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DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM YOURSELF
 | First check if you have sufficient transmission fluid.
Although different vehicles have different ways to access the
transmission fluid level, the general rule is you measure the fluid
with the transmission in park with the engine running. If you
see you do not have sufficient fluid, fill the transmission to the
proper level (as instructed in your manual). Test drive the
vehicle, if you no longer feel the problem, wait a day and recheck the
fluid and underneath the vehicle. If it is low, the most likely
problem is a fluid-leak. A leak, no matter how small, must ALWAYS be
checked by a qualified technician. |
| If you find that your transmission is not leaking, but a problem
persists, take your vehicle to a qualified technician. The
problem may be so minor that you may not even be charged.
However, a qualified technician may be able to diagnose a major
problem before it occurs and recommend minor service. |
1. The first thing you should do when
you suspect any transmission problem is to
check the transmission fluid level and condition. The engine should
be running with the transmission in "PARK." With Chrysler
products, check level with the transmission in "NEUTRAL" with
the parking brake engaged. Tip: Always insert the dipstick 2 or 3 times,
look at both sides, and check for a consistent reading.
2. If the fluid level is low, fill to the proper level and test
drive the vehicle. If the abnormal
symptoms are gone, your primary problem
is a leak. Continue to monitor the fluid level, add as appropriate,
and have the leak source diagnosed before additional problems occur.
NOTE: A slow leak is worse than a big leak! A
slow leak will allow the transmission to operate until the level is low
enough to subject the unit to low fluid operation which will cause excessive
wear! A big leak will certainly get your attention and
usually results in little or no internal damage.
3. There are numerous transmission seals, gaskets, and o-rings that
can leak. Therefore, a visual inspection is necessary to determine
leak sources before an estimate for repair can be made.
If the fluid level is OK ....
and you still have a problem:
1. Check for any transmission related
linkage, vacuum hoses, or electrical connections that may be loose or
disconnected.
2. Repair any items found in step #1, test drive the vehicle.
If you still have a problem...
Refer to the FAQ page,
SYMPTOMS OF A BAD TRANSMISSION
| Problems occurring when a transmission is
trying to make a gear change.
|
| A noise associated with the problem or just
general noises from the transmission.
|
| Problems occurring when you first put the
transmission in gear.
|
| Problems occurring when the vehicle is hot
or cold.
|
| Problems occurring when accelerating, or
stopping. |
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