Chrysler Repair: Chrysler 1994 Transmission, computer notices, unfortunate history

Question
Hi Roland,

my car is chrysler 1994 3 litre 6v

the problem is sometimes...or actually most of the times when am driving my car it stuck on the 2nd gear and it doesn't goes to the 3rd gear till i switch it off and take the key out and switch it on again, sometimes i just change the gear on N mode... swith the car off while driving and switch on again and it works but sometimes the gear wont change till i switch the car off and take the key out from the switch

i changed the engin computer twise..and the gear computer 5 times... and i change the gear itself 2 times...always it works fine for a few months at the best estimation then the same problem rise again...last week i checked all cables and change the battery and also change both computers...the car worked fine for only 1 day then the same problem came back, what can i do to fix it? can you help me in this issue please?

thank you

Answer
Hi Mohammed,
That is a very unfortunate history you have had with the Acclaim. I hope that some of the repairs might have been done for free under a warranty. In all of this situation, have you ever been told whether there has been a "readout of the transmission (gear) 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 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. Be sure that they have the 6-pin ("buss 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 a 5-pin plug) 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.
Then write back and we'll evaluate what you were told, particularly what are the fault code numbers. I have the '94 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 do any more 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. You may be able to get some of the money you have already spent refunded by going to Small Claims Court in your town and asking a judge to award you restitution from the earlier repair shops.
Good luck to you and let me know what you learn.
Roland
P.S. I hope you have had a pleasant holiday time.