Chrysler Repair: 1997 LHS Sluggishness and hesistation, electronic transmission control, 1997 chrysler lhs

Question
my 1997 Chrysler LHS has 91K miles on it and recently at low speed/rpm, I feel the car's transmission shifting gears and it hesistates sometimes and makes me scared that I am having transmission problems. What should I be doing about this to avoid a possible catstrophic transmission failure

Answer
Hi Emmanuel,
Poor shift quality can be something reasonable simple like low level of transmission fluid, clogged filter inside the trans, faulty fluid pump inside the trans, or malfunction of the hydraulic valve body which handles many tasks during the shifting process. I would begin by checking the fluid level after driving far enough to warm up the engine and trans oil. Check the level shown on the trans dip stick which is about in the middle of the trans, on the driver's side of the powertrain, while the engine is idling in the Park position.
If you find it to be below the minimum level then get some trans fluid at a Chrysler dealer and add some approved Chrysler fluid, a little at a time, through the dipstick tube until the level is between the minimum and maximum allowed levels. See if that solves the problem. If the level is o.k. but the problem is still there, then you have two choices:
1. Do a partial drain and filter replacement servicing, again at a Chrysler dealer so that you know an approved fluid will be used. (Ask the manager to inspect for 'debris' in the pans when they are removed to drain the fluid, which if present is a sign that mechanical damage has been going on and which would not be a good sign, and I would then have them skip to step 2., below).  This drain and filter change might correct the symptoms but there is no guarantee that it will help. If it does, then that is the solution. If not,
2. Get a readout of any fault codes that may be stored in the electronic transmission control unit's memory. The electronic trans has a controller with an ability to self-recognize problems, give them a code number, and store them in the memory for later readout. This should always be the first thing that is done rather than to accept a costly verdict of 'remove and rebuild'.
The dealer or a competent transmission shop should have a readout unit to find out what the code number(s) is and from that they can make some conclusions about whether the trans can be repaired without being removed from the car (for example an electrical or hydraulic 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 present 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 after checking the fluid level: 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 $50), 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 16 pin data link connector that mates with the Chrysler-type readout plug under the dash to the left of the steering wheel on the right side lower edge of the junction block/body computer module. So inquire whether that is true and also if their reader can readout the trans controller codes, 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 $1,500-2,000 so you don't want to authorize that unless it is the only possibility. Let me know what happens, because the feedback helps me too.
Roland