Transmission shift from high gear

2003 DODGE NEON
168,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TDS5888
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Transmission will sporadically downshift when in high (fourth) gear, momentarily, with or without cruise control. No check engine light comes on. I added some K&W Trans-X slip-stop which helped sluggish shifting but did nothing for downshift problem. Rpm's do not jump too much while this happens.
Oct 3, 2017 at 10:40 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Does the car seem to have low power as well? I am thinking the catalytic converter might be partially plugged causing the vacuum to be low which will make the transmission shift the way it does.

Here is a guide to confirm the problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please let me know.

Cheer, Ken
Feb 24, 2021 at 2:17 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
TDS5888
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I saw that Neodeac had the same problem on his 2002 Neon in March of 08 and the only answer I saw was to check fluid level and maybe do a tranny tuneup and add atf+4 if needed. I did a vacuum leak test with isopropyl alcohol and found no issues. Plenty of power and shifts strong, idles good. Haven't tested catalytic converter yet. My car has about 180000 miles on it so probably needs a tuneup. It jumps out of overdrive and revs a few hundred RPMs but goes back to overdrive almost immediately.
Feb 24, 2021 at 2:17 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
I would do the tune up first and then check the cat just to be safe.

Here is a guide to help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Feb 24, 2021 at 2:17 PM
Avatar
TDS5888
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
My car doesn't need an engine tuneup, it runs fine. I'm talking about the tranny might need it. Thanks
Feb 24, 2021 at 2:17 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
"My car has about 180000 miles on it so probably needs a tuneup." I like to make sure the car is up on its service so we don't chase your tail this is why I suggested it.

It is starting to sound like a shaft speed sensor can be causing the problem. When these go out they may or may not trigger a check engine light.

Here are there locations (below)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Feb 24, 2021 at 2:17 PM