Question
The problem I have after I start the car and select drive no gear seems to engaged. Then after 30 seconds or so I can drive out of my driveway, but when I stop at the junction I loose drive again ,then after a few Seconds it engages again and drives but seems to have a lack of power. It does not drive well.I did notice that the fluid was low,but not below minimum.I have topped it up but there is no difference.The car has done 65,000 miles.
I live in Scotland,
Regards Jeff Brown
AnswerHi Jeff,
It could be several reasons:
The simpler would low internal fluid pressures due to aerated fluid (when the level was low), clogged fluid filter, faulty fluid pump, valve body malfunction. Also, did you use ATF +3 or +4 fluid? Don't use Dexron type.
Then there could be a mechanical issue that would force removal of the transmission.
If you haven't changed the fluid or you used Dexron, then draining the pans would allow you to see if there is any sign of debris in the pans. Debris would be a bad prognosis.
The most efficient way to get to the answer may be to do a fault code readout of the transmission controller memory using a diagnostic readout box. I am not certain whether a '96 (sold in Scotland?) would be an OBD-I or OBD-II code system. So take a look under the dash for a plug located near the steering column that either has 6-pins (OBD-I) or 16-pins (OBD-II). The former would probably only be readout by a Chrysler dealer using the DRB II reader, while the other type plug could be readout by any shop with such an OBD-II reader (or a Chrysler DRB III). Find out the fault code numbers, what they believe it means, what they recommend doing and how much cost. Then write back and we can compare with the manual. Then you will be able to make an informed decision.
Roland
