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Chrysler Repair/'01 Stratus, SE 2.4: trans in limp mode

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Expert: - 8/30/2011


Question
The (MIL) came on and the transmission will not shift gears. The fluid level was a little low. I removed a couple of fuses attempting to maybe reset a relay. Test drove for about 2 miles and the (MIL) was not on and the transmission shifted correctly. I stopped the car and turn around to head home and the (MIL) came back on  and the car would not shift. Any Idea?

Answer
Hi Cecil,
I would go to an Autozone or similar nationwide parts store where they often will do a free fault code readout which may give us an idea of what the transmission controller sees as the issue. An independent shop will do the readout for around $40. Let me know any such numbers and we'll go from there. When the trans sees a problem it will usually default to 'limp mode' where it only uses 2nd gear in order to reduce the odds of damage. But it will set a code so let's see what it is.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the 'pool' to which Kevin had referred it. Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' response if I merit that. Thank you

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Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

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Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

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Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

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"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

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