Chrysler Repair: 2000 Chrysler LHS Transmission, 2000 chrysler lhs, chrysler lhs

Question
QUESTION: I own a 2000 Chrysler LHS and it was running fine when I parked it for the weekend (I did go through a major rainstorm on the way home).  I got in it to come to work and the transmission felt like it was not changing gears at the proper time.  The RPM's were going a lot higher than normal. By the time I reached 50 MPH, the RPM's were hanging around 3000 where it normally hangs a little under 2000 and then the check engine light came on. Between the starting and stopping, it now seems to stay in 1st gear so I drove 30 MPH the rest of the way.  A friend of mine at work has an OBDII and checked the message code.  He said the only code showing was a P0733.  I read several of your articles and tried the on-off thing.  I got a P1684 and yes the battery has been replaced.  I've had a couple of other strange noise's recently that sound like a fan blade may be hitting on something and it varies with the acceleration.  If I turn the Heat/Air off, the sound stops so I haven't been to worried about that.  I don't know where to start on the P0733 error.  Are there things we could try before taking it to someone that will say it's the transmission?  I know it's a 2000 model, but there's less than 43000 miles on it.  It just doesn't seem like it should be the transmission yet.  I will check the level of Trans fluid when I get ready to leave work this morning and let you know if it is low.  If it's not, I'll wait to hear from you.

ANSWER: Hi Cheryl,
Yes, you are correct to check the fluid level. If it is low use ONLY ATF +4 type and don't overfill it. You add fluid by the tube that contains the dipstick.
In the absence of another code that hints at a problem with the fluid internal pressure switches, the 0733 points toward a slippage of the 3rd gear clutch, which is consistent with your observation of the tach. There is a test for clutch slippage that can be done by a transmission shop using a more sophisticated code reader than your friend has. I would go to an independent trans shop that has experience with the Chyrsler trans and have them do the clutch test and also check to be sure there is not an accompanying code to the 0733. Otherwise, the trans has to be removed and the clutch replaced.
So start with the fluid and move ahead deliberately from there.
Best of luck.
Roland
PS May I ask a favor? I am seeking to be 'expert of the month' and so if you would use the 'thank/rate' tab below and put a 'yes' where the 'nomination' question is raised, I would be most appreciative. Happy Holidays!



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QUESTION: I thought I was on to something when I checked the fluid level, but I didn't let it warm up enough and didn't have it in neutral.  I have also noticed that it changes gears when the car engine is colder and does not once it warms up.  I've also thought about the heavy rain and not having any problems until I started the car and tried to drive it to work.  I don't know of any independent Trans shops in our area.  Do you have a way to look that up?

Answer
Hi Cheryl,
The only clue I would have would be the Yellow pages under 'auto repair-transmissions' or just 'auto repair' with anyother descriptor that the shop may have put in. Avoid anything that sounds like a nationwide franchise such as AAMCO as they are 'geared' to sell you a rebuilt trans above all. If you have to go to a Chrysler dealer but the price will no doubt be higher for the diagnosis/repair. Make sure the shop has the proper test tool to do the complete diagnostic work up, and bring it in all warmed up.
Best of luck.
Roland


Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the kind remarks and nomination. The staying in a low gear behavior (2nd gear to be exact) is what is called 'limp in mode' and is designed as a self-prtotective mechanism to minimize damage due to what is at fault. So it doesn't mean that you are doing any more damage to use it that way, just avoid over-revving the engine on the highway.
Roland