Chrysler Repair: 97 Chrysler T&C: limp mode with no codes?, transmission repair shop, solenoid valve

Question
Hi Rolland I was looking on the site for an answer, came across your answer to a similar problem with a 97 Chrysler T%26C minivan. It sometimes but not always will stick in a lower gear than is normal. I have to pull over shut it down(turn off the key to reset the computer) and try again. Sometimes it will return to a normal shift pattern sometimes not( it's a real pisser when your on the freeway#. I was told by the shop that rebuilt my transmission about 3 mo. ago#@approx. 150k miles# that it was the solenoid valve body.First I wasn't pleased that the rebuild warranty didn't cover it,second I really wasn't pleased that I just spent $2,000 on a problem that could have been related to the valve body in the first place!! There are no trouble codes registering. I'm not sure if the this relates , once every 2 mo's or so while backing up, it will feel like you've just run into something solid. One time I noticed that the digital gear selection display was hunting for a spot # I'm pretty sure that the abrupt halt was the transmission slamming into Park)The reason we had tranny rebuilt to start with was when my wife would back out of an elevated driveway and it wouldn't go after she shifted to D. sometimes it would go after a few seconds, sometimes not. The transmission repair shop said that the transmission looked great on the inside(replaced pump for sure but not much else)Looking for some expert opinions why any of this would or should be happening? Thanks a bunch Cliff

Answer
Hi Cliff,
That is some warranty! The valve body is certainly a part of the transmission so I would look at a copy of the warranty. But I am not clear that the valve body is the problem.  There has to be a code stored if the trans is indeed going into limp mode, which means driving in second gear only. I would try a readout for free at an Autozone parts store, or go to another independent shop who should do it for about $40. About the only simple thing it could be is if the trans relay is weak. The trans is put into limp by opening that relay purposely by the controller, but if it was failing it could do it by itself. So do try to get another readout. And look in the powerbox under the hood for the trans relay and try switching with another one with the same part number, ideally one that is not crucial to safe functioning, and see if that ameliorates the problem. Otherwise lets get a code.
Roland