Posted: 6/12/2008 2:55:20 PM EDT
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First of all, thanks to those who provide any help/recommendations. I've got a 95 Chrysler Cirrus 4cyl Auto with 89k miles that has an issue with the transmission not shifting or getting stuck in gear. First off, the trans fluid is clean, smells normal, but is about 1 full inch high on the stick at operating temp in idle. I know I need to siphon the extra out, but I don't have an evac pump and I'm not quite sure that's the issue here anyways. But that's why I'm asking. I'm a motorcycle mechanic and have automotive background, so you can use technical terms with me. The issue I am having is intermittent. When driving at a steady speed (either city or highway speeds), the transmission will slip out of gear and into neutral. Give it a few seconds, and it slips back into gear with a shudder. Then it will be just fine through 1st and 2nd gear. When it attempts to shift into 3rd, it slips, then seems to get stuck in 2nd gear. I slow down to a stop and restart, and it feels like it starts off in 2nd gear. From 0-50mph, I feel neither the converter clutch engage, nor the transmission shift. I don't go over 50mph because the engine speed approaches 5k. I stop and try to start out in Low or 3, but it still feels like it is in 2nd gear and never shifts. It continues to do this for awhile, never the same length of time/distance, then slips, shudders, then shifts just fine. Then not long after that, the issue starts over again. Any ideas? |
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I had this happen once. Eventually it stopped working. Turned out there was a filter problem, and it had clogged not allowing enough fluid to circulate. It started out as not engaging in gear, went to not shifting out of 1st. You could give that a try it is a cheap check. Also chryslers have a kick down cable or linkage. If that is misadjusted, it causes shift problems, and eventually can burn out a transmission. However you should have noticed no down shifts when under hard acceleration first for that to be your problem. |
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Your 4-speed is electronically controlled (hydraulics actuated by electronic solenoids controlled by computer) rather than the older, virtually bulletproof hydraulic programming. What you describe as being stuck in 2nd gear is probably accurate; the transmission has a "limp in" mode that it will default to if the transmission control computer detects something wrong. It figures you can get it to the shop in 2nd gear. A diagnostic computer might be able to tell you what's causing it to drop into limp-in mode. How often has the transmission been serviced? Has it always received the proper Chrysler spec automatic transmission fluid (never any "generic" ATF)? When was the last service that included a filter change? |
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Appreciate the responses! Limp mode sounds about right, but if limp mode was engaged by the computer, wouldn't it stay in limp mode until it was reset? I'm not sure the transmission has ever been serviced properly. It's actually my g/f's car. I performed the key-flash and the only code it displayed was for an o2 sensor, due to a major exhaust leak. I've got access to a MODIS but have never tried to troubleshoot transmission issues before. Guess I'll take a crash course on learning it. 
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I don't think the built-in (key codes) diagnostics will tell you the transmission control computer diagnostics. Separate system. I think limp-in can self-cancel if the problem that caused it to go into limp-in mode goes away. If you have a problem that comes and goes...? When serviced, make SURE that they use ONLY THE SPECIFIC CHRYSLER FLUID specified in the owner's manual to be safe. Go here for great info: www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html |
