dodge stratus transmission?

[panski master]

I have 98 stratus 4 cyl automatic with 200,000 miles on it.When cold like tonight after I start it I put it in gear, it won't go. After working through the different gears from park to 3rd and Reverse it finally catches and off I go. I have noticed that when you do put it in drive you can hear something like a selenoid clicking in when it works properly. But like tonight when I initially tried to go I didn't hear it. Any sugestions on what it might be and how big/small of a problem it would be to correct? I have never changed the tranny fluid and it does smell a little burnt.

[fishhuntwork]

The it sounds to me is you need an complete overhaul. I'm guessing the seals are bad causing fluid to leak by them when its cold, probably gets better when it warms up. I would suggest a complete overhaul with clutches and seals.

[Jeremy airjer W]

if your not hearing the clicking from the solenoid pack than I would be curious what the TCM is seeing and doing when the transmission is cold. You will need a high end scan tool for this!

Is there a check engine light light on with an OBDII code of P0700?

[panski master]

There is no check engine light on and what is the TCM? I haven't had a scan done or talked to any local shops. Could the solenoid pack be getting weak and maybe be the problem. I noticed this problem last winter a few times but spring came and didn't notice it until this fall.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The tcm (trans control module) is looking for inputs from the range switch and then activating the appropriate solenoids on the solenoid pack. If your not hearing the clicks than one of three things is happening. The solenoid is bad or going bad, the solenoid is not receiving signal from the tcm, or the tcm is not receiving signal from the range switch.

[panski master]

well tonight when i left work it was fine. Airjer, are all three parts you mention internal on the trans? I'm guessing it is the range switch because it only would happen when you try to put it in gear and after going through the different gears a few times it would catch/click and then off I go with no problems after that. I am assuming that maybe the best thing to do is have it scanned but if its intermittent with my luck it won't come up on the scan when I take it in (and there is no check engine light coming on). If thats the case i fell like i'm throwing money away on a car thats only worth $500. I guess my next big question is if it is one of the three you mentioned is it a costly fix? I am able to do some mechanical work and have access to a hoist but if its a big expense i might as well get $150 from a junk yard and let it go. Thanks for your input.

[Jeremy airjer W]

It's always going to be cheaper to properly diagnose a problem than to through parts and hope it fixes the problem. Those three parts could cost you around $1500 to replace. A proper diagnosis will run you about a hundred dollars.

It still could be internal in the transmission. I think the trans should default to second gear when there is an issue so I am curious as to why it won't move at all. Is there a loss of prime issue, that should set a code.

There are to many things that don't make sense which leads me to believe it is not a simple solution.

[panski master]

I hope it could be a simple solution otherwise is any one looking for a 98 stratus with 200,000 miles on it? I think my 1st step is to take a look at the linkage from the shifter to the tranny. Maybe there might be something loose in the shifter between the seats that may not be working that leads to the tranny but you would think you could feel that when shifting, but I don't. After I check that out I will have a scan done and see what kind of price they quote me. Then I"ll decide what to do next. You stated something about a loss of prime. What did you mean by that? Thanks again airjer!

[Jeremy airjer W]

If your going to bring it in for a diagnosis plan on leaving it overnight. This way they will have every oppertunity to experience the problem when the correct conditions exist ( sits over night and cold ambient temps).

Loss of prime usually occurs after a trans service, at least at our shop. The common symptom is a harsh 3-2 downshift. The fix is to clear the code and do a "quick learn"