QuestionSeveral months ago, I turned on my car, which has had no problems since I bought it 4 years ago, and the engine light was on. I put the car in reverse and then drive and it did not shift into third gear. I called a local Chrysler dealer who told me to immediately drop it off for service. After doing a diagnostic, the dealer told me one of the tranny sensors was shot, probably due to dirty tranny fluid and to replace BOTH to ensure the tranny would be okay, which I did. $350.00 later and several months down the line, my tranny is now acting strangely. When I'm on the highway doing 60, and downshift into 45, it'll catch, almost a slight clunk. Also, when I'm accelerating from 0 to 25, it'll hesitate to get there, mostly it is downshifting that I experience this difficulty in shifting. Can you help me diagnose the problem before I spend 2 grand for nothing? Thanks. Deborah
AnswerHi Deborah,
I would begin by checking the level of transmission fluid in the trans by its separate dipstick. Warm up the car, then check it with the engine idling and the trans in park or neutral. If any is needed, get Chrysler brand fluid from the dealer and add it a bit a time through the dipstick tube. Don't overfill.
Other causes of harsh downshifts range from maintenance items: changing the fluid and filter in the trans, to adjustments on the car: shift linkage to repair on the car: pump pressure too low/ clogged valve needing cleaning, to expensive rebuilding out of the car (the 2 grand option).
I would suggest another diagnostic readout of the trans controller for fault codes. Then find out the exact number of any codes, what they say they mean, what they would propose to do, and how much. Then write back with the results and we'll compare notes with the shop manuals that I have. Don't panic, just take it deliberately. See if they will agree to credit the cost of the readout to any repair bill that you might authorized subsequently to the readout.
Roland
