Chrysler Repair: transmission, pan gasket, chrysler brand

Question
I have a 1997 chrysler town country lxi mini van.  I just recently noticed a transmission fluid leak.  It is very noticible.  The transmission began to slip when I drive.  I can hear it slip into drive.  When I stop at a traffic light, it slips again.  I stopped and checked the fluid.  It was about a half quart low.  I added a half quart.  The fluid seems to be dropping between the radiator and the front of the motor.  There was one big puddle and one smaller puddle on each side of the big puddle.  I also had the transmission fluid flushed and replaced about a year ago. I took it to have it checked and was told the leak is probably from the pan gasket which needs to be replaced, but the slipping was not addressed.  They did suggest that dirt may be the cause of this problem as well. What do you say? Do I need to take a chance in driving the car again or have it towed to the mechanic?

Answer
Hi Ben,
Low fluid will cause the transmission to slip. If you can't keep the proper level of fluid in the trans (don't overfill, just keep adding to get it to proper level as you drive to the dealer) then I would have it towed. The trans needs to use the Chrysler brand of fluid so if you have used other brands be sure to have the trans drained, flushed, and refilled. If it is the pan gasket, that gasket would need to be replaced anyway when you do the flushing. I would turn it over to a Chrysler dealer or an independent shop (not AAMCO) that has experience with this trans and ask if they have a fault code reader for the Chrysler electronic transaxles. If it is not just a pan leak, then being able to read the memory of the trans controller for what it sees as the problem will be helpful in diagnosing what is wrong and getting the correct repair. It may just be an hydraulic (oil pressure) problem that can be serviced without removing and overhauling the trans. But don't drive it with the fluid below the minimum level on the dipstick. It will probably shift into "limp-in" mode at some point which is designed to just get you to a shop in 2nd gear only but that is normal. If you have towing insurance now it the time to use it.
Roland