Chrysler Repair: sticks in gear, transmission repair shop, computer notices

Question
93 chysler lebaron trans at certain times gets stuck in 3rd gear have to shut off re start car then is fine also engine is v6 with air otherwize trans shifts fine fluid  no burnt smell clean and red  won't downshift acts sort of like govener stuck

Answer
Hi Lenny,
This a very common experience, only it is the case that the gear that is locked in is second gear. Here is the response I gave earlier today to a similar question:
"This is a common problem called "limp-in" mode and the trans is actually in second gear. Here is a recent answer I gave to a similar situation:
.. the trans has a self-diagnostic capability that should be taken advantage of. It would be worth going to a dealer or independent (not frachise) transmission repair shop and get a service called
"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. That exact lock up is what happens when the transmission computer notices something is wrong and so it protects the transmission by only driving in 2nd gear until it can be serviced so as to protect against any further damage. It is called "limp-in mode".
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.
The transmission has an electronic controller that has the ability to recognize malfunctions and store them in its memory as two-digit fault codes. 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 had 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 of the OBD-I type 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. Their reader 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 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 authorize unnecessary repairs. The cost of a rebuild is high so getting a second bid is worthwhile and also comparing warranty provisions is wise.
But that readout is the only way to avoid doing the wrong repair."
So let me know if you get the readout what it is and what they propose to do.
Roland