2000 Dodge 200m - Problem Shifting

The transmission control is telling it to go into "limp" mode.

Knew it was limp mode, but googling just gave me headaches. Finally found a page with several areas to check that might be causing it to go into limp mode. Loose connections, bad grounds, input/output sensors etc. The biggest problem seems to be caused by using dexron instead of ATF+4 from chrysler. Think I'll check all the electrical connections and drain the trans and refill with the correct fluid. Not sure whats in there now but it was rebuilt by the last owner and might not be correct.

Any other help would be appreciated.

NEVER NEVER NEVER use Dexron in a Mopar transmission. Get that crap out of there ASAP and get ATF+4 in!! You might be able to salvage the transmission. I learned this the hard (and expensive) way.

Bill

One of the things that the system monitors is individual clutch pack application oil pressure, I think. If this goes out of spec, I believe the system goes into limp. It seems like a fluid that may have a different viscosity could possibly cause that. I also suspect that if the system is too hot or cold (viscosity issues) it goes into limp.

Use this guide to find the cut-away depiction of the transmission.

http://www.transtar1.com/catView.asp?ID=444

The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid failure can cause or contribute to this occurring, you may replace or clean it; it's a valve. I cleaned mine a year ago an all is well.

I have replaced a ton of solenoids and pressure switches on those cars! Have you scanned it to see what trouble codes she has?

I don't know this particular gearbox but my experience with GM boxes is that, when you drain the fluid, you only get a small amount of the total quantity out. Most of the fluid stays in the torque converter.

Hello,

After having owned a lot of Dodge and Plymouth vehicles over the years, including all the repair work on p/u trucks, my gut feeling is for you to check out one of the several solenoids on the auto transmission....there should be one there that constantly gets fouled up from year to year and vehicle to vehicle that you'd think Chrysler engineering would have replaced the solenoid type with a much better one. I believe it is located on or near the shifting linkages, or something like that. It's been a while since I've actually worked on one, plus I haven't had my 2nd mug of Joe this AM!!! LOL

Also, run through the codes to help pinpoint the exact solenoid!

Good luck fixing that truck!

Yeah. I've heard horror stories about them melting from crappy plastic. So they replaced them with crappy metal ones.

This will help you find it

http://www.transtar1.com/catView.asp?ID=444

Thanks for the replies. I plan to hose the cooler and purge the system to get out as much as possible after dropping the pan. I talked to the guy who owned the car before my son and he believes they used dexron. With a new filter and fluid I hope it clears up. I'll check the electrical connections to make sure no moisture got in or any wires shorted. Clean and replace the sensors if necessary. The hardest is getting him to take it to a shop and get the codes read. He's got to take some innitiative or it can sit and gather dust. The more I read about these tranny's the more I feel they should have come up with a better design. Or at least tell people about the wrong fluid problems.