Shifting problem

Hi,

The first thing I need to ask is if you have checked the transmission fluid level and condition. If not, that is where I would start.

Here are the directions for checking fluid level and condition. Pic 1 correlates with these directions.

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2004 Dodge Neon L4-2.0L VIN C
Fluid Level and Condition Check
Vehicle Maintenance Fluids Fluid - A/T Service and Repair Procedures 41TE Fluid Level and Condition Check
FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION CHECK
Procedure for Checking Fluid Level

Check the fluid level while the transmission is at normal operating temperature. This occurs after at least 15 miles (25 km) of driving. At normal operating temperature, which is approximately 180 °F (82 °C), the fluid cannot be held comfortably between the fingers.

To check the fluid level properly, the following procedure must be used:

1. The vehicle must be on level ground.

2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60 seconds.

3. Fully apply parking brake.

4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear position ending with the lever in P (PARK).

5. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it until seated.

6. Remove the dipstick again and note the fluid level on both sides. The fluid level should be in the crosshatch area at normal operating temperatures. If the fluid is low, add as required into the dipstick tube. Do not overfill.

See pic 1

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Here are the directions for linkage adjustment. The remaining pics correlate with the directions.

Note: If it is necessary to check the transmission below the operating temperature, the fluid level should be between the two cold (lower) holes on the dipstick with the fluid approximately 80 °F (27 °C) (room temperature). If the fluid level is correctly established at room temperature, it should be between the HOT (upper) reference holes when the transmission reaches 180 °F (82 °C). Remember, it is best to check the level at the normal operating temperature.

Next, if the fluid is clean and full, then we need to confirm that the shift linkage is properly adjusted. This shift linkage is adjustable. Here are the directions for doing it. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

2004 Dodge Neon L4-2.0L VIN C
Gearshift Cable
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Adjustments 40/41TE Gearshift Cable
GEARSHIFT CABLE
ADJUSTMENTS

GEARSHIFT CABLE
Normal operation of the Park/Neutral Position Switch provides a quick check to confirm proper linkage adjustment. The engine starter should only operate when the transaxle shift lever is in the PARK (P) or Neutral (N) positions. If the engine starts in any other gear position, or the vehicle rolls when the shifter is in gated PARK (P), a gearshift cable adjustment is necessary.

ADJUSTMENT

pic 2

1. Loosen set screw and remove knob from shifter handle (Fig. 189).

Pic 3

2. Remove the center console assembly as shown in (Fig. 190).
3. Adjust gearshift cable as follows:
a. Place gearshift lever in the PARK (P) position.

Pic 4

b. Loosen shift cable adjustment screw (Fig. 191).
C. Move transaxle manual lever to the PARK. Verify transaxle is in PARK by attempting to roll vehicle in either direction.
D. Tighten shift cable adjustment screw to 8 Nm (70 inch lbs.) Torque.
4. Verify proper cable adjustment. Engine should start with the shifter lever in PARK (P) and Neutral (N) positions only.
5. Install center console assembly (Fig. 190).
6. Install gearshift knob and tighten set screw to 2 Nm (15 inch lbs.) Torque (Fig. 189).

Let me know if this helps, what you find, or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe