Chrysler Repair: 2002 sebring: stuck in gear?, 4 digit numbers, independent garage

Question
All of a sudden the idle seems high on my car.  I drives well but it feels like it is stuck in gear. Can you help me?

Answer
The race for "expert of the month" is going down to the wire.
Chrysler "repairer" vs Microsoft "coder".
Deadline to vote is Thursday, 4 PM CT.
Click on "Thank/rate" button below, then click on "Yes" for nomination.
Thanks


Hi france,
If it is not upshifting as you speed up, and not downshifting as you slow down, then it may well be stuck in gear which is called 'limp in' mode. The transmission is designed to do that when it senses a problem that would get worse if allowed to continue the normal operation of the transmission.
The best thing to do is to get a fault code readout from the memories of the engine and transmission control modules. Try the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the odometer window to see if the mileage reading changes to show some 4-digit numbers that begin with a P. Those would be the fault codes. Let me know what they are and we will go from there. If you don't see a change in the window, then get a code readout for free using plug-in code reader at an Autozone parts store, of for about $40 at an independent garage. Get the number, ask what they mean, what is the repair, and how much will it cost. Then write back and we'll compare that to the shop manuals.
Roland

PS: May I ask a favor? If you will be so kind as to click on the "Thank/rate the expert" button below left it will take you to a page for numerical rating of my answer and also to ask you whether you wish to nominate me to be 'volunteer of the month' at the Allexperts site. I am in close competition for that recognition and so can use all the nominations I can get. So please give my a "yes" to that question if you feel I warrant it.
Many thanks for doing that.