Chrysler Repair: 93 LaBaron Transmission, chrysler dealer, transmission controller

Question
My car will not shift past 2nd gear. Everything else works fine. I'm able to go in reverse and drive with no problem and no grinding noise? I was able to drive it off the highway to home on city streets but again it won't go past 2nd gear.
Is it the transmission or computer?

Answer
Hi Aundaray,
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 so you can't use the ignition switch to get the codes.
The Chrysler 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 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 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 $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 an OBD-I diagnostic code reader (Chrysler's is called a DRB II) with the 6-pin "CCD bus data link connector" that mates with the Chrysler-type readout plug under the dash to the left of the steering wheel and a cartridge that covers the  '93 transmission.  So inquire whether that is true and if their reader can readout the transcontroller codes, if you don't go to a Chrysler 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. Let me know what happens, because the feedback helps me too.
Roland