Expert: Roland Finston - 6/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Roland, after traveling at about 70mph for about an hour, I exited the interstate and came to a stop: the car down shifted roughly, and began sputtering. I had the accelerator to the floor, and the car didn't want to move: it barely got to 15mph. It eventually died. I pulled over, tried turning it over, with no luck at all. About 10 minutes later, it turned over just fine. I traveled again down the interstate, with no problems. Shifting at times seems a little hesitant, but nothing bothersome. I did have to add 1 1/2 quarts of oil when I got home, but in an engine that holds 5 1/2 quarts, I doubt that would be connected. I can't seemt to get the car to put out any codes. Any ideas?

ANSWER: Hi Joe,
Do you mean no codes at all, or does the odometer say "done" after you do the ignition key 'dance'. Also because this is likely a transmission issue you would want to get codes from the transcontroller which are best obtained via a plug-in reader to a socket under the dash by the steering column.  You can get a free readout at many nationwide parts stores, such as Autozone, so try them. Let me know any 4 digit numbert that you get.
Did you check the transmission dipstick? If fluid needed add only ATF +4 via the dipstick tube. and don't overfill it in any case.
Roland

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

QUESTION: I did the key code "dance" and it displayed nothing but my 91,000 + miles. I did check the transmission dipstick, and it was at the proper level and a beautiful bubblegum pink color. While engine was failing, the check engine light was blinking, not holding steady. Not sure if that suggests anything.

Answer
If you did the key dance in 5 seconds or less it will usually say 'done', but in any case give it one more try and if nothing pups up then try the plug-in code reader approach. I'm glad the trans fluid is full and looks good. I'll await any codes you can get with a reader.
Limp mode by the way is when the trans won't shift and only drives in 2nd gear.