I hear this all the time. You have to understand that fault codes never say to replace parts. They only indicate the circuit that needs further testing. It's true a sensor will solve a fault code about 50 percent of the time, but there's a lot of other possible causes.
You need to be way more specific than "having shifting problems". There are a lot of clues that can help identify the cause of the problem. One important one is if it's going into "limp" mode, and when. That means it will stay in second gear. If that occurs as soon as you shift into drive, it is sensor or electrical-related. If the speedometer is working, the input and output speed sensors are working. If it starts out in first gear like normal, possibly up-shifts to second or even third, then bangs back down to second gear during or right after an up-shift, it is almost always due to worn clutch plates that are slipping. No new sensor is going to fix that. They are just reporting what they're seeing.
If you suspect worn clutch plates, the Chrysler DRB3 scanner can display the "clutch volume index", (CVI). That is a set of four numbers that show the volume of fluid it takes to apply each clutch pack. An experienced transmission mechanic can tell how much life is left in each one.
The two speed sensors don't fail real often but if you have a fault code related to one, first remove it and check for metal filings stuck to the magnet on the end. It will look like black mud. That will reduce its signal output to the point where the Transmission Computer can't read it accurately. Of course a new sensor would solve that, but that would be money wasted.
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 AT 5:40 AM
