Expert: Roland Finston - 10/9/2011

Question
QUESTION: will not change gears , at first but i can stop and restart car it will shift into gear.

 1993 Eagle Vision  (3.3)

ANSWER: Hi Ronnie,
You have the electronic transmission which has self-diagnostic capability and it has found there to be a problem. Becasue the car is a '93 it is using the system of fault codes called OBD-I (which phased out in '96) and so to get the fault information that will tell us what is the likely cause/repair you need to get a fault code readout using an OBD-I reader. You could check with a nationwide autoparts store to see if they will give you a free readout using such an OBD-I reader but if they can't, then you could either go to a dealer or go to an independent trans repair shop (not a nationwide chain because they are likely to want to sell you a rebuilt transmission) and tell them you have the Chyrsler electronic transaxle and need to know the OBD-I fault code(s). The codes are 2-digit numbers so ask for them, ask what they mean, ask what they propose to do, and ask for how much? Then let me know and we'll compare what you are told with what the Chrysler repair manual says about the codes. Most shops will do a readout for $40. The situation you are experiencing is called "limp-in mode" and the transmission controller is programmed to do that when it diagnoses a specific sort of problem that is better to avoid unnecessary shifting until it can be repaired. So it simply drops the trans in 2nd gear when it detects the problem and will not shift. But as you see, it can be short circuited by turning off the engine, etc. but as soon as it senses the problem again it will again change to limp-in mode. It is a self-protective strategy. Until we know the codes there is no way to be sure what the fix is going to entail. If you have over 150,000 miles on the car then it may be the case that the trans needs to be opened up for repair, but the code is thc bottom line.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: we had the car checked by a transmission shop ;our OBD code read out 11. his recommendation was to change fluid and filter at a cost of $90-$100 .

Answer
Hi Ronnie,
I wonder why that recommendation was offered? The 11 code specifically point to a failure of the transmission's electronic control module (TCM). I would look for a used one at wrecking yards/hotlines for same. If you can find one from a Chrysler LHS, Concorde, New Yorker, Dodge Intrepid with the 3.3L engine they all should work. It is a simple plug and play exchange. It is located on the driver side inner fender up front next to the windshield washer fluid filler neck.
Roland

PS: Thanks for the rating and nomination. One thing to do after installing the replacement TCM is called a quick learn procedure where the TCM learns the shift characteristics of the transmission as it currently functions:
Transaxle must be warmed up.
Maintain constant throttle opening during shifts
Do not move accelerator pedal during upshifts
Accelerate vehicle with throttle opening angle in the range of 10 to 50 degress
Make 15-20: 1-2,2-3, 3-4 upshifts. Accelerate from stop to about 45 mph each time at a moderate throttle opening angle.

With vehicle speed below 25 mph make 5 to 8 wide open throttle kick downs from to either third or second gear from 4th gear (4-3 or 4-2 for example).
Do the same with vehicle speeds above 25 mph do the same kick downs with part to wide open throttle position. Allow for 5 seconds or more in 4th, preferably at road load throttle prior to performing kick downs.

This should optimize shift quality.