Chrysler Repair: 98 Neon Expresso transmission, neon expresso, diagnostic capability

Question
my automatic transmission has been hesitating when it is cold--it stops(hesitating and shifts smoothly) after driving several miles.  Does this sound serious?

Answer
Hi Daury,
While the '99 model year may be a little beyond my expertise let me offer you some information. If this is a 4 speed automatic with an electronic controller, then it is possible that the weather being very cold will cause this sort of behavior. On the other hand, there could be a minor issue with the hydraulic pressures inside the trans, or there could also be a more serious problem that would be expensive to repair. One way to get more useful information is to go to a Chrysler/Dodge dealer and ask to have the transmission controller read out for the presence of any fault codes that may have been stored in the memory. Such a code will then be used to consider what to do next.
If this is a 3-speed non-electronic trans then there is no such on-board diagnostic capability and we have to wait to see if it goes away or gets worse, as the weather warms up.
For either unit, check the trans fluid level on its separate dip stick, and smell the fluid on the stick. If it has a burnt smell, then changing the fluid and replacing the internal filter in the trans might solve the problem. If the fluid smell o.k. and only the level is low, then get a quart of Chrysler brand fluid appropriate for the trans and add it a little at a time using a funnel through the dipstick tube until the level is back in the proper range on the dipstick.
Let me know if you do have the 4-speed and if you get a trouble code readout. Find out what if any code numbers are found. We can compare notes on what the manual recommends vs. what the dealer recommends before you authorize any expensive servicing. The readout is a work order item by itself, so you don't have to commit to do anything further.
Roland