Neon's Transmission Issues

RJT185

MEMBER
DODGE NEON
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
110,682 MILES

Last September my 2002 dodge neon SE went into GIMP mode while once in a while shifting with quite a jerk. We took it to Firestone where they checked the solenoid and the transmission control module. After some tweaking around the TCM was replaced and the car began shifting and performing well. However the check engine line never went away.

Last week I noticed it wasn't shifting all the way to the third gear while on the highway, so I took the first ramp off to the secondary roads and noticed anytime it downshift it does so with a jerk. Its been shifting fine ever since, but the tech noted (during an oil change) the transmission slipping/kicking when the downshift takes place.

Are we looking at another solenoid/computer problem? Or has the mileage finally caught and the transmission need replaced? How much would repairs run?

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi RJT185,

Thank you for the donation.

It is possible for the trans to be failing or just a solenoid problem.

Get a free scan done at Autozone and let me know the EXACT trouble code for the CEL as it could provide some explanation to the problem.

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Sunday, May 30th, 2010 AT 3:06 PM

RJT185

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Nearest Autozone is a tad outside the range I feel comfortable driving the car since it's be taking major highways. Would Firestone, Pepboys, or any of the other major chains offer the Free Check?

We were considering simply driving it over to AAMCO/COTTMAN transmission 4 miles away for a check & quote on what's wrong.

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Monday, May 31st, 2010 AT 4:55 PM

KHLOW2008

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I am not sure if any of those listed provides free scanning services but they do have the services.

You can give them a call and see if they are able to help you.

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Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 AT 7:30 AM

RJT185

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2 POSTS

I found a place that ran a free diagnostic, AAMCO said it was an electrical problem and not the transmission. I believe he called it the "bus" that fed power to the Transmission control module was only feeding power to it intermittently. That said, he also said they didn't do electrical work of that nature there.

Is that kind of repair work for a specialist, or would I be able to go to any of the major chains to get it done? Also, what kind of repairs slash costs would that take?

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 6:28 PM

KHLOW2008

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I need to know the EXACT trouble code so that I can understand the cause and advise on the next course of action.

It could be a simple DIY job of checking wire couples or diagnosing of broken wires or checking faulty sensors/control units.