QuestionHi Roland,
My name is Ed and I have a 1990 fifth ave. 3.3 engine. In the summertime I have no trouble at all with my transmission but when its cold, I can't hardly get it in reverse. Sometimes driving down the road it won't shift out of 2nd gear. I can pull over and stop, take the cable off the battery and then it will shift. This thing has me puzzled. I have changed the fluid, get the right kind for Chrysler, never overfill it and also changed the filter and of course the fluid. What could this be? I would appreciate anything you have to offer me. I also do a little mechanic work myself, but mostly on brakes, so I am no novice. Thank you very much ahead of time! I also have put a new computer in my car but not the transmission.
Ed Reynolds ijusbjudy@omuonline.net
AnswerHi Ed,
This sort of behavior is common enough that I have prepared a generic answer that will get you started on it. Then lets hear more from you as you move ahead:
It sounds like your electronically controlled transaxle has detected some problem with the unit and in order to avoid any unnecessary damage has gone into "limp-in" mode which means it won't shift out of 2nd gear. It allows the car to be driven at moderate speed to a garage for analysis. The transmission controller logs the problem as a two digit number stored in its memory. The transmission controller does not have a self-read capability as does the engine controller so you can't use the ignition switch to get the codes.
The dealer or a competent transmission shop should have a readout unit to find out what the code number is and from that they can make some conclusions about whether the trans can be repaired without being removed from the car (for example a electrical or hydrualic pressure problem) OR if some mechanical damage is involved (but follow-up a "mechanical damage" diagnosis by dropping the oil pans and looking for debris to be present or not) which if true would require a pretty expensive rebuild, I am sorry to say. No debris in the pans would suggest the possibility of an hydraulic problem only.
So that is my best advice, go to a dealer/independent and ask for a diagnostic readout of the transmission controller and an estimate for repairs. Get the code number(s), and if you like, write back with a 'follow-up' question to me and we can compare what you are told with what the shop manual says is the problem of that code, and then decide if you are getting the correct advice. You don't have to give them a blank check, just ask for a diagnostic readout, the code numbers and the repair estimate. It will cost something to get that done (should be under $100), but the more information you have before going forward the better. I would not go to a franchise-type (AAMCO) transmission shop, but rather an independent with a good reputation or a Chrysler dealer. The place has to have a code reader with the adapter plug that mates with the Chrysler-type transmission readout plug. So inquire whether that is true, if you don't go to a dealer shop. If you go ahead with the repair, the cost of the diagnosis is often credited against the repair cost. But don't rush to judgement because a total rebuild costs about $1,500 so you don't want to authorize that unless it is the only possibility.
Roland
