Chrysler Repair: 1993 Chrysler fifth avenue new yorker transmission problem, fuse box, transmission failure

Question
My car will take off in 1st and for a very short distance and then nothing. It will back up normally. It did this about a month ago on a real hot day but returned to normal until now. The fluid does not smell burnt. 138k miles. Could this be a TCM problem or just a transmission failure?

Answer
Hi Bill,
The best diagnostic approach would be to go to an independent (non-franchise) or Chrysler shop and have them plug an OBD-I code reader into the blue data link connector socket under the dash by the fuse box. Ask them to readout the transmission controller for the existence of 2-digit trans fault code numbers. Ask for the numbers, what they mean, what to do, and how much $. Then write back with the results and we'll compare that to the trans shop manual.
You are in "limp in mode" which prevents the use of all but 2nd gear so as to avoid unnecessary damage. It might need a rebuild, or it might be something simple to moderate, and the code will tell.
Roland