Chrysler Repair: 2.4L Plymouth Breeze, Transmission Growling, mechanic friend, head gasket

Question
Hi Roland,

My original email subject was Chrysler 2.4L Head Gasket Oil Leak.

Now, I have spoken to my husband, and we own the 3 speed, non electronic.  We do not have overdrive on the car.

We took the car to our mechanic friend on Friday, and he tried to read if there was a code showing to check if there were any errors.  Nothing came up, and he tried for over 1/2 hour.  Now, he did not have it hooked up outside of the car, it was inside.  Is there somewhere else he should be looking to read codes?

Last time the car went into Limp mode when there was a problem and we had the transmission re-built.

I spoke to Chrysler this a.m., as we are due for a transmission service.  They said that if they do the service, it may fix the problem, or make it worse.  We ran into that difficulty with a Jeep we owned (5 speed manual) - it never shifted into 1st properly after they did the servicing.  What do you think?

Cyndie
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Roland,

We fixed the car, it was the head gasket leaking.  We ended up taking it to a friend who is a mechanic.  

Now we're hearing a "growling" sound in 1st gear when I've come to a complete stop.  And...when I put it in reverse, the car sometimes "lurches" and again, the growling sound.  But this is not happening consistently.  Maybe once every 2 wks or so?

Any ideas on what this may be? We did rebuild the transmission at 105,000 km, and we're only at 173,000 now.

Cyndie
Answer -
Hi Cyndie,
I'm glad to learn of the resolution of the engine problem. Just for reference do you recall the date or "subject" of your first question so I can review it and my response?
Do you have the 3-speed non-electronic auto trans or the 4-speed electronic auto trans? If it is the former, it could be a fairly simple low/reverse band adjustment that is needed (this can be done using adjuster on the outside of the trans). It would be good also to check the level of fluid as shown on the dip stick. I would try to check this out and not let it go on because a growling sound is a sign of some damage occuring to internal parts that can't go on for long without producing more serios problem.
If it is the latter (shifter shows an "OD" symbol is a sign of the 4-speed) then the possibilities are greater and the analysis more complex. Here is a response I sent recently to anowner of that trans:
"The reasons for the delayed/harsh shift are several ranging from very simply being low on transmission fluid, to minor adjustment of the gear shift mechanism, to minor maintenance such as changing the transmission fluid filter, to repairs that don't require removing the trans (fluid pump replaced, valve body cleaned), to serious internal damage requiring a removal and disasembly (could cost $2,000). These transmissions are sophisticated electronically controlled units that need to be maintained to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs. I would begin by checking the dipstick after warming up the van and driving it a bit, then put the trans in Park with the engine idling and see if the level is in the cross-hatched zone for "hot" fluid. If you need to add, get the fluid from a Chrysler dealer as the units are finicky about what fluid they work with. If that looks normal you might then do well to go to a dealer or an independent trans shop (but not a franchise type) with a good reputation to discuss changing the fluid filter and checking for any debris in the drain pans (which is a bad sign of internal damage) and checking the adjustment of the shift lever.
An alternative is to have the trans's electronic controller read out for any fault codes it may have stored after recognizing a malfunction in the unit. That is a simple task (but ask how much they charge before authorizing it, and verify that the shop has a unit for reading the trans codes as all shops may not be so-equipped) done with a diagnostic readout box, and the codes, if any, are clues as to why you have this problem. If you do that, ask for the code numbers, and for a diagnosis and estimate of repair costs. I have a manual that we can check this information against to verify that the proposal is appropriate."
So those are the two types of trans that could be involved. Determine which you have and then consider what I have suggested as possible action plans. Let me know which tranny you have and let me know of other behavior issues that might be 'categorized' as to cause in the shop manuals I have on hand.
Take it step-by-step and don't panic.
Roland  

Answer
Hi again,
The 3 speed doesn't have an electronic contoller that detects and stores codes so that would explain the mechanic's in ability to get same.
It also doesn't have a "limp-in" mode (meaning only uses 2nd gear) but it could certainly appear to limp.
So based on the manual I have for the 3 speed, the possibilites are that the engine is idling too fast, the low/reverse band is out of adjustment, the l/r servo or its linkage out of adjuctment, worn or faulty rear clutch, or hydraulic pressure too high. So you might look at the idle speed issue first because that would possibly occur in course of the head gasket repair (due to a vacuum leak), and if that is not the reason, then go thru the trans adjustments before tearing into it, beginning with things related to the hydraulics that can be checked without rebuilding or removing the trans. Only after all that would you want to authorize another rebuild.
Keep me informed as you work this out. But I would wonder about a dealer who would warn you that they could make it worse. Maybe they are trying to cover themselves in the event of 'malpractice'. I would try to find an independent shop with a good reputation for not "pushing" rebuilds, which is the problem I have with the franchise shops.
Roland