Chrysler Repair: LHS 1994 POOR TRANSMISSION SHIFTING, 1994 chrysler lhs, chrysler lhs

Question
I own a 1994 Chrysler LHS that occasionally won't shift past 2nd gear.  The transmission was overhauled about 20,000 miles ago.  The car has done it three times in the past couple of months.  Each time it would shift fine at the beginning of the trip then without warning would not shift past second gear.  The fluid level is fine and every time this ocurred I came out the next day to find it shifting with no problems.  The car has 195,000 miles.  I have been told that since I haven't changed the input /output sensors that I should do so.  What do you recomend?

Answer
Hi Phillip,
That behavior of locking into 2nd gear is called "limp-in" mode and it means that the trans controller isn't happy with the way the trans is operating so to protect itself it stops shifting and also so that you will go have its memory readout for the code number(s) that describe what it is wrong. Once you do that you will know whether it is a sensor issue or another electrical problem, an hydraulic problem, or a mechanical problem. The latter category means rebuild (Again!) and that is to be avoided.
So because you have only 20,000 miles on the overhaul my suggestion is to review the warranty for that job and hope that you still have that in effect. Then if you do I would go back and get them to readout the memory and effect the repair. It you aren't under warranty and believe that they are an ethical firm I would still go back and shame them into doing the readout and giving you a huge discount on the repair. If you don't trust the place and you have no warranty stay away from them and find a good independent shop with a good reputation for performing the readout. Get the code numbers, the translation of what they mean, what is the proposed repair, and its cost. Then write back and we'll compare the proposal with the shop manual as regards what to do once you know the codes.
Roland