QuestionI recently discovered that my car is having shifting problems mostly into reverse. Is there anything I can check for like a loose cable or change fluid, or anything of that nature. I am not a mechanic by anymeans but i do most of my own vehicle work. If you could help me out i would appreciate it. Thank you
AnswerHi Justin,
A cable adjustment is probably not involved if the starter works reliably in both park and neutral which would verify the shifter is adjusted properly. The fluid might make a difference, so see below for that aspect.
Slow engagement of reverse could be due to simple things like the trans being too cold, or the idle speed too low, to minor items like too low a level of trans fluid (but do not overfill,which is worse), to hydrualic/mechanical controls that can be serviced without removing from the car, to major internal clutch problems etc. that requires removal and rebuild. So there is a need to do some diagnosis before jumping to a conclusion.
The chances are there is some internal mechanical wear/damage to the internal clutches of the transmission, but because the cost of rebuilding is so high it is worth spending a little on analyzing whether that is true or not. It may also be the case that the problem is with electrical connections/computer or with the transmission fluid system (hydraulic) and those can be repaired without removing or rebuilding the transmission at much less cost.
The transmission has an electronic controller that has the ability to recognize malfunctions and store them in its memory as two-digit fault codes. You need a readout of the transmission computer which is an electronic test for the presence of coded numbers representing different faults that the transmission is experiencing. An electronic readout device is plugged into a port under the dash to access the memory and tell you the fault code numbers. It would be worth spending about $50 to have this done just in case the problem had to do with the hydraulic or electronic parts rather than the internal mechanical parts because those could be repaired without taking the trans out of the car and dismantling it. So a dealer or a competent independent transmission shop (but NOT a franchise type like Aamco where the usual answer will be to do a "rebuild") with a reader for Chrysler transmissions should be able to do that. Ask for the code number(s), what they mean, what repair is needed and how much it will cost. Be sure that they have the 6-pin ("bus diagnostic connector") reader plug adapter that will give them access to the memory via the port under the dash. This is NOT the same plug as is in the engine compartment (which is also a 6-pin plug but arranged differently) for accessing the engine controller memory. Their reader also has to be equipped with a program (cartridge) that accesses the transmission computer. A Chrysler dealer will have this device called a DRB II, but will charge more for the readout. You might get an agreement to credit the cost of the readout to a repair, if you agree to let them do it.
Then write back and we'll evaluate what you were told, particularly what are the fault code numbers. I have the '92 factory trans diagnostic manual and can look up what the numbers mean and what needs to be done to fix this.
Another approach would be to try changing out the trans fluid in its entirety, approx. 10 qts, which you can't do yourself but requires a unit to pump the fluid out of the torque converter and cooler, etc. I have seen very positive results as far as shifting is concerned from changing over to Mobil synthetic trans fluid, I believe called +3, but check that out to be sure you get the grade that is recommended for Chrysler electronic transaxles. It sells for $4 per quart, but it may be worth doing this rather than opting for a unneeded repair.
Let me know what you learn or how it works out so I can share your experience with other owners.
Thanks,
Roland
