Drive shaft replaced, now van won’t go forward

My van had a drive shaft problem, but I got that part changed. After the repair, we couldn't get the van to drive forward, but it goes in reverse just fine. The transmission specialists around here are telling me it's happening because the shaft was removed while the oil was too hot, and that this is a common problem that "13-Pin Valve Body" Siennas have. That's a little hard to swallow. The first computer code we got was P0500. The second was P0793. What would you make of this?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
I am not aware of any problems about removing and replacing a driveshaft when the vehicle is warm. I however have seen transaxle damaged from not installing the axle all the way into the transmission and engaging the axle fully into the transaxle.

The two codes are to the transmission shaft speed sensor and a speed sensor for the transmission. I would have the axle shaft checked for proper installation and have the two sensors diagnosed to see if they are causing the transmission to not shift. Have a certified mechanic diagnose your vehicle, they will be able to properly diagnose the symptoms you’re experiencing and make the necessary repairs to get your car moving again.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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The drive shaft (also called propeller shaft or prop shaft) is a component of the drive train in a vehicle, with the purpose of delivering torque from the transmission to the differential, which then transmits this torque to the wheels in order to move the vehicle.
U-Joints. The U-joint, responsible for connecting the drive shaft to the differential. In some cases, it connects the drive shaft to the transmission, or even allows two drive shafts to attach to each other.
INTENSE VIBRATIONS AND SHUDDERING

Vibrations and shuddering are the most common sign of a failing driveshaft. If the bushings or U-joint wear out you can experience excessive driveshaft vibration. This may also result from the driveshaft not being bolted down properly or the unit being out of balance.

For example, common causes of faults include worn or insufficiently lubricated universal joints (u-joints), bad rubber bearings, and a loose shaft. If the joints fail to support the shaft, you may hear it scraping along the road beneath you. Other issues may include a badly damaged tube or a faulty slip yoke.
You should not drive with a broken driveshaft. This is the part of the drivetrain that transfers engine power into torque and causes your wheels to turn. You`ll lose virtually all ability to control the vehicle without it.
The driveshaft uses torque provided by the engine to turn the car`s wheels, which means that if there is an issue with it, you could notice problems with the vehicle`s handling, or strange sounds while the vehicle is in motion.
The dog clutch is responsible for locking the output shaft with a gear by a sliding selector. The dog clutch hub has teeth on its inner that fit in splines on the output shaft.
The propeller shaft is a driving shaft which connects the transmission main shaft to the differential of the real axle. It transmits the power from gear box to rear axle with the help of universal joints. The propeller shaft is also known as drive shaft.
Can You Drive a Vehicle With a Bad Driveshaft? It can be possible to drive a vehicle with a bad driveshaft, but not wise to do it for long. If it were to snap you will lose power to that axle. It can also fall and get stuck between the ground and the car, restricting movement.
Experiencing a significant shudder when accelerating from low speed or a stopped position, it can be another sign of failing driveshaft components. A loose U-joint or bad center bearing within the driveshaft may cause the faltering acceleration.
The most common form of shaft failure is fatigue. The fatigue is due to excessive shaft deflection, which is a function of the radial hydraulic loading, rotor balance and the shaft stiffness.
There are only four basic failure mechanisms: corrosion, wear, overload and fatigue.
The driveshaft goes by many different names, such as propeller shaft, prop shaft, or driveline, and is a component of the drive train. It is a tube with connectors called yokes on the ends that connect to universal joints. These joints then connect the driveshaft to the engine or other stationary part.
In vehicles the tailshaft transfers power from the gearbox to the differential, as opposed to a driveshaft which transfers power from the differential to the wheels or other mechanical parts, causing rotation. Tailshafts in marine vehicles refer to the rear section of a ship`s propeller shaft.
What Does a Failing Slip Yoke Sounds Like? Many problems originate from the drive shaft and its numerous parts, but the primary sound specifically associated with the slip yoke is a loud clunking noise. You will typically hear this when you are going from acceleration to deceleration or vice versa.
The job of the driveshaft is to transfer torque from engine to differential while preserving as much of it as possible.
Axle shafts are a single rotating shaft, on either side of the differential, which delivers power from the final drive assembly to the drive wheels.
The impeller is connected to the input shaft. The turbine is connected to the output shaft.
Spur gears are used to transfer motion and power from one shaft to another in a mechanical setup.
Rear Axle: This axle is responsible for delivering power to the driving wheels. It comes in two halves, known as half shafts, which are connected by the differential. In most cases, rear axles are live, meaning they rotate with the vehicle`s wheels.
Types. They are mainly classified into two types. Transmission shafts are used to transmit power between the source and the machine absorbing power; e.g. counter shafts and line shafts. Machine shafts are the integral part of the machine itself; e.g. crankshaft.
The primary components causing this problem are either worn out plates, clutch springs or the master cylinder. It could also be caused due to the presence of air in the fluid channel.
Within the drivetrain, steady-state power losses occur from the following components: the transmission torque converter (in the case of automatic transmissions), the transmission oil pump, clutch pack drag, one-way clutch drag, seal and bearing drag, gear windage and friction, and final drive losses.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Drive shaft replaced, now van won’t go forward
ANSWER : I am not aware of any problems about removing and replacing a driveshaft when the vehicle is warm. I however have seen transaxle damaged from not installing the axle all the way into the transmission and engaging the axle fully into the transaxle.

