Chrysler Repair: Tranny: hard downshift, gear shift linkage, fluid oil

Question
Hi I have a 1999 Sebring Convertible JXI 6 cyl. auto My problem is my tranny shifts up good but when it down shifts as i slow down it bangs into gear. No slipage it fells good but hard down shifts any Idea

Answer
Hi Bob,
According to the Chrysler manual there are 13 possible reasons for harsh downshifts. The easy and inexpensive ones are: engine idle speed too low, low fluid level, aerated fluid, oil filter clogged, faulty pump, hydraulic pressure too low, valve body leakage or malfunction, incorrect gear shift linkage adjustment.
Then there are causes that imply the need to remove the transmission and open it up for inspection. I won't list them here.
There is a self-diagnotic capability with this electronic trans axle which would help to reduce the number of possibilities and give some priority to inspection/repair possibilities. The dealer or a competent shop should be able to plug a code reader into the data link plug under the dash and query the trans controller for the fault codes that might be present. If you seek such a readout find out the specific code number, title, what is means, what are the possible repairs and at what cost. Then let me know and we'll compare that to the manual's decscription for that fault code. In the meantime, check the fluid level in the trans as a start.
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Roland