Chrysler Repair: Early electronic transaxle problem: 1989 eagle premier, dodge dynasty, chrysler new yorker

Question
I have a 1989 eagle premier, 3.0 v-6 4 spd auto transmission. Recently, it began shifting into the gears really hard, it jerked the entire car when it shifted. Yesterday, it shifted out of first into 2nd, and never shifted out of 2nd. Also, it has overdrive, when that gear is selected, it will jump in and out of gear.  I was told that this could be a fuse problem, a vacuum problem(modulator valve) or a governor problem. Does this vehicle have an modulator valve, or is it completely electronic? If it was a fuse problem, would it have the problem of kicking in and out of over drive, or would over drive just not work at all? Thankyou for your time.

Answer
Hi James,
You have there a very early A-604 electronic transaxle, I believe. That year may have been the first. I don't have any manuals about the eagle vehicle of that year but based upon the use of it in the Chrysler New Yorker/Dodge Dynasty with the 3.0L V-6 I believe it is an all electronic transaxle. The driving in second gear only is in fact a self-defense mechanism known as "limp in mode". It means that the electronic controller has noted a fault and gone into the mode to protect against unnecessary damage. It has a 4 pin diagnostic readout socket next to the steering column which can be mated to the Diagnositic Readout Box II for a readout of what the controller has recognized and stored as a fault code. You will in all likelihood have to find a Chrysler dealer with the DRB II and the special 4 pin plug to readout the fault code and then act accordingly. You will probably have to find a dealer who was in business in '89 to find someone with the plug and the knowledge to effect a repair. I can't be certain as explained above but this is the way it looks to me. I don't believe it is a fuse problem, vacuum or governor problem. If you can get a fault code I should be able to double check what you are told about a repair against a '92  manual that I own. By the way, the diagnostic connector for the engine is in the engine compartment and is different from the one by the steering column. If it isn't something that can be repaired while the trans is in the vehicle I am afraid that the cost is going to be prohibitive to the future of your vehicle.
Roland