QuestionQUESTION: Hi Roland, after traveling at about 70mph for about an hour, I exited the interstate and came to a stop: the car down shifted roughly, and began sputtering. I had the accelerator to the floor, and the car didn't want to move: it barely got to 15mph. It eventually died. I pulled over, tried turning it over, with no luck at all. About 10 minutes later, it turned over just fine. I traveled again down the interstate, with no problems. Shifting at times seems a little hesitant, but nothing bothersome. I did have to add 1 1/2 quarts of oil when I got home, but in an engine that holds 5 1/2 quarts, I doubt that would be connected. I can't seemt to get the car to put out any codes. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Hi Joe,
Do you mean no codes at all, or does the odometer say "done" after you do the ignition key 'dance'. Also because this is likely a transmission issue you would want to get codes from the transcontroller which are best obtained via a plug-in reader to a socket under the dash by the steering column. You can get a free readout at many nationwide parts stores, such as Autozone, so try them. Let me know any 4 digit numbert that you get.
Did you check the transmission dipstick? If fluid needed add only ATF +4 via the dipstick tube. and don't overfill it in any case.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I did the key code "dance" and it displayed nothing but my 91,000 + miles. I did check the transmission dipstick, and it was at the proper level and a beautiful bubblegum pink color. While engine was failing, the check engine light was blinking, not holding steady. Not sure if that suggests anything.
AnswerIf you did the key dance in 5 seconds or less it will usually say 'done', but in any case give it one more try and if nothing pups up then try the plug-in code reader approach. I'm glad the trans fluid is full and looks good. I'll await any codes you can get with a reader.
Limp mode by the way is when the trans won't shift and only drives in 2nd gear.
