Yeh, I know they're only good for about 100,000 miles, but my daughters' 1997 JXI automatic transmission seems to have lost 3rd and 4th gear today. The check engine light is also on. I just nursed the car home and I'll look at it on Saturday. I just wanted to get started on the research tonight. So, if you know anything about these transmissions losing their top gears(the car just revs freely like it's in neutral once it's revved far enough to kick it past second gear), please give me any and all input. And yes the fluid was changed at 64,000 miles(when we bought it) an at 107,000 miles last summer when I changed a leaking output seal. The car is currently at 114,000 miles and the tranny fluid is in the correct range on the dip-stick.

[This message has been edited by carnut122 (edited 05-15-2008).]

what color and what does the fluid smell like?

The fluid seemed normal when I checked. After doing some research apparently the Chrysler auto trannies have their own computers and when these computers detect an issue they go into "Limp-in" mode that doesn't allow them to get into the higher gears. So I need to revise my main question. It is now, "What are the main reasons for the Chrysler automatic transmissions to go into limp-in mode????" Thanks!

Limp mode will put the transmission in one gear, it will not shift and it will not nuetral out when it shifts out of 2nd. You are not in limp mode if it nuetrals out when it shifts to 2nd gear.

Those transmissions where bad about the drum breaking where the snap ring holds the clutches in that drum. Been awhile, but I believe it will do what you are experiencing when it breaks.

afRaceR,

Will it still shift from first to second gear if it's in limp mode?

It depends on what transmission is in the car. I cant remember what auto 4 speed chrysler had in 87. If i remember correctly the 41TE(604) came out in 89.

When i get to work tomorrow i will look up what transmission it is and i can give better advice then.

quote Originally posted by MonteC: Do you know which transmission is in his car?

Are you sure this is an 87? I didn't think they made a sebring in 87, think you probably mean 97. I believe they all had the 604 is they were autos

Here is the forum I use for my 99 Sebring Convertible.

This link should take you to the transmission section.

http://www.sebringclub.net/...d/viewforum.php?f=31

OOOOOOOPPPSSSS! Yep, 1997 Sebring JXI. Not a 1987!!

quote Originally posted by carnut122: OOOOOOOPPPSSSS! Yep, 1997 Sebring JXI. Not a 1987!!

LOL! I know i read '87.

Yeah 97 is the 41TE (604). When the 604 goes into limp mode it only has ONE gear. If the transmission is shifting at least once then you have mechanical problems with the unit.

Being that there electronicly computer controlled, try unhooking the battery for a few minutes then reconnect. See what happens, its free

Thanks to all who have responded! I went and picked up the input and output speed sensors. Apparently, they're the main culprits for this type of problem. I'll go for a spin in the car again tomorrow to see if it has two gears or just one. Also, I'll check to see if it was in fact "free-wheeling" and not in second gear. Then, I'll check the codes from the PCM and reset the Check Engine light. I don't have the reader for the TCM, so that's the end of the line for checking codes. Next, I'll replace both speed sensors, unplug the battery for a good while to be double sure that all codes are erased and all is "reset." I'll let you know how it turns out.

If the input and output speed sensors don't do the trick (and it's not likely that they will), you can also try changing the solenoid pack. The solenoid/valve pack (which is what shifts the transmission internals and is the source of the "buzz" that you can sometimes hear) is external to the A604/41TE transmission and is relatively easy to replace. You can find an "upgraded" replacement solenoid pack for about $100, and you can replace it yourself in an hour or two using ordinary hand tools.

FWIW, I have a '93 Dodge Caravan in which the 41TE transmission failed at about 145,000 miles, and a '98 Caravan in which the 41TE is still going strong at 189,000 miles ... so it can be done

Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 05-18-2008).]

Well, Marvin, you were correct. That didn't solve the problem. However, when I pulled the sensor that was located closest to the driver's side wheel(I don't remember if it's input or output), I did find some metal shavings. After replacing both sensors and clearing the computer, I took it for a spin. It shifted from first to second. Then it went into third where it felt like a car with a clutch pushed in(totally disconnected). The engine revved freely. Then when I let up, it shifted back into second where it remained for the rest of the trip( a couple of miles). When it revved freely, it set the check engine light again(there were no codes on the PCM when I put the "reader" on it prior to replacing the sensors. So, maybe third gear is shot? Or could it be the valve body? If third gear is gone, then it's time for a rebuild. Any other thoughts? Thanks!

Visible metal shavings in a transmission are never a good sign! If it weren't for that, I would suggest that replacing the solenoid/valve pack and then the valve body (in that order) would probably be the next two steps. But you need to consult someone more expert on these particular transmissions than I. The metal shavings are very worrisome.

Well, now that I've been on vacation a few days, I've pulled my daughter's tranny, torn it down, and rebuilt about 90% of it. The issue turned out to be the splines on the male end of the OD clutch hub wiped out the splines on the female ring gear ( I bought these two hard parts(used) for the same price the Chrysler dealer wanted for one bushing). It's a good thing it happened 6 miles from home instead of away at college. Now to finish it up, put it back in the car and see if I've wasted 3-4 days and hundreds of dollars. I like puzzles, so we'll soon see how I did.

did you rebuild it or just patch it? I.E. new clutches, new paper and rubber, new solenoid pack? If you just stuck the two hard parts in then thats a patch job.

Glad you found the problem. I thought that it sounded mechanical from what you were describing.

I still think it's sorcery and witchcraft.

Good luck!

quote Originally posted by Raydar: I still think it's sorcery and witchcraft.

After dealing with these things everyday, im starting to think it is too!

Nope, no patch job. I put in all new clutches, steels, seals, etc. The only thing I didn't do was re-bush it. It seems to shift just fine. I haven't had it out enough for the TCM to relearn yet, but I hope to do that in the next couple of days.