Chrysler Repair: A604 Transmission: shift to neutral on its own, chrysler fifth ave, shift rod


Question
I have a 1993 Chrysler Fifth Ave.  Once the Engine is warm, the Transmission will disengage every time I come to a stop and I have to turn the engine off and back on, then the car will move, until the next stop.  Then the procedure must be performed again.  Once moving the car shifts smoothly and accelerates without a problem.

Answer
Hi Scott,
When you say 'disengage' I assume that you mean shift into neutral by itself, correct? Is it possible that the engine mount either side is fatigued sufficiently that when you are stopping the engine is moving front to back to such a degree that it pulling on the gear shift lever at the transmission and thus shifting into neutral? I can't see anything electrical that would cause it to disconnect entirely from the drivetrain. Take a look at the various positions of the lever on the vertical shift rod of the transmission and then when it happens again instead of turning it off set the parking brake firmly, open the hood and notice whether if you move the shift rod slightly it pops back into drive. If your parking brake is marginal, then have a helper along to hold his foot on the brake pedal. It may also be the case that the clutch#s# for low gear are not being activated properly, so check the level of trans fluid on the separate trans dipstick. Use only ATF +4 fluid if needed. It is also possible to do a fault code readout of the trans controller memory using a diagnostic readout box and the data link connector which is under the dash by the steering column.
Please let me know what you find.
Roland