Chrysler Repair: Transmission chatters when shifting, chrysler new yorker, chrysler dealer

Question
Hi
   Have a 1993 Chrysler New Yorker,it chatters when shifting 1st.to 2nd. Will changing the fluid help?
            Thank you Roland
  Your a nice guy donating your time answering all of these questions  
           Thanks again!

Answer
Hi Elliot,
Thank you for the generous compliments...it feels good to be appreciated!
Noises during shifting are not specific as to their cause, especially at a distance. A skilled trans mechanic might be able to diagnose it. It could be an hydaulic valve (good problem) or a gear (bad problem). About changing fluid, it would be good first to check that the level of fluid on the dipstick shows the proper amount. If it is low, then get some Chrysler type 7176 fluid at a dealer and add only enough to get it to the proper level. You might smell the fluid and if it has a burned odor that would be a reason to change it. But simply draining the trans proper via the pans only removes about half the fluid. There is also fluid in the torque converter and cooler and its lines that can be remove only by doing a "power flush". Other owners have reported improvement in the function after changing the fluid. But it is very important to use Mopar 7176 fluid ATF Plus or its equivalent replacement (do not use anything related to Dexron). No guarantees that it will solve the chatter, however. When/if the fluid is drained ask to see if there is debris in the pans which is not a good sign. Changing the filter is good to do at that time also.
Another approach would be to first get a readout of the transmission controller's memory for any fault codes that it may have stored. Such codes may help with the diagnosis of the cause of the chatter. The readout is done via a socket under the dash on the driver's side. Unless the transmission shop has a 6-pin Chrysler 'data link' connector plug and reader with the proper cartridge for your year of trans they can't do the readout. In that case a Chrysler dealer is the only choice for a readout. They may charge around $80 for the readout. If you have this done successfully find out the code numbers, names or titles, what they interpret it them to mean, and what is the estimated cost for specific repairs. Then let me know and we can compare to the Chrysler manual.
If you haven't experienced "limp-in mode" where the trans will only go forward in 2nd gear, then that is a good sign. When the problem is significant enough to cause further damage if allowed to continue the trans will protect itself by doing that. It may be an hydraulic control issue that a change of fluid would remediate, but only an experiment with a full flush would answer that question. So check the dipstick and smell the fluid, then decide whether to look for a readout or do the trans power flush. These unit are expensive to repair, more than the value of the car no doubt, so trying to deal with it before that becomes necessary is in you best interest.
Roland