QuestionHI AGAIN ROLAND, I DID GET A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THE VEHICLE. THE DTC IS P0420 THIS IS UNDERSTOOD TO BE A GENERIC CODE FOR MY CAR. WHAT IS AN AUXILLARY EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND DOES THIS HAVE ANTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM EARLIER DESCRIBED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION?
THIS IS A 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXi
THANKS AGAIN IN ADVANCE,
PETE-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
MY 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXi WONT SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. WHEN FIRST STARTING THE CAR THE TRANS WILL CATCH (sometimes, especially if the car has not warmed up yet). BUT IT SLIPS WHEN APPROACHING SECOND GEAR. THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT CATCH AGAIN IS TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF, WAIT A FEW MINUTES, THEN RE-START IT. AFTER REVING THE ENGINE A FEW TIMES IT MIGHT CATCH AGAIN. MY TRANS FLUID DOES NOT SEEM TO BE LEAKING, NOR IS IT BURNT. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS THAT MAY HELP?
THANKX IN ADVANCE,
PETE
P.S. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, BUT HAS BEEN ON LONG BEFORE THIS PROBLEM OCCURED.
Answer -
Hi Pete,
The check engine light being on for a while might mean that the transcontroller has detected a problem with the unit before it was noticeable to you. Fortunately there is an ability of the trans to do some self diagnosis and tell you what might be wrong by means of fault codes stored in its memory. In order to avoid any unnecessary damage the trans may have gone into "limp-in" mode which means it won't shift out of 2nd gear. It allows the car to be driven at moderate speed to a garage for analysis. The transmission controller logs the problem as a two digit number stored in its memory. The transmission controller does not have a self-read capability so you can't use the ignition switch to get the codes.
The dealer or a competent transmission shop should have a readout unit to find out what the code number is and from that they can make some conclusions about whether the trans can be repaired without being removed from the car (for example a electrical or hydraulic pressure problem) OR if some mechanical damage is involved (but do follow-up a "mechanical damage" diagnosis by dropping the oil pans and looking for debris to be present or not) which if true would require a pretty expensive rebuild, I am sorry to say. No debris in the pans would suggest the possibility of an hydraulic problem only.
So that is my best advice: go to a dealer/independent and ask for a diagnostic readout of the transmission controller and an estimate for repairs. Get the code number(s), and if you like, write back with a 'follow-up' question to me and we can compare what you are told with what the shop manual says is the problem of that code, and then decide if you are getting the correct advice. You don't have to give them a blank check, just ask for a diagnostic readout, the code numbers and the repair estimate. It will cost something to get that done (should be under $50), but the more information you have before going forward the better. I would not go to a franchise-type (AAMCO) transmission shop, but rather an independent with a good reputation or a Chrysler dealer. The place has to have a code reader with the 16 pin data link connector that mates with the Chrysler-type readout plug under the dash to the left of the steering wheel on the right side lower edge of the junction block/body computer module. So inquire whether that is true and if their reader can readout the transcontroller codes, if you don't go to a dealer shop. If you go ahead with the repair, the cost of the diagnosis is often credited against the repair cost. But don't rush to judgement because a total rebuild costs about $1,500 so you don't want to authorize that unless it is the only possibility. Let me know what happens, because the feedback helps me too.
Roland
AnswerHi Pete,
I believe that the readout only inquired about the engine controller memory, and did not readout the transmission controller memory. That is one of the items that I mentioned earlier you need to verify...the ability of the shop to also read the trans controller memory. I would go back to the shop and ask them to either produce such a readout or refund your money. Then go to a Chrysler dealer ship with the DRB III readout device which will certainly get you that transmission readout.
The P0420 is about the catalytic converter (#1 cylinder bank IF there are two such converters on your engine, otherwise the only converter) having less than expected efficiency of detoxification of the exhaust gas which may show up as a problem in passing a smog test if that is required in your State. But it is a code from the engine controller, not the trans controller.
I hope you are successful in getting the trans code readout as this will be the most useful info for deciding what to do about its present malfunction. And I think you shouldn't have to pay twice for the readout. The trans codes of relevance are in the range of P0700 and higher.
Roland
