Chrysler Repair: Electonic transmission wont shift into 3rd: 95 Concorde, 1995 chrysler concorde, chrysler concorde

Question
1995 chrysler concorde auto transmisson runs but transmission only shifts 1st and 2and. What do you think the problem is?  Thank you for your time. Lela

Answer
Hi Lela,
One thing to check is that you have the correct transmission fluid level as shown on its dipstick located on the drivers side of the drivetrain, far back toward the firewall. Test it with the engine warmed, running and set in Park position. If you find it low only use Chrysler brand trans fluid which you can get at the parts counter of a dealership.
Not shifting out of 2nd gear is a self-protective strategy programmed into the transmission controller to protect it from damage when it detects a malfunction. That is called going into "limp-in" mode.
There are so many possibilities as to the cause that the most accurate/efficient way to find out what is wrong is to have the memory of the transmission controller readout for the presence of fault codes that it has recognized. That requires a plug-in of a Chrysler DRB II reader in a "data link connector" socket under the dash to the right of the steering column. Find out what the code(s) is, what is its title, what they propose to do, and how much it will cost. Then write me back and we'll compare that with what the shop manual says to do. It is very important to go about the repair by beginning with the readout so as to avoid unnecessary cost. You might also inquire if the cost of the readout will be deducted from the cost of the repair if you decide to let them do it. An independent (non-franchise) transmission shop may also be able to do the readout, but ask if they have the data link plug and an appropriate reader to actually get the codes.
Please let me know what you find out and don't buy into a rebuild without getting a second opinion.
Roland