Chrysler Repair: transmission problem in 2000 Chrysler Concord, chrysler concord, dipstick tube

Question
QUESTION: Hi Roland,
When I move it to drive position (D) in my 2000 Chrysler Concord I get a minor vibration as if the gear is not engaged. When start driving it is not changing to higher gear, I can’t drive more 40 mph. Even 30mph the RPM goes all the way up to 4. Could you please tell what could be the reason?

Regards,
John.

ANSWER: Hi John,
Because the transmission is electronically controlled by a computer, it has the ability to diagnose its problems and store them as codes in the memory. A diagnostic readout box can be plugged into an under-the-dash socket to find out what the fault code(s) are. You can often get that done for free at an Autozone parts store, or for under $40 at an independent shop. Ask what the fault code numbers are (4-digit) and then I can tell you what is wrong. Right now you are stuck in limp-in mode which means the trans will only drive in 2nd gear. This prevents unnecessary damage to the parts until it can be repaired.
Roland

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QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response, Can I drive the car with this problem? I think I have an Autozone within 20 miles, is it OK to drive that far?

Thanks in advance,
John.

ANSWER: Hi John,
Yes, but I would advise that you check the dipstick for the transmission to verify that you have the level within the operating range shown on the stick. If you have to add any, only use ATF + 4 and only fill to the max. line. Add it through the dipstick tube if you need some.
If the transmission is not making any strange sounds when you are driving it, other than staying in second gear, then it should be OK to drive it that far. I would not go on the freeway or highway because your rpm to keep up with traffic will be higher than you would want it to be for the distance, and a breakdown would be less desireable on such a road too.
To avoid an unnecessary trip, you might call ahead and see if they offer the free readout or not.
Roland

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QUESTION: Hi Roland,

I am in a Chrysler center, after initial diagnose we got the error code as " Grear ration error in firstgrear". I don't have the code as such. They are telling me that it should be OK after changing input and output sensors (will cost me $280). If that does not work, I have to rebuild the transmission, as per them it would cost me around $3500. Could you please tell whether these figure and the information are right?

Thanks,
--GK.

Answer
Hi John,
If the only code is a first gear ratio error, I would wonder whether it is worth spending the $280 to replace the sensors (or at least paying them to do it). If if was one of the sensors it is likely the output speed sensor, not the input as that is the one that more likely flakes out.
It costs about $75 for the part and you can simply remove the plug (lift the tab gently) and unscrew the old one and screw in the new one. Tighten it about the same amount as you would a spark plug. Then see if that corrects the problem or not. Then try the input sensor if not.
The sensors are located on the side of the trans that faces the front of the car, at a about mid-level. They are on either side of the vertical shift rod, the output one being to the right of the rod near the far end of the trans, as you face the car. That could save you the "labor" on that very simple task. Then you can go from there if it doesn't solve the problem and decide whether to have Chrysler shop do the job or not of rebuilding it. But there are some other adjustments too that can be tried: shift lever position test, clutch volume indice measurements, whether the control module is up to date (flash levels up to date?)
If all those are exhausted, then the rebuild is the only alternative. But still you would want to get comparitive warranty and price info from an independent shop with a good reputation. I would avoid a "chain"-type shop, however.
Roland