QuestionHi Ed:
I have a 2001 300M that the transmission just started jumping out of 4 gear to 3rd gear. I had the transmission rebuilt, my mechanic saw material in the fluid pan. After the rebuild everything was ok, shifted great for about 900 miles. Now it is doing the same thing, my mechanic says everything in the transmission is brand, he replaced everything on the 2nd rebuild, it is still doing the same thing. There are no computer codes, the Check engine light does not come on either. Can you please offer a suggestion I need your help?
Thank you for your time!
Dan
AnswerHi Dan,
One thing to consider is whether the downshift is to 3rd or to 2nd, which you can do via the tachometer reading compared to the mph. If that were the case you would be dropping into a condition known as "limp-in mode" and that would set a fault code for sure. Maybe the mechanic's fault reader is not equipped to read the trans controller memory?
That might be a reason to get an independent readout at a Chrysler dealer. Besides that:
I wonder if it could be something related to the gear shift cable's routing/adjustment or possibly a worn motor mount that is causing the shift lever to come out of position? Unfortunately the most recent manual that I have is a '98 for the Concorde/Intrepid which is a similar vehicle. There are steering column, floor, and autostick type shifters so if you would like me to xerox copy and postal mail you the pages on that subject be sure to tell me which type you have, please. The possibilioty that there is no code is hopeful, assuming that the reader being used is truly capable of reading the transmission controller memory. So that is where I would start on looking for the cause. Sorry to not have a manual as new as 2001, but you might find one at a library that has a collection of repair manuals. I can't afford to buy many official manuals used on eBay until they "age" a few years longer, as this is a volunteer effort, of course.
