Chrysler Repair: transmission problem: drives only in 2nd gear, chrysler neon, chrysler brand

Question
2002 Chrysler neon stuck in first gear

Hi , recently my wife was driving her car when she heard a noise and noticed the ses light came on. When I checked the car  I noticed that the car will not shift out of 1st gear it will still accelerate with speed but won't shift into the next gear. It is a 3 speed with od .Any help on this would be greatly appreciated

Answer
Hi Chris,
That symptom is called "limp-in mode" and is designed to put the trans into a simplified gear so as to protect the trans from damage. It does this when the trans controller detects a malfunction in the trans that needs attention. It makes a note of the problem and stores it as a four-digit coded number in its memory. You use a readout device to access the memory for obtaining the code via a plug under the dash. Some autoparts stores will do a readout for free, e.g. Autozone. If you can't find a free readout call around to shops that do trans repair and ask how much a readout would cost and whether that might be applied to a repair if you authorized it. Stay away from nationwide franchise shops because they are inclined to pust "rebuild" as the answer in many circumstances whether needed or not. Get the code number, what they say that it means, what the suggested solution is, and how much they estimate the cost of repair to be. Then write back with that info and we'll compare that to the Chrysler shop manual. It could be something electrical or hydraulic that can be repaired without removing the trans. I hope that is the case. So let's see. The codes begin with a "P" and then follow with the four digits. About the only item to check first would be the dipstick to make sure you aren't low on trans fluid. But if you are, use only Chrysler brand fluid from a dealer and do not overfill it.
You also might want to check to see if you are still under the original warranty for a repair.
Roland