Chrysler Repair: trans ..96 cirrus lxi, chrysler dealer, generic response

Question
I have a 96 cirrus lxi it has 130,000 miles and up until a few days ago ran excelent. This problem started with the car loosing power when shifting into passing gear the rpm's would go up but the car would not accelerate, then i would slowly let off the gas and it would accelerate fine.So i checked all fluids, all fine and the same day it totally shut down would not go over 30mph engine would not rev and i tryed to drive it in low,3,and drive with no change. while the car was in park i tryed to rev the engine and if i slowley pressed the peddle it worked fine but if i went from idle(5-700rpm)to the floor it dogged and sounded like it was gonna die. so i let it sit over night and tryed to start it the next day started fine, reved fine, and the part that kills me drove perfict i drove it to work and it was fine and the next day was the same for a few hours then back to the slip in passing gear im totally clueless please help
                   thanks  

Answer
Hi Phil,
I am very sorry to be so slow in responding. I wwrote up a lengthy response but have lost it several times because the server at Allexperts had a hang up that just got solved.
If you haven't included the trans dipstick check for fluid level in the trans be sure to do that. In the interest of time let me give you the generic response for the electronic transaxle that you have in that car.
"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.
I would begin by checking the fluid level on the transmission dip stick. Warm up the engine and then while the engine is idling in neutral check the level of fluid shown on the transmission dipstick. If it is below the normal area as labelled on the stick get a quart of Chrysler trans fluid from the parts department at a Chrysler dealer and add a little at a time through the dip stick tube until it reaches the proper level. See if that has any effect. Don't overfill the trans.
If not, then 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 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 reader plug adapter that will give them access to the memory via the plug under the dash, and a reader that has the program to read the trans fault codes. Then write back and we'll evaluate what you were told. 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 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 unnecessary repairs. The cost of a rebuild is high ($1500+) so getting a second bid is worthwhile and also comparing warranty provisions is wise."
Roland