Chrysler Repair: 2000 chrysler sebring transmission problem, chrysler sebring, chrysler brand

Question
I've been having a problem with my sebring which I believe to be a transmission problem. In the morning after I back the car out of my driveway, shift the gear to Drive, and step on the gas, the car will not move. It seems like the gear is stuck on neutral. After a few seconds of lightly stepping on the gas pedal the car jolts forward and proceeds to go. This only happens in cold mornings(under 40 degrees). I don't have this problem any other time. After driving for a while this problem goes away, until the next morning when I have do this all over again. Recently I also notice when the car slows down, when it reaches 30 MPH the car jerks a little, like it's skipping a gear. But I don't notice this problem when I'm accelerating. A month ago the check engine light came on in my car, but it went out the next day and haven't come back on since. Do you think this is related. Please help.  

Answer
Hi Thomas,
Delayed engagement from neutral to drive can be caused by several things:idle speed too low, huydraulic fluid low, fluid pressure low, internal filter clogged, pump pressure low...are the not too expensive reasons. So I would start with those. But in cold weather maybe warming up the drivetrain for a little longer before shifting into drive may be all that you need to do. The idle rpm should be around 800 if you have a tach. The fluid level should be checked after you have driven the car to warm it up, then check it while idling on a level surface area. If it is not in the cross-hatched Hot area, then add some Chrysler brand type 7176 via the dip stick tube. Get that from a dealer, and don't overfill it either as that can do damage. Then you have a choice of either draining part of the fluid and changing the filter and request that the shop tell you if they find any debris in the drop pans (and be sure to use the Chrysler brand fluid) or if the fluid smells burnt then consider a power flush to remove all the old fluid rather than just about half of it which is all you do when you drain it. An alternative next step would be to have the powertrain and transmission controller memories readout for any fault codes that might have been stored in the past, as when the check engine light came on. Then get the specific code number and the meanings, repair types and costs, and write back with the results for evaluation before authorizing any repairs. If there is an Autozone store near you they may offer a free readoud. You might try turning the ignition key "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing tht in 5 seconds or less and then watch the odometer window to see if any four-digit numbers appear in place of the mileage reading. That may only read for engine problems, not transmission, but if you get something that way let me know the numbers.
The bottom line is to try and diagnose intelligently and don't authorize unnecessary repairs. It is important to stick with Chrysler brand fluid, and to preserve the lift of the trans by driving it gently. These electronic transmissions are very expensive to rebuild.
Roland