Chrysler Repair: automatic trans,91, wont shift: replacing speed sensors, speed sensors, sf bay area

Question
QUESTION: I have a 91 Imperial and it is not shifting out of low gear. I have checked all of the plugs and lines that go to the trans and found nothing loose or broken. Any suggestions

ANSWER: Hi Jeff,
I suspect that the trans controller has detected a fault that is in need of attention in the transmission and thus put it into "limp in" mode to avoid unnecessary damage. There is a fault code stored in the trans controller that can be obtained by a readout with a Chrysler Diagnostic readout box (DRB II) to get that code. Probably a dealer or maybe a quality independent trans shop would have a the reader which is accessed via a 6-pin plug under the dash on the driver side (this is a different plug from the one for the engine controller). Once you get the code and what it means, and what they recommend doing then write back and I can compare that with what the manual says for that code. In the meantime it will only drive in 2nd gear.
Roland
PS if you happen to be in the SF Bay Area let me know as I have the reader.

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QUESTION: I have taken the car in question to a repair shop and there diagnosis is an outbound transmission speed sensor, It has been suggested that when replacing the outbound you should also replace the inbound....the parts are relatively cheap I was wondering how difficult they are to replace


Answer
Hi Jeff,
The two sensors are located on the side of the trans that faces the front of the car about mid-level in height, of similar appearance, one to either side of the vertical shifter rod. The electrical connector will release by gently lifting on the locking tab and pulling straight out. They simply unscrew and are then replaced with the new units, tightening them to a torque of 20 foot-pounds, about the same as a spark plug is tightened to.
So it is something you should be able to do yourself.
Roland