Chrysler Repair: Chrysler Cirrus LXI Transmission Limp Home Mode, chrysler cirrus lxi, solenoid pack

Question
As with so many others, I'm having difficulties with my automatic transmission.  With a few problems here and there in other various areas, I'm generally happy with the car.  The only problem is every so often I get stuck in second/reverse (limp home mode) and like other readers, turning it on/off 'usually' fixes the problem.  I took it to a dealer, and had them read the code, I cannot remember the number, but they said it was reading a faulty solenoid pack.  I cannot find any of these for the life of me.  More to the point, the other thing they said to try is the transmission control module itself.  I cannot find that one either.  No rhyme or reason to it doing this either.  Not in hot weather, cold weather, rain or shine.  Tends not to do it so much on the highway though.

As far as work that has already been done, well, not very much.  Reading around, found that replacing the fluid may help, so we tried that.  Didn't help all that much.

Since obviously the transmission is recording an error I doubt resetting the computer and retraining it would help.

However, lacking any significant expertise in this category, I leave my fate up to the people who do.  So, if you have any advice, or know where to get the parts (preferably cheap, but new or certified rebuilt) I would be happy to hear from you.

Thank you

Donald

Answer
Hi Donald,
The solenoid pack is inside the box that is located on the side of the trans that faces the front of the car. If the problem is limited to the solenoid box proper it can be serviced without removing the transmission and without having to open up the main body of the trans. So I would suggest that you either find the service receipt or go back to the dealer and ask them to look at the service order to see exactly which code was readout. I have a description of each code, its possible causes, and the possible repair approaches. It is much less expensive than a rebuild/removal so it is worthwhile getting the specific code number so we can then access what might be involved, and you can seek repair estimates from the dealer and from independent trans shops. I agree, pending specifics as to the code, that the controller is probably not involved. It is by the way located in the forward right corner of the engine compartment hear the headlamp module.
The parts needed may not be all that costly, but the repair will involve opening the box, removing the solenoid pack, and replacing whatever part(s) is the problem therein. I would not hesitate to have the repair done if that is what the code is telling you to be the problem.
Do let me know if you can get a specific number. Then write back via the "rate the expert" tab using the comments section for your response. Tell me the year of the Cirrus too, please.
Roland