Mitsubishi Repair: Blinking Neutral, signal value, vehicle computer

Question
97 Lancer, glxi, automatic

i had a change oil and a change atf.  then my car was given a free engine wash before it was returned to me.  but after that, neutral lights blink about 15 minutes of driving. once it starts blinking, a significant loss of power is felt. also, gear shifting causes a significant magnitude of jerks enough to wake up a sleeping passenger. i had it returned to make sure the spark plugs didn't get wet. but still no luck. same thing still happens... please help.

Answer
Jon,
The condition you're describing is sometimes referred to as "limp mode".  This happens when the vehicle computer recognizes a problem in it's logic. When an expected signal value from a sensor is sent to the computer and is not within the computer's programmed specifications, 'secondary' programs are activated by the computer to strive to protect the transmission from any damage the improper sensor signal might cause to occur, be signaling, or contribute to.

Though engine washes can make your engine look like new, it can problems with sensitive electronics if it does not dry thoroughly before starting the car and driving off.  You should have your mechanic check the sensors and the ATF level to make sure it's filled appropriately.
Good luck!