QuestionWe have a 93 Lebaron GTC Convertible that was in a fender bender. Now the car stays in limp mode and won't shift out of 2nd. Could this have been caused by the impact of the accident? Is there a simple way to reset the computer to get it back into normal mode?
Thanks
AnswerHi Gary,
If there was no collision between the other vehicle and a drive shaft(front wheel) of your LeBaron it is doubtful that the trans' internal parts were damaged. The transmission control unit however is mounted on the right front inner fender, inside the engine compartment, and it might have been jarred so as cause an electrical disconnect at the plug or possibly internal damage to the controller. What you have now is called "limp-in" mode. Here is what that means and what the approach to it should be:
This behavior is programmed into the transmission controller so that when its self-diagnostic capability has detected a fault that could cause damage it will only drive in 2nd gear which uses a minimum number of circuits. It is called "limp-in" mode. It is not a "reset" situation.
The first thing to do is get a "readout of the transmission computer" which is an electronic test for the presence of coded numbers representing different faults that the transmission is experiencing at the time when it locks up into 2nd gear?
The chances are there is either some computer wiring problem or some internal mechanical wear/damage to the internal clutches of the transmission. It may also be the case that the problem is with the transmission fluid system (hydraulic) and those can be repaired without removing or rebuilding the transmission at much less cost.
In the readout procedure an electronic readout device is plugged into a port under the dash to access the memory and tell you the fault code numbers. It would be worth spending about $50 to have this done just in case the problem has to do with the hydraulic or electronic parts rather than the internal mechanical parts because those could be repaired without taking the trans out of the car and dismantling it. So a dealer or a competent independent transmission shop (but NOT a franchise type like Aamco where the usual answer will be to do a "rebuild") with a reader for Chrysler transmissions should be able to do that. Ask for the code number(s), what they mean, what repair is needed and how much it will cost. Be sure that they have the 6-pin ("bus diagnostic connector") reader plug adapter that will give them access to the memory via the port under the dash. This is NOT the same plug as is in the engine compartment (which is also a 6-pin plug but arranged in a different pattern) for accessing the engine controller memory. Their reader also has to be equipped with a program (cartridge) that accesses the transmission computer. A Chrysler dealer will have this device called a DRB II.
Then write back and we'll evaluate what you were told, particularly what are the fault code numbers. I have the '94 factory repair manual and can look up what the numbers mean and what needs to be done to fix this.
You don't have to authorize a repair until you decide you understand the situation, and maybe get another repair estimate. You might even ask before they do the readout if in the case you decide to authorize the shop to do the repair "will the cost of the readout be credited against the cost of the repair"?
So take your time with this so you don't do any more unnecessary repairs. The cost of a rebuild is high so getting a second bid is worthwhile and also comparing warranty provisions is wise if that is the diagnosis.
But that readout is the only way to avoid doing the wrong repair.
You can inspect the trans controller and see if the 60-pin plug has been disturbed, as the first step.
Roland
