Expert: Roland Finston - 9/28/2011

Question
Hi

My 02 Cruiser engine light went on immediately after the vehicle suddenly shut off as I was pulling into a parking spot. When I restarted it had gone into limp-in mode.  Autozone tested and came out with P0700 and P0755 fault codes.  Is there anything that I can check before I call the Chrysler dealer for an appointment.  I am fairly handy and can do my own oil changes, but I am no mechanic.  If you can reference any diagrams or pictures that would be very helpful. Also, I stopped by an independent tranny place and he wanted to charge me $1600 to fix it without even opening the hood. Thanks for any information that you can pass on.

Answer
Hi Jack,
The code says there is something wrong with the 2-4 solenoid which is fortunately inside a box on the outside of the transmission so the transmission in not internally damaged.
First check the trans fluid level on the dipstick. Only use ATF +4 if needed and don't overfill.
There are 2 wires between the solenoid/pressure switch assembly which is the box on the side of the transmission facing the front of the car, which should be checked for continuity: pin 8 of the assembly plug to pin 19 of the transmission controller, and pin 1 to pin 47. If those are 0K then I would consider replacing the solenoid/pressure switch assembly which is a job that an amateur can do. You have to remove the air cleaner assembly, the battery, the battery tray, and then at the assembly you remove the input speed sensor and the fluid cooling lines which are located just above the box. Then remove the electrical plug and finally the three vertical bolts that hold the assembly to the trans housing and lift out the assembly.
I have the pages from the manual that show the process which I can copy and attach to an email. To do that I need to know your email address which is something we experts don't routinely see. So you need to ask a new question, put the address in the text of the question area, click on the 'keep question private' box (otherewise the address will be erased), and submit it. Don't do a 'follow-up question', rather submit a new question.
Roland