Chrysler Repair: Transmission problem - After stop transmission stuck in neutral, chrysler brand, chrysler dealer

Question
Hello Roland,

I have a transmission problem with 98 Cirrus Lxi V6. After stopping on traffic lights the transmission is stuck in neutral and won't up shift again until turning the ignition off and on again. It helped before to switch between park and drive, but doesn't work no longer. Any suggestions?

Thanks,  

Mike


Answer
Hi Mike,
There are a few things you can consider that aren't internal mechanical or electrical or hydraulic issues: is the engine idle speed too high, is the transmission fluid level too low and/or become bubbly? If the fluid level is low get a quart of Chrysler brand fluid and add it a little at a time through the dipstick opening. Don't overfill. Other than that, the cause can only be determined by having the diagnostic troubles that the transmission controller may have recognized and stored as trouble codes in it memory readout with a diagnostic readout box. That can be done at a independent trans shop or a Chrysler dealer; then we can talk about what they mean, what the shop proposes to do, and how much they want to charge for it. So see if you can get a readout, and possibly while you pay for it up front see if can you get the cost credited to the repair if you agree to let them do it subsequently. These codes while not uniquely specific will tell us what to focus our attention on and the possible repair choices. Be sure to get the specific codes numbers, and also make sure that they are reading the transmission controller via a blue plug under the dash, rather than readout of the engine controller. The readout should cost less than $50.
Roland