Ron...Your tranny problem sounds like the typical 3/4 slider hub issue.
They all break at some point after 150K miles (with some seen bad after
100K). Don't know of a way to temporarily cure the problem, so just have
it towed to your shop. If you are asking about what tools  and how high
to jack it up..I would recomend you not attempt the process without help
from someone who has been there before....
 Our trannys use an updated 3/4 slider hub that is much stronger than the
originals and sell for $995 exchange with a 3 yr warranty (shameless
plug) .
Holler if you have any questions.
Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA. (Seattle area)
(425) 788-4070
1-877-377-0773 (toll free)
aatransaxle.com (web site)

On the way home from work on Friday my van suddenly
became stuck in third gear.  I tried to get it out of
third but it would not move.  I drove home in third
and to my surprise came out of third gear when I had
to stop at a light.  Later it became stuck in third
again and has been there ever since.  Searching the
archives seems to indicate a new transaxle is in my
immediate future.

I was hoping that I could get few questions answered
about this process.
1) I'm 99% sure I need a new transaxle.  I would hate
to replace this if it was something simple.  Could it
be anything else?  I have checked the shift linkage
and it is not binding anywhere.

2) This is a long shot but is there anyway that I can
get it working for a short period of time so I can get
it to a repair shop.  Add oil?  A well placed whack
with a hammer?

3) While replacing the transaxle what else should be
done?  Here is my list.  Clutch, rear seal, throw-out
bearing.  Anything else?  CV joints need to be replace
and this seems like a good time.

4) Can I do this myself.  The procedure looks straight
forward but I'm not sure if I have the tools.  There
are a few things that I'm worried about.  How high do
you need to raise the van to remove the transaxle.
Given a standard floor jack is it possible to lift and
position the new transaxle? Any other specialize tools?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron Maxseiner