QuestionQUESTION: Car in park shows reverse, with speedometer showing 70 mph. When I put it in reverse it will go back to zero. When I put it in drive the car won't shift out of lower gear,and the speedometer goes up to 110 mph when the car is only going 20 mph. When I step on the accelerator it will lurch back to a slower speed and not up shift. Also, the car will not start after it is run for about 20 minutes. After it cools off for about 2 hours it will start right up.
ANSWER: Hi Bob,
Try doing an engine fault code readout using the ignition switch: "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light which remains "on" to see it begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the process for accuracy. Then let me know the counts in the order of appearance.
The transmission trouble codes are readout using a diagnostic readout box that attaches to the data link connector plug which is blue and found under the dash on the left side near the driver's door. A shop with either a Chrysler DRB II or a Snap-on brand diagnostic reader which has a socket that mates with the data link connector can be used to get the 2-digit fault codes for the transmission. The fact that the trans operates only in 2nd gear is a sign that the trans controlled has detected a fault (and thus there is a code number) and put the trans in what is called "limp-in mode" which minimizes further damage. Be sure that the person using the readout box seeks specifically for the transmission fault codes.
So we need to get both kinds of fault codes to know what to do.
Please see the PS (below) and respond to it.
Thanks,
Roland
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QUESTION: Engine readout codes were 12,66,55. I live 50 miles from nearest shop to get TCM coded so I don't have those. I disconnected battery and then inspected and cleaned PCM and TCM and applied dielectric grease to pins before reassembly. No corrosion or bad wires. Re-read engine codes and 66 is now gone,12 and 55 remain which I understand. 66 gone may be due to disconnecting battery. Tran still in limp mode with speedometer reading 112 and tach 2300 RPMs max(about 30 mph). Speedo reads 60 mph with key on and engine off or on in P. Check engine light off.
I replaced ignition switch 6 months ago due to having to jiggle it to get windows and inside air fan to work. No problems with that since. Two weeks ago the NSS went on the blink and that is when car showed no P and showed R in P. It would start when cold, but not after it was warm and had been driven 10-15 miles. Now it won't start when cold. I can start it after removing starter relay by jumping 87-30 plug receptacle.
Could bad NSS cause limp mode? If so can I jump across it and eliminate it and then use jumper switch for starter relay. This car is not worth putting much money into as it is hail damaged, has 176,00 on the clock and I only use it to pull a boat. Any idea about the crazy speedometer values, especially the 60 mph with key on and engine off and on while in P. I should tell you when I put the car in any of the forward drive gears the speedometer goes back to 0, but it doesn't sync up with tach values while driven in limp mode. I am wondering if it is a CCD Bus problem, but wouldn't have a clue as to where to start on that.
ANSWER: Hi Bob,
66 does point to the failure to get digital info from the TCM to the PCM.
The position of the gear shifter is wired to the TCM and from there on a digital bus twisted pair to the PCM. Violet/brown wire on pin 43 goes to 26 at PCM and white/black on 4 goes to 46 at PCM. So check those connections. The gear shift positions are 'notified' by grounding of wires in the transmission and those all depend upon the engine "case" ground being clean and tight to the - battery post. So check out that engine ground point on the left front of the engine. Check fuse 17 which powers the TCM and cluster.
You can jump the trans control relay to get it out of limp, but it may encourage quicker further damage if you do that. If none of these help, then a code readout of the TCM is the next step.
I assume by NSS you mean the neutral start safety switch, correct?
Thanks for the rating and nomination which you can do both again if you would be so kind.
Roland
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QUESTION: Greetings Roland
I no longer have the 66 code. I checked the violet/brown and white/black wires that were twisted and the connections as well as the ground case point and battery post. I also pulled #17 fuse. Everything was good at all those places.
Yes, NSS was neutral safety switch. I'm pretty certain it is bad as I can use a jumper at the starter relay to start the car with the switch on. Could a bad NSS put the transmission in limp or affect the TCM? Do you think the TCM would cause the speedometer issues as this only started with limp mode I can get a TCM at a junk yard for $20. Would This be a swap out for only 94 models or would other year Chrysler products like the Concorde, LHS and Intrepid work? Also I think I read somewhere about the TCM having to relearn something.
Regards,
Bob
AnswerHi Bob,
To test out the NSS you can go to the starter relay and check the socket of pin C which is the inboard pin of the socket. It should 'float' except when P or N is selected in which case it should show it to be grounded (via one of the five switches inside the transmission). The wire from the trans to the relay socket is black/light green and is found on the 10-pin plug at the transmission (It and the black/yellow wire next to it are both connected to the NSS which grounds both of those). There are 5 internal switches connected to 7 wires of the 10-pin plug that are variously connected depending upon the position of the shift lever. I can tell you those connections if you don't have the manual so you could check out all 5 switches, not just the NSS. I can't be certain a bad switch would cause limp, but that seems reasonable.
As to the TCM inter-year interchangeability, I can't be certain. But I would believe that any '94 model of these LH body cars would interchange.
Thanks again for the rating/nomination. Please do it again is I have been helpful.
Roland
The TCM will self-learn but there is a "quick learn" I can tell you how to do.