The two codes are to the transmission shaft speed sensor and a speed sensor for the transmission. I would have the axle shaft checked for proper installation and have the two sensors diagnosed to see if they are causing the transmission to not shift. Have a certified mechanic diagnose your vehicle, they will be able to properly diagnose the symptoms you’re experiencing and make the necessary repairs to get your car moving again.

I put my car in drive but it won’t go but it will go in reverse what could be wrong
ANSWER : Hi There,
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. When this is not working properly, this can cause a jerking reaction, a delay in shifting or in some cases may cause the transmission to hesitate in shifting gears. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.

Turn knob to four wheel drive but won’t go into four wheel drive. I changed the switch and actuator but it won’t work
ANSWER : Hello. The 4WD system consists of a module, encoder motor, and actuator. The module operates the transfer case (component that sends power to the front differential). The transfer has an encoder motor that shifts the transfer case by the commands of the module. The front differential has an actuator to engages the axle assemblies to the differential. The flashing light is a default operation of the module. The module’s data would have to be read and look for any fault codes in the system. If you’d like to have this looked at, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your location to inspect this issue in person and advise you on repairs.

My car won’t go past 35mph
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you provided, your vehicle has problems with the transmission again. You stated it will not shift into 3rd gear again, like before the transmission was rebuilt. If the transmission is again the problem, it should be covered under warranty. It could be a faulty shift solenoid. The shift indicator not reading properly could be a faulty transmission position sensor. If this is an overall lack of performance issue, according to your last statement, then possibly you have a restriction in the exhaust system. I recommend having your vehicle’s problems inspected and diagnosed by a certified technician from YourMechanic.

Hi, I have a 2003 Ford Taurus. Going down the HWY it stopped having the driving power to go. Engine is running. Pulled o er and a
ANSWER : It sounds as if you are having further issues with your transmission. If the vehicle will only go forward and not reverse, it is possible that a shift solenoid replacement will resolve the issue. It is also possible that internal transmission damage may have occured. I would strongly recommend having your transmission inspected by a qualified professionial who is proficcient at transmission diagnosis. When your vehicle is hesitating to move forward, this sounds like the transmission is slipping. Maintaining proper fluid levels is essential to proper transmission operation. Be sure to have the transmission checked for leaks as well during this inspection.

I just got a new transmission put in my car and it drives and reverse but won’t go up hill.
ANSWER : This may be a sign of a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take the car for a test drive to more specifically determine the cause for this.

Shifting from 2nd to 3rd, car stopped going fast. Now it won’t go at all.
ANSWER : It is possible that your clutch has failed. The sound you are hearing is likely due to the clutch not engaging with the engine due to it being worn. I would recommened having your transmission inspected by a qualified transmission expert to determine if your clutch requires replacement in order to resolve this issue. This inspection may require removal and partial disassembly of the transmission in order to verify that the clutch has failed.

Started Three days a go. When I drive the car it doesn’t go in to gears but shows AT.
ANSWER : This kind of reaction is often a sign of low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car’s computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission fluid into the valve body to engage the correct gear. When this is faulty or not working properly, this can cause a delay in gear shifting or in some cases cause the car to not shift at all. This type of problem is amplified any time the transmission is low on fluid creating a drop in hydraulic pressure. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.