QuestionQUESTION: This winter did something to my car. My LHS will not move (drive) unless it is warmed up for at least 15 or 20 minutes. I just had the battery replaced and it still stalls until it is warmed up. Once its warmed up Im good shape for the whole day unless I have to park for more than 4 or 5 hours. When the weather was 80 and 85 degrees my car warmed up in 3 minutes. Please help.
ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
You need to distinguish between the engine stalling (stops running,dies) and the transmission not moving the car even though the engine is functioning at a reasonable rpm (should be around 800 rpm for the trans to have its pump moving fast enough to cause it to engage). I can't tell which is your problem. So please let me know which.
One useful thing to do would be to take advantage of the on-board self-diagnostics that both the engine and the trans possess. Try turning your ignition key "on-off-on-off-on and leave it on" doing this in 5 seconds or less. Then watch the odometer window of the speedometer unit to see if the mileage reading changes to show you some 4-digit number which are codes for what might be the reason for your problem. If you see those numbers, tell me what they are.
You may be able to get a free readout of the fault numbers at an Autozone parts store near you. They plug a reader into a receptacle under the dash. Again you will get 4-digit fault codes. Or you can pay a shop around $40 to do the readout. If you get the numbers from a shop ask them what the numbers are, what they mean, what they propose to be done, and how much. Then write me back and we can compare what you are told with the Chrysler shop manuals.
I think we can deal with this one if you will follow these steps. Also check the transmission fluid level as shown on its separate dipstick, located on the driver's side of the engine but further back on the powertrain than engine oil dipstick. If you find it to be low (measured after the trans is warmed, you have the engine running, and trans in Park) then you need to add just enough via the dipstick tube (using a small funnel). Don't overfill the trans because that can cause damage. And only use Chrysler brand trans fluid from a dealer because these transmissions are very finicky about the fluid used in them. Tell them which year and model you have to get the correct fluid.
Roland
PS When you write back do not opt for the Private option. I believe is sharing information with other owners who might have the same problem. They can't read our discussion if you use the Private option.
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QUESTION: HI,
I checked my transmission fluid and I had none. I put some in, but im hoping I have not done any damage driving without fluid. To answer your question the car stalls while in drive it doesnt cut off. I could not find any codes and nothing is lit up on my dashboard. The dashboard works but maybe the transmission light is busted because it did not let me know that I have no fluid. After adding the fluid the car seems to run better but I still need to warm up.
Lisa
AnswerHi Lisa,
It is good that you found the low fluid situation and corrected it. Whether any damage has been done will be revealed soon, or nothing will go wrong. I would note that as far as I know there is no light for trans fluid level so don't look for any help in the future on that score. The trans level has to be checked regularly with this history because you must have a slow leak. It might just be a loose bolt(s) on the drain pan, or it could be an fluid seal that is leaking. Do you find trans fluid under the car where you park it? If not, then maybe a previous servicing resulted in too little fluid having been used to refill the trans?
If the warm up before it will move is a problem, then you may want to consider completely changing the trans fluid. The total amount of fluid in the trans is about 10 quarts and to completely change it requires a special machine that pumps out all the fluid before they add the new fluid. A simple draining only removes about half the old fluid. One consideration if you do the total drain and refill is: which fluid to use. I have had good reports on the Mobil synthetic trans fluid; that it improves the way these Chrysler transmissions function. Whatever fluid you select to use make absolutely certain it is approved by the Daimler-Chrysler Corp for use in the electronic transaxle that you have, ideally shown in writing. If not, do not use it. It is very important if the trans is going to last that it only use approved fluid. Do not use Dexron type fluids.
Thanks for the report back.
Roland
