QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2004 Sebring, V6. When decelerating past ~25mph I observe a brief but harsh downshift. Fluid level was low, but now corrected, along with new fluid, filter, cooler lines, and trans solenoid pack (previously leaking). No codes present - no engine light on. What could be wrong? Thanks for your help!
ANSWER: Hi David,
If you are certain that the code readout also accessed the transmission controller memory and it indeed showed no codes, then the possible explanations are two-fold: on the simpler side the hydraulic pressure could be too high, the idle speed could be too high or irregular, a valve body may be malfunctioning/leaking, or too low/aerated fluid; on the complex (expensive) side there could be damaged accumulatior seal rings/clutch seals, warn or faulty clutches. If you have any doubts about the readout I would try for another one at an Autozone parts store where they will do it for free, or an independent garage where they will charge less than $40. A code would be very helpful to differenetiate the possibilities.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The AutoZone tech said they cannot read codes if no engine light is on, so he did not even try. Would codes be present without a light?
A Google search reveals this as a common problem - sudden downshift from 2nd to 1st gear. But I have not seen a consistent explanation or resolution.
Why do you not like chain transmission stores, such as Aamco? I am considering going there to fix this.
btw, I am SOO impressed you answered this. Thanks!
AnswerHi David,
Aha! Autozone was wrong about that. There are many hundreds of codes that won't turn on the check engine light. That light only comes on when the problem affects pollution. So either get them to read it or go to an independent garage or transmission shop for a readout. I would be surprised if there is not a transmission fault code in the memory.
As for chains, they are organized to install rebuilt transmissions, not to repair your present transmission and so they tend to conclude a replacement is always necessary. That is a very expensive choice, if unnecessary. You could go to an independent trans shop for the readout and ask them if the price of the fault code readout would be waived if you decide to let them do the repair. The readout shouldn't cost more than $40. Ask for the 4-digit code, what it means, what they recommend doing and for how much. Then let me know and we'll compare that to the shop manuals for that code.
Roland
