Is this a tranny problem
 

Am now driving a 2003 Dodge Caravan. I know this is a Mercedes site but you guys are such a rich source of technical info, I would rather ask where I know people know what they are talking about!! Sitting in drive, at idle on about a 40 degree or so incline, this "tin can" started rolling backwards unless I had my foot on the accelerator! Is this normal for the vehicle or is an indication of the usual tranny problems these vehicles have? Had to give up my 85 500 SEL and miss it like hell! Only plus is that I bought for 5,000 under value from Uncle Sam, GSA vehicle, low mileage, 51,000, and in great shape. Am I looking at putting what I saved in the darn thing at some point?

Hello. That does not really sound like a problem. I have had cars like that in the past that would roll back if no acceleration was given and foot was removed from brakes.

However, do know that these things are well known for transmission problems. I had a 95' Chrysler Concorde that had tranny problems when it had only 85K miles and currently my aunts 98' Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan has transmission problems and it only has 88K miles. Seems like they rarely make it beyond 100K (at least the 99' and older models).

Just keep a close check on it.

Good luck.

1985 Mercedes 380SE
1973 Pontiac Grand Ville
1969 Chevrolet Caprice
1989 Pontiac Safari

Thanks, just realized driving in "flat Louisiana" for 30 years has not offered many similar situations to compare!! Visiting friend from the mountains of Lebanon tells me this is very normal and no cause for concern. Relieved I am, even though I do not understand why it would be that way. Is the 85 a recent purchase for you? I remember when you were looking, looking several months back. Swear I will own another some day. 20 yr. old "Faded Glory" was the finest car I have ever driven and now my 21 yr. old daughter is driving her to her grave. Too young to appreciate, even after a base model Corolla! Pining away I am! Will survive!

40 degrees is almost halfway to verticle. Just about anything will roll back at that slope.

No it’s not normal, have you checked the fluid level it could be low. If you have a loss of prime code the filter needs to be changed and or you need the updated pump.