Chrysler Repair: 95 lhs trans overheats, chrysler concorde, transmission shop

Question
RECENTLY A FRIEND GAVE ME HIS 95 CHRYSLER CONCORDE. HE SAYS THAT AFTER YOU DRIVE IT FOR A WHILE THE TRANNY GETS HOT AND IT WON'T CONTINUE TO DRIVE FORWARD...IT ONLY GOES IN REVERSE. YOU HAVE TO CUT IT OFF AND RESTART I IMAGINE AFTER IT COOLS OFF AND IT DRIVES FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER AND YOU HAVE TO REPEAT THE PROCESS.I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL GARAGE AND THEY SAY THAT THE CAR RUNS GREAT;...MIGHT BE ELECTRICAL,BUT THEY CAN'T HELP AND HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS.IT HAS 113,500 MILES AND IS A NICE LOOKING CAR AND I'D HATE TO SCRAP A GIFT. PLEASE HELP ME..THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.


Answer
Hi Haneef,
There is a transmission radiator in front of the engine cooling radiator. If it was plugged up with leaves/dirt so that air doesn't pass thru it easily that could result in overheating of the trans fluid. Check to see if you can see a light placed behind the double radiators and if not then remove the debris with a hose.
Or the trans radiator could be partially blocked and needs to be flushed. I have a page from the shop manual that describes how to test the flow rate thru the radiator and also discusses reverse flushing of it in case there may be some blockage. An independent transmission shop should be able to do this properly. But make sure they use only ATF +3 or +4, and DO NOT USE DEXRON. If you want the page about testing the cooling system for the trans let me know your address for postal mailing by using the "thank and rate" tab. I will xerox and postal mail it to you.