Chrysler Repair: Harsh shift from neutral to drive: 41th trans, solenoid switch, torque converter

Question
hello..first let me say I had 3 of these sebring verts and I love them..I have at the present time a 2000 all black sebring ert with a 2.5 .I love the car but recently at 70k miles the tranny started to act funny...when i first get going in the morning and i shift from reverse to 1st its like a big thud shifting then it shifts like butter, it only happens when i shift into D or from reverse into D..its like a big thud..never had that problem before  owned the car for 30k with nada problems..I know it could the the solenoid or the output sensor,or is it normal wear....Tony

Answer
Hi Anton,
One factory manual suggests that a harsh shift from neutral to drive is caused by the 'lock-up valve sticking'. This I believe refers to the torque converter lock-up valve which is in the valve body. It can be accessed by removing the valve body. Another approach for a diagnosis would be to get a fault code readout with a code reader and see if any codes refer to the transmission. A free readout is usually availabable at an Autozone parts store, of for about $40 from an independent shop. Let me know any 4-digit codes that appear. I doubt it is the output sensor or a solenoid switch valve. Also check the transfluid level, and if needed only use ATF+4 type.

Roland