Drives in neutral, reverse is park

84LEBARON

MEMBER
1984 CHRYSLER LE BARON
2.6L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
81,500 MILES

Yesterday while trying to do a K-turn I realized my reverse was not working, the engine revved like it was in neutral but the car would not move. When I put the car it Neutral, it drove like it was in drive. After about an hour I stopped the car and when I started it after 5 minutes it was fine. About 4 hours later I had the same problem and now it's been 2 days with no reverse or neutral, just drive and park. There has been no noticeable problems prior to this which is why it's such a surprise, the car had been in good shape. There is no check engine light and the car drives fine in drive. I spoke briefly with a mechanic who suggested it may be an electrical issue rather than a transmission problem but he was unsure how to check.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,869 POSTS

Chrysler was the first manufacturer to have a computer-controlled transmission, but that wasn't until 1999. You still have the uncommonly reliable three-speed hydraulically-controlled transmission. From what you've described, it sounds like there's a problem with the shifter cable. Look for a loose anchor on top of the transmission, and watch the casing in its bracket while a helper moves the shift lever through the gears. That casing should not slide in the bracket.