Drives in neutral, reverse is park

1984 CHRYSLER LE BARON
81,500 MILES • 2.6L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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84LEBARON
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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.
Nov 9, 2014 at 7:10 PM
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CARADIODOC
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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.
Nov 10, 2014 at 12:42 AM