QuestionHi Roland,
I recently bought a used 1995 Cirrus LXI. It has intermittently
being going into 'Limp Mode'. The transmission just locks into
2nd gear. At first I could just shut the car and then restart it and
it would run ok but lately when going into limp mode it first
goes into neutral and then I have to slow down the car and then
it stays at 2nd gear. Even if I turn off the engine and turn it back
on, the car stays in 2nd. I have to leave it off for an hour or so
and then it runs fine. The car goes into limp very intermittently. I
have had the transmissoin codes checked and about 2 weeks
ago they came out to be 12, 21, 31, 36, 43, and 53. I then had
the TCM reset to check which codes came back. Yesterday the
car went into limp mode again and the codes were 31, 36 and
53. I have had the car inspected at Midas and AAMCO and both
of them told me to replace the solenoid pack. Both of them
checked the CVI values and they looked fine. A couple of other
independents told me to the replace the transmission itself. I
know the car had a transmission flush done last year at a
dealership and I talked to them today and they told me that they
use ATF+3. I checked the fluid and the level and the color looks
fine. There is no funny odor either.
I am kind of frustrated now with all the car acting up on me. I
am not sure what's going on. What do these codes mean? And
what do I need to do to fix the transmission? I should tell you
that the car had engine code 51 set and so I had the o2 sensor
replaced recently. Please help me! "
AnswerHi Aditya,
Thanks for the detailed history of the problem. The codes could mean two general problem areas:
the hydraulic controls related to the valve body/solenoids/ fluid pump,or
an internally damaged overdrive clutch.
The former would be serviceable without removing and rebuilding the trans, but the latter would require removal and at least repair of the clutch.
So my inclination would be to authorize a repair focused toward remediation of the hydraulic system to find whether the pump is worn out, the overdrive clutch pressure is too low due to a faulty pressure switch (solenoid) for the overdrive clutch or a valve body leak malfunction. These are the issues that will cause a 21 and 31 code and can therefor result in the 36, 43, and 53 codes being set. The latter are really telling you the consequences of the former. But if that doesn't fix it, then the vastly more expensive rebuild will be required.
So I would consider the question of which shop that you spoke with seems to most experienced in the hydraulic system and would have the highest likelihood of exhausting that approach before pushing you to the rebuild authorization pathway. Do they have an inclination to read the pressure ports as a diagnostic means before starting on disassembly of that hydraulic box, might be on measure of their knowledge and diligence. Any asking for any experience they have had with pursuing this approach first as a strategy would be another indication.
As you have already learned, there are shops that are looking for a rebuild authorization and that is what you want to avoid if not absolutely necessary.
I can describe exactly what the codes mean, but my advice is based on what the totality of the codes appears to me to be the situation.
Please let me know what happens as you move ahead.
Roland
P.S. I wonder if the dealer used Mopar 7176 Trans fluid as I am not certain that ATF+3 is identical. The manuals seem to push the MOPAR label and other owners have indicated that this is an important difference. So you might ask the dealer again Whether they actually used 7176 or not, and if not, inquire of other shops if a complete flush and refill with 7176 might solve it, as an outside chance. That might not be worth doing given the code situation. I just can't give you any judgement on that.
