Chrysler Repair: Check Engine problem: revs up while driving (trans problem?), obd ii reader, 2004 chrysler concorde

Question
I have a 2004 Chrysler Concorde Limited with about 88k miles. Last week the Check Engine light came right after I filled the car with regular unleaded gas. I thought maybe I did not fully close the cap; not the problem. I was going to bring the car to the shop this week (payweek) to get an engine diagnostic. Well 2 days ago I was driving on the highway (about 50 mph) and the car seemed to go out of gear, as if the transmission was slipping. The car continued to drive but the rpm went up. I stopped the car and turned it off and restarted it and everything was normal. This happened one more time the next day. My questions is does this sound like a transmission problem even though I only have 88k miles on the car or is it something else? Any advice?  

Answer
Hi Wesley,
Yes, this sounds like a transmission problem. It may be an under warranty repair, so check your paperwork to see what the time/mileage warranty period is.
What is likely happening is that the transmission control module has sensed something to be wrong with the way the trans is responding to its directions. Depending upon the fault it may put the trans into 2nd gear as a strategy to reduce the chances of damage. This is called "limp-in mode".
It will temporarily be lifted when you stop the engine, but revert again quickly to driving only in 2nd gear.
The best thing to do is get a diagnostic readout of the memory of the controller via a 16-pin plug that is located under the dash using an OBD-II reader that is capable of reading the Chrysler transmission memory. That could be done for free at an Autozone parts store, for maybe $40 at a good inderpendent trans shop (not a chain operation), or for $80 at a dealer. Ask for the fault code numbers, their names/descriptions, what the possible repairs are, and how much they would cost, and whether it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Also inquire if it is an ETAX trans or an NCG trans, the latter was introduced on some models in 2004. Then write back with the results and we'll compare that to the shop manual I have for the '04 trans's.
The repair could be expensive, so do look into the length of warranty question.
Roland