QuestionTrannsmission works well when cool and I drive then the little women drives the car and goes into "hot Pursuit" and the car will not get out of second gear- will not automatically kick up or down, stays in a low gear. Can you tell me what might be the problem, fluid level is fine I just put a new screen and gasket first level maintenece, Thanks if you can help
AnswerHi Stephen,
When it goes into 2nd gear and won't shift up or down that is called limp-in mode which is a setting the trans controlled adopts when it senses something is wrong that needs servicing to prevent futher damage.
What would be useful is 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 some internal mechanical wear/damage to the internal clutches of the transmission, but because the cost of rebuilding is so high it is worth spending a little on analyzing whether that is true or not. It may also be the case that the problem is with electrical connections/computer or 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. If the car is pre'95, be sure that they have the 6-pin blue ("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. For later year models, there is a different plug and a DRB III reader.
Then write back and we'll evaluate what you were told, particularly what are the fault code numbers. I have several factory repair manuals 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 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.
Roland
