My transmission will not engage why?

Hi,

Can you tell approx where the click is coming from? Also, the idea that it shows reverse when it is in park may indicate the shift linkage needs to be adjusted. That is where I would recommend starting.

If you look at the two pics below, they include the directions and pic for adjusting the shift cable. Try this first.

Next, when you say all lights are on, are you referring to the warning lights such as the check engine light? If so, have you had the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes?

If you haven't, that will need to be done as well. Here is a video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but oftentimes a parts store will lend you one.

Try the adjustment first and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi,

I'm glad to hear it is working again. The old iron duke. Great engine. I had a 81 Citation with the same engine years ago. It never said no. LOL Always ran.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

We need to start with checking fluid. If it is low it could cause issues but it is unlikely that this would only effect reverse.

The most likely cause is the valve body has a leak in the L/R solenoid which is allowing fluid to leak past a point that is supposed to be blocked off which would create the needed pressure. Unfortunately the only way to repair this is to replace it or rebuild it.

Let me know if you have questions and we can go from there. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Good morning,

This sounds like you have a torque converter failure. It is locked up and when this happens, it gives you the symptoms you currently have.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

I would have someone check it for you to confirm.

Roy

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear and see the noise? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.

Suspect speed sensor and or coil solenoid pack need to have the codes you can have it scanned or cycle the ignition key on off on off on read P0000 codes in the odometer area

Sounds like the shifter cable is loose, stretched, or misadjusted. I'd start by watching the lever on the transmission to see if it clicks solidly into each position while a helper works the shift lever inside.

You can also use a Chrysler DRB3 scanner to view the gear selected and see if that agrees with the shift lever's position. A lot of independent repair shops bought DRB3s, so you might ask around at some local shops to see if you can find one. You'll find them at any Chrysler dealership too.

Staying in second gear is "limp mode" to allow you to drive slowly to a repair shop without needing a tow truck. The diagnostic fault codes need to be read and recorded to know where to start the diagnosis.

P0715 - Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0720 - Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P1899 - Park/Neutral Position Switch Stuck In Park or In Gear

You have fault codes directing you to the circuits that need to be diagnosed. Don't go looking for other unrelated stuff. The first concern is it is very unlikely you have three sensors that failed at the same time. Instead, look for what they have in common. In this case that is the wiring harness. The second thing to be aware of is the neutral safety switch is no longer the inexpensive, reliable switch that worked fine for many decades. It is a "range sensor". This one has five separate switches in it that turn on and off at different times. Those must agree with the short list of acceptable combinations. When any one of them does not go to the correct state, code P1899 will set.

Any one of these three codes will send the system into limp mode. Inspect the wiring harnesses first for signs of wires rubbed through, then for corrosion on connector terminals. The next step would be to use a scanner to view live data and see if either speed sensor is generating a signal. Also look at the Transmission Range Sensor to see how it is listed. I have a Chrysler DRB3 scanner for all of my vehicles. That shows the gear that is selected as interpreted by the Transmission Computer. You may be able to get an idea as to the cause of the problem by watching how it acts while moving the shift lever. If an incorrect gear reading only occurs when shifting between forward and reverse, with the engine running, for example, a good suspect is something related to a wiring harness that is flexing when the engine rocks. If the problem shows up when the engine is not running, an intermittent contact inside the range sensor becomes a better suspect. A problem in the range sensor could act up every time you shift to a certain gear, but it is usually the only suspect when the incorrect readings show up intermittently as you shift back and forth.

The next step is to use a scanner to see what the Transmission Computer is seeing. If the range sensor is not reporting the correct gear you have selected, that sensor becomes suspect. Most scanners will also let you test the individual switches in that sensor.