Chrysler Repair: Transaxle code 56, 90 ETAX, mopar website, transmission controller

Question
QUESTION: Hi Roland,

I apologize for my ignorance but I am trying to learn. I have a 1990 Lebaron convertible 6 cylinder automatic. Recently it has been stuck in "limp-in mode." I have a mechanic that I have used in the past who has rebuilt my engine and done various work over the years. He is Cuban and speaks poor English. He does not work on transmissions and suggested a specific transmission shop. I went to the shop and he ran a diagnostic and the code was 56 with the input and output reading 0. He then swapped out the input and output sensors on the turbine and I was charged $310 for parts and labor. He said the parts were $79 each and an hour and a half for labor. This did not fix the problem as I had the same problem in an hour or so of driving. I called the shop and he said it needed to be dropped off for a few days to properly diagnose the problem. Looking at the Mopar website I see input and output transaxle sensors for sale at $17. I watched him do the swap and it required simply unscrewing the sensors and screwing in the new ones after taking out the battery to gain access. My question is "are the "transaxle input and output sensors" the same as input and output sensors for a transmission turbine ( what he called it). Are transaxle and transmission interchangeable terms? And do you think within reason that $310 for the work done a reasonable or at least not an outrageous price?

ANSWER: Hi Rob,
The sensors that were changed are the only two of that type on the transmission/transaxle. I can't comment on the charges so far but shops generally charge list price to also gain some profit. That $79 is about what I have heard from other owners at a shop. I don't know what else was done during the hour and a half.
I notice that the 56 code suggests that the continutity between the sensor plug wires and the transmission controller be verified to be patent and not shorted to ground. So check from red/black wire to pin 52 of the transcontol module, dark blue/red to pin 13 (both of those on the front sensor) and from dark blue/black to pin 13 and light green/white to pin 14 (both of those from the rear output sensor). If those work out OK, then I would suggest looking around for a used transmission controller as the solution. Fortunately the code 56 does not implicate an internal transmission problem which would suggest the need for a rebuild.
Roland

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QUESTION: Roland,
Can you tell me exactly where to look for the transcontrol module? ( where specifically it is located on the car). Again, 1990 Lebaron convertible V-6 automatic. Are the pins clearly labled?

Thank you again -

Answer
The trans controller is on the passenger side of the engine compartment, on the inner fender wall, fairly close to the front. It is about the same size as the engine controller on the opposite side. It has 60-pin plug, 3 rows of 20, and clearly labelled on the plug itself where the wires come in to it.
Roland