Chrysler Repair: 1993 Eagle vision esi: transmission wont shift, eagle vision esi, chrysler dealer

Question
I start my car and everything seems fine. I drive to the gas station and shut it off. After restarting it wont go into reverse and will not change gears. If I dirve it for a few blocks in low gear shut it off and start it back up it seems to work fine again.

Answer
Hi James,
I believe that there is some sort of a transmission fault that has been recognized by the transmission controller which senses malfunctions and can communicate what is has seen for possible repair. The reluctance to shift is basically the locking up the shifting so it will only drive in 2nd gear which prevents further damage until it can be studied at a shop. It is called limp-in mode.
There is a 6 pin plug under the dash next to the steering column into which a diagnostic readout box at a Chrysler dealer or a competent automatic transmission shop (non-franchise, non-chain) in order to retrieve fault codes which are 2-digit numbers that then suggest what is wrong. I would suggest you get such a readout, get the code number(s), what they say it means, what they propose to do, and how much it will cost. Then write me back and we can evaluate what you are told against the shop manual for the car.
You might want to check the level of the transmission fluid as shown on its dipstick. Only add ATF +4 type of fluid if needed, ideally from a Chrysler dealer, but don't overfill it. Do not use Dexron type fluid under any circumstances as that will damage the transmission.
Roland