2000 Dodge Stratus transmission problems?

Tiny
ANDYG1965
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE STRATUS
  • 160,000 MILES
When I am driving it feels like the transmission slips and car will jerk, sometimes it will do this multiple times and other times it may do it once or twice during my 50 mile trip to work. It does seem to do it more often when the weather is hot, as in the mornings on my way to work it may do it a couple times then on my way home in afternoon it may do it 10 to 15 times.I just replaced the tranny filter and fluid using atf +4 but it still does it. Like I said it feels like the tranny is slipping when it does it. Should I disconnect battery to reset computer? Maybe replace tcm or solenoid?Other than this it seems to run pretty well and seems to mostly do it during cruising speeds or on hills. Thankyou
Monday, July 15th, 2013 AT 8:29 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
If it is the original transmission, it is about due for a general overhaul. How dirty was the old fluid when you changed it? Was it dark in color? Did it smell burnt?
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Monday, July 15th, 2013 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
ANDYG1965
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The filter was dirty and dark in color but didnt smell burnt
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Monday, July 15th, 2013 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
If the fluid and filter were excessively dirty, that tells me there was most likely clutch dust mixed into it. Now for worse news. I have always been told not to change trans fluid if it is excessively dirty because the new fluid (which has a cleaner in it) will wash away the rest of what is making the trans work. At this point, I feel the vehicle needs to be driven by someone that has a trained ear and can recognize what is happening. I wish I could do it for you, but I'm sure I am a long distance away.
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
ANDYG1965
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks, I wish I could have someone who knows about transmissions drive it to see what they thought may be wrong. You dont think it could be the transmission control module? It is an automatic tranny and I live in ohio
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I'm not too far. PA. As far as the module, it could be the issue, but based on you posts, it sounds like the clutch plates are worn. Is there a transmission shop near you?
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Wednesday, July 17th, 2013 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
ANDYG1965
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I tried disconnecting battery for 15 minutes yesterday to reset the computer and today on my way to work it ran fine not slipping at all, then on my way home, when it normally does it the most it did it 1 time. Aside from the 1 time the transmission was smooth. About 2 or 3 months ago I used a bottle of lucas transmission treatment and looking back it wasnt to long after that is when my problems started, do you think that has anything to do with the problem?
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Thursday, July 18th, 2013 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I don't know why, but this just showed up in my mail. Sorry it has been so long. Have you had any luck with the issue?
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Saturday, August 10th, 2013 AT 9:22 PM

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