Chrysler Repair: Transmission work, grand mal epilepsy, social security disability

Question
I have an 89 Chrysler New yorker --high milage, and probably wouldn't bother to try to fix it ,but my wife is very large ,does all the driving, and is on social security disability. It is the only transportation we have, and need to repair it if possible, or we will have none, (and we'll be climbing the walls!) The transmission is holding fluid ok, no leaks, other than the engine oil----will repair that later if I can get a tranny or get this one repaired. I need to know if I'm getting into a big job replacing the tranny, or is it pretty basic? Is there anywhere I can get one cheap? Real cheap. I am at the library as I can't afford a computer, on food stamps, and hud housing---just to let you know how bad off we are.I really need all the knowledge I can get soon, as the tags expired this month also, and I am trying to keep as much independence from dial a ride, and public transportation as possible. I also have grand mal epilepsy, but have worked on my vehicles that I had in the past, and am not afraid to tacle it if I have some advice. I can take the hard advice also, so don't be afraid to let me know what you think. Thanks for the advice-----in advance, it's good to know there is somewhere to turn to for free. signed, Earl Barrington Also----------the tranny starts ok, then engine sounds like a fast idle, and you have to let off the gas to get it to change gears.

Answer
Hi Again,
If you are anywhere near the San Francisco Bay area, Earl, I would be glad to do the readout of the trans controller.
Roland

Hi Earl,
Is it true that you have the 3.0L V-6 engine? If not let me know because all that follow assumes that, and if so you would have a 4-speed auto (with an "OD" choice on the control).
Am I correct in saying that the car moves from rest smoothly but then when it is time to shift the engine seems to speed up while the speed of the car doesn't change much (e.g. like the trans is "slipping")but then if you ease off the gas it will shift up to the next gear, etc.? Does it do that with each gear change and will it get to high gear or not?
These trans are electronically controlled and can be very expensive to rebuild if that is what is necessary. It might be a relatively inexpensive issue such as changing the trans fluid filter or cleaning the valve body, both of which can be done without removing the trans. I guess you have checked the fluid level in trans? That too could cause this sort of behavior.
One of the features of the trans is that it can recognize when something is wrong and chacterize it by a two digit code number that is then stored in the memory of the controller. You can go to a dealer or an independent shop that has the code readout tool and ask for a readout, the code numbers, a descrition of the meaning of the codes, a proposal on repair, and a cost estimate. This may cost about $75 which they may well apply to the repair cost if you authorize them to go ahead and fix it. But before you say o.k., write me back with the results and we'll compare what they tell you with what the shop manual says about the codes. I would avoid going to a franchise shop (AAMCO, etc) because they will usually want to get you to do a rebuild. Such a job is in the range of $1500-2,000!. So call around to independent shops and ask if the have a code reader for your trans or not, and how much to do the readout. Also ask at the Chrysler/Dodge dealer. Then decide if that is worth it or not, to get the information.
Roland