QuestionWhile i'm driving down the road my car will shift down and won't shift back to drive until i stop and put it in park and turn the engein off the it will go for a while and then it does the same thing?
AnswerHi Sharon,
This is symptomatic of what is called "limp-in" mode.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 controller logs the problem as a two digit number stored in its memory. The 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 a hydrualic pressure problem) OR if some mechanical damage is involved (but be sure to follow that up 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.
Before going to a shop though, check the transmission fluid level by pulling out the dipstick located on the side of the transmission that faces the front of the car. (The transmission is at the driver's side of the powertrain, and this is a separate dipstick from that which shows the oil level of the engine. Have the engine warmed up, then set it in park with the engine idling and see if the oil level is the hatched area near full, or if it is lower than that. If lower, get a quart of trans fluid from a Chrysler dealer and add it a bit at a time until the level reaches full, simply by pouring it down the tube where the dipstick goes.
Don't overfill the transmission. See if that solves the problem if you indeed find that it is low.)
So that is my best advice: if the level of fluid is o.k. go to a dealer/independent and ask for a diagnostic readout and 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, 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 $100), 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 adapter plug that mates with the Chrysler-type transmission readout plug. So inquire whether that is true if you don't go to a dealer shop. Also, tell me the year, model and engine of the car when you wirte back with the results of the readout.
Roland
