Chrysler Repair: 1997 intrepid DTC P1784, solenoid pack, solenoid switch

Question
My wifes car quit pullign the other day on her way to work.  She said it had been slipping. and when she stoped at a stop sigh she could no longer go.  i came with some tools and could get nothign out of it.  no reverse no drive nothign from the colom selector.  park  was the only thing working.  it wouldent roll in park so i figure the linkage from the selector is good.  i got the code p1784 which say manufacturer contrl transmission.  also i few other codes in volving the egr valve and a misfir on 4 and 5.  i dont figure those involve the transmission. and ill worry about those later. do you have any advice?

Answer
Hi Kyle,
The code is about the switch that monitors the hydraulic pressure for operating the low/reverse clutch of the transmission. That clutch is called into play for all forward gears as well as reverse, so it seems reasonable if that clutch were not working that the car wouldn't move in any gear. I would begin by making sure that there is sufficient trans fluid by inspecting its dipstick. If needed only use ATF +4 but don't overfill it. Also, just on a chance, take a look underneath to see if you see any motion of either the left or right half axles (or one moving, but one not) which would be another reason for no motion due to a drive shaft disconnection or some such anomaly. Other than that, your problem could be with the Low/Reverse solenoid switch in the solenoid pack portion of the transmission (the box on the driver's side of the trans) being stuck. That can be repaired without removing and rebuilding the transmission so let us hope that may be the cause. I would have the car towed to a good independent trans shop that has a reputation for knowing how to service the Chrysler electronic transmission. Let me know how it all works out, please.
Roland