Chrysler Repair: 95 cirrus trans problem, solenoid pack, obd ii

Question
Hi Roland,

1995 Chrysler Cirrus V6. I finally have the engine running well. On to the transmission. It sometimes shifts normally. Then sometimes shifts first to second and stays in second until I come to a stop. It then repeats the one to two shift and stays there. Transmission shop changed the TCM twice and the solenoid pack once. I had atf4 fluid in it that he changed twice with regular atf fluid and an additive. He says it makes no difference. He now says he doesn’t know what it is, (after he has taken $1000.00 from me). It did the same thing when it had the atf4 in it. Then when it feels like it, will shift normally again. I have changed both input and output sensors. When the problem begins the transmission will either clunk hard into gear, (from park to drive), or if I’m coming to a stop it clunks hard when it disengages from gear. That’s how I know the problem has returned. When it clears up, the trans goes into gear smoothly from park to drive. I then know that it is going to shift normally. Any help would be appreciated. George


Answer
Hi George,
I don't recall if I suggested this, but a fault code readout of the trans controller would be worthwhile. If you have the OBD-II 16-pin plug under the dash by the steering column then that would be the way to get that. An Autozone parts store will often do that for free, or get the shop that has taken so much money already do the readout for free. Find out any 4-digit fault codes and let me know what they are.
If there is no 16-pin plug under the dash with which to do the readout, then look for a 6-pin blue plug under the dash that reads out the OBD-I codes for the transmission using a Chrysler DRB II reader with its 'data link connector' or a similar Snap-on Reader. That would be a two digit fault code.
Let me know what you learn and we can evaluate whether there is anything to try other than a removal and rebuild.
Roland