be OK.
If it does not operate correctly when the fluid level is full, you are going to need a new transmission. This typically costs around $1500 to $2000 for a quality remanufactured unit, installed. If it does not shift correctly when full of fluid, I would not bother having the leak on this one repaired since it is damaged internally.
I hope this is helpful and answers your question; if so, please click my accept button and leave positive feedback! Thanks!
