Chrysler Repair: 99 Grand Voyarger autotrans only runs in 2nd gear, trip mileage, chrysler brand

Question
Hi I have a 1999 grand voyarger, on the way home from work tonight at about 40mph the car suddenly lost drive! I tried to reset the trans but the car will only drive in 1st gear, I could drive the car home in L but if put into D or 3 it would drive untill the change into 2nd and the would lose drive again reverce doesn't work at all
any idea's?

Answer
Hi Colin,
I would first check that the fluid level is at the proper point on the dipstick. If you need to add fluid use Chrysler brand fluid only (ATF+4). If that is not corrective then asking the trans contoller memory for fault codes is no doubt has stored is the best way to get a diagnosis. When the trans shifts into second and won't go into other gears it means that a fault has been detected by the controller and it shut out the other gears because 2nd is the gear that requires the least amount of other parts and this is therefore protective of other damage. It is called limp-in mode. You may be able to get readout with the ignition key by turning it "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less. Then check to see if the mileage reading on the odometer changes to read a 4 digit fault code number.
If that doesn't work then do this:
Put the key in the ignition switch, press and hold both the Trip and Reset buttons with your left hand and turn the key to the ACC position (between lock and run positions). Continue to hold both buttons, then count to 5. Release both buttons and the display will then read trip mileage. Push the Trip button and the odometer will then display the fault codes in a rotating sequence.
If neither of those work, then you can often get a free readout via a plug under the dash and a code reader at an Auto Parts store, or failing that an independent shop should be able to do it for $40 on a 'special'. Once you have the fault numbers write back and I will tell you what they mean or we can compare what the shop says is wrong with what the manual suggests it means.
Roland