Chrysler Repair: 99 Town & Country Transmission, chrysler owners, chrysler dealers

Question
I was driving just fine and the van bucked out of gear.  The check engine light went on.  I could not get it to go forward or backward.  After a few minutes I was able to back up and backed all the way home.  When I put the car in drive, it makes a clicking sound, when I step on the the gas, the sound gets louder.  It will not go forward.  When I put it in reverse, sometimes it will go, but it jumps into gear.  There is no noise when it is in reverse.  It is a 3.8 liter. I tried to get the fault code and it only blinked "55".  There was no other codes displayed.  Do you think it may be a part or does the whole transmission need to be replaced?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,
The code readout you got, 55, just refers to the engine controller's memory, not the transmission's. You need to have a code reader plugged into a socket under the dash and get the fault codes for the transmission read out of its memory. Only then will you get a lead on what is wrong with it. I would have the van towed to a reputable local transmission shop that works successfully on the Chrysler Electronic Transaxles (which is the kind I suspect that you have if it has the "OD" choice on the selector)*. Get the code readout(ask for all the numbers and the meaning of the numbers), what might be the cause and repair possibilities, and the costs. Then write me back and we'll compare that info with what the manual says, if you want a second opinion before authoizing them to do the repair. Because of the towing situation, the most important decision is to whom to have it towed. Asking for references of satisfied Chrysler owners or BBB might be a resources in deciding. I would avoid franchise nationwide shops because they are tilted toward putting in rebuilt transmissions whether necessary or not, and Chrysler dealers are usually going to charge more for the job.
About the only thing to check now yourself would be whether you have sufficient trans fluid in the unit. It has a separate dipstick. If you find it needs some, go to a Chrysler dealer to get the proper fluid only, otherwise the problem can get worse by using the wrong fluid. Don't overfill it, add a little at a time thru the dipstick tube.
Take your time on this as the decision as to who you authorize to make repairs is important, including what warranty time and coverage they will make to you in writing. The work may be expensive so you want to get the best job and warranty.
Roland
*If you don't have an OD choice, then you have the 3-speed transmission and it doesn't use a controller and has no fault code readout possibilities. Then it is up to the trans shop to do testing of the unit to ascertain what is the problem and give you an estimate for the repair. These transmissions are less costly to rebuild and generally last longer. But they don't have the "bells and whistles".