Chrysler Repair: 03 Intrepid ES transmission code 1776, solenoid pack, solenoid switch

Question
Hi Roland,

I have 2003 Dodge Intrepid ES and the other day the service engine light came on while slowing to a stop for a stop sign.  When I went to take off, the car would not shift out of low gear.  I ended up pulling over, turning the car off and restarting it.  The engine light remained on, but the car then shifted ok and was able to drive it.  I took it to a local garage and they found these two codes:  PO700"transmission code stored" and P1776 "transmission solenoid switch latched in low/reverse position".  They suspect the transmission solenoid pack failing or the valve body failing.  Of course they want $900 to disassemble to confirm what it actually is.  They said it could be the solenoid pack (technical bulletin on this).  I asked them to clear the codes and I would take it home and hope the code didn't trip the light again.  I didn't make it 20 miles and the light went off while I was doing highway speed.  I was ok until I came to a stop and of course it didn't shift out of low until I pulled over, turned it off and started again.  I is shifting and driving ok again.  I am wondering if I am safe driving the car with the service engine light on and not replace the solenoid switch valve in the valve body or the solenoid pack in the transmission.  I do not want to cause further damage, but don't have the $$ to fix - of course it will be paid off next month and has 136,000 miles on it and not worth anything on a trade in.

Thanks so much for your help!
Cindy

Answer
Hi Cindy,
The light coming on and the trans not shifting out of 2nd gear (and starting up in 2nd gear from stopped) is what would be expected for that code. It is a fail-safe condition called limp-in mode which is designed to allow you to drive the vehicle without doing any damage to the transmission but to suggest that it needs to be examined. I believe that you could continue to drive the car safely. The solenoid switch valve is probably stuck in low/reverse position. Other than doing the valve body inspection/repair I think the only other thing to try would be to change out the transmission fluid doing a complete flush out (all 10 quarts) which might shake out the dirt or other cause of the valve being stuck, and change the filter inside the transmission at the same time. The complete flush may involve some solvent that would help to clear crud. A simple drain (involving only replacing about 5 qts) will be unlikely to do anything to clear the valve. Be sure to only use ATF +4 type fluid. If you can live with it the way it is then that should be safe. The solenoid pack itself is probably not the cause unless you also get a code 1784. $900 sounds excessive to access and remedy the valve body so you might shop around for a reliable shop with a lower cost.
Roland
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