Question HI! MY NAME IS JOHN.I NEED EXTENSIVE WORK ON THIS VEHICLE AND WAS HOPING YOU HAD SOME SUGGESTIONS.THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS SUCH AS A SLIPPING TRANS, AC/HEAT DO NOT WORK, SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, AND THE THING DRINKS GAS LIKE CRAZY.HOW CAN I REPAIR AND RESTORE THIS VEHICLE.DO YOU KNOW A MECHANIC IN HOUSTON. WHO CAN I TRUST TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT.
AnswerHi John,
I don't know of such a mechanic but if someone who visits the site and sees your question does and tells me I will pass it along to you.
If you have the V-6 with a electronic transaxle (has an "OD" shifter position) then be aware that if it needs rebuilding that typically costs about $2,000. The best action to take is to get a Chrysler dealer to do a readout of the fault codes stored in the trans controller memory for a diagnosis of whether the problem requires a rebuild or not. (If you have a 2.5L four cyl. then the trans doesn't have such a memory and is less expensive to rebuild.) The readout is done from a plug that is under the dash. Find out the fault code numbers, what they mean, and what they propose would be the repair and for how much. Them write back ane I can verify that or not.
On the fuel consumption, the best thing to do is readout the memory of the engine controller for fault codes which you can do yourself (although the dealer can do this too from a different plug in the engine compartment, at some cost):
Try using the ignition key: turn it "on-off-on-off-on" and leave it "on" (doing this quickly, no longer than 5 seconds). By "on" I mean just the normal position when the engine is running, not the cranking position. The 'check engine'light will remain on when you leave the key in the "on" position with the engine still not running. But then watch the 'check engine' light to begin flashing, then pause, flashing, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause and keep track of the numbers. Repeat the readout and verify the counts are correct. Then group them in pairs in the order that they came out, thus forming two digit numbers. You may notice that the pause is shorter between the digits of a given number, and longer between the numbers themselves. Then send me a 'follow-up' question telling me the results of your readout. By the way, 55 will be the last number (two groups of 5 flashes each) and that is the code for "end of readout".
I have the troubleshooting manual for the engines and we can look up the possibilities of what is wrong based upon what fault codes you show. There is also an essay on fault codes at the site:
http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
which gives the meaning of the code numbers. But then you need to get specific info for what exactly might be the diagnostic tests or parts to replace to complete the repair. Let me know the codes and I can give you some direction.
The most practical way to repair and restore the vehicle is to do much of the work yourself. I would recommend watching eBay for a set of Chrysler-published shop manuals for your '88 front wheel drive car. There are 3 volumes in the set and you would want all of them. You might be able to get a set for under $20 including shipping if you avoid bidding on some of the excessively priced offerings and waiting for a good deal.
Good luck on this project and let me know how I might be of help.
Roland
