Chrysler Repair: new yorker, chrysler transmissions, franchise type

Question
i have a 94 new yorker. it's automatic transmission. if i'm at a stoplight stopped and then start driving again, the car takes a few seconds to go, and then starts shaking violently, and then wont go over 30 for about 5 minutes and then shake again and be good till i am going about 50 mph. what could be wrong?

Answer
Hi Amy,
The chances are there is some internal mechanical wear/damage to the internal clutches of the transmission, but because the cost of rebuilding is so high it is worth spending a little on analyzing whether that is true or not.
I would begin by checking the fluid level on the transmission dip stick. Warm up the engine and then while the engine is idling in neutral check the level of fluid shown on the transmission dipstick. If it is below the normal area as labelled on the stick get a quart of Chrysler trans fluid from the parts department at a Chrysler dealer and add a little at a time through the dip stick tube until it reaches the proper level. See if that has any effect. Don't overfill the trans.
If not, then the transmission has an electronic controller that has the ability to recognize malfunctions and store them in its memory as two-digit fault codes. An electronic readout device is plugged into a port under the dash to access the memory and tell you the fault code numbers. It would be worth spending about $50 to have this done just in case the problem had to do with the hydraulic or electronic parts rather than the internal mechanical parts because those could be repaired without taking the trans out of the car and dismantling it. So a dealer or a competent independent transmission shop (but not a franchise type where the usual answer will be to do a "rebuild") with a reader for Chrysler transmissions should be able to do that. Ask for the code number(s), what they mean, what repair is needed and how much it will cost. Be sure that they have the reader plug adapter that will give them access to the memory via the plug under the dash. This is not the same plug as is in the engine compartment for accessing the engine controller memory.
Then write back and we'll evaluate what you were told. You don't have to authorize a repair until you decide you understand the situation and maybe get another repair estimate. You might even ask if in the case you decide to authorize the shop to do the repair will the cost of the readout be credited against the cost of the repair?
So take your time with this so you don't do unnecessary repairs. The cost of a rebuild is high so getting a second bid is worthwhile and also comparing warranty provisions is wise.
Roland