Transmission issue with my 2002 Dodge Neon SE - A/T

Several days ago while driving on the highway (50-60 mph) - the transmission seemed to downshift - and the rev's went through the roof (in the 5K-6K range). I now realize that the transmission was sent into "limp home" mode - and is only driving in 2nd (as well as reverse of course) at this point.

When pulling the codes - I received the following...

P0700 - Transmission/Transaxle trouble code
P0731 - GEAR RATIO ERROR IN 1ST
P0755 - 2/4 SOLENOID CIRCUIT

The only problem that I've had with this car in the past is having trouble with it going into gear for 30 seconds or so when starting it up on a cold day. This problem always resolved itself shortly - and hasn't came up for the last year or so. (As I recall - there's a TSB for this problem).

Any thoughts as to what may be happening here?

Thanks in advance!

 

Also, does anyone suppose that the P0731 code could be caused by a bad TCM? (Given the fact that it's skipping 1st gear altogether for "limp home" mode). I should also mention that the check engine light has been on since the initial problem happened about 2 years ago. (When I scanned it before, I believe I had a P0700 - as well as the P0731, but not the P0755).

 

Does/did the car have a problem going from 1st to 2nd? If so, that with the 2/4 solenoid circuit, may be a bad solenoid pack. Since you have only got those two codes, I don't think it would be something like the pump. Seems logical for the pack with those two specific codes. Just a quick thought. I have not read up on anything ATM, but going from memory with my whole dilemma.

Could, but you also have a solenoid error as well. Could be the pack. As for the check engine light, that is for emissions-related failures. No other codes were in the computer? Either way, you've been driving something around that should have apparently been fixed two years ago; and it has just gotten worse now.

I'm still leaning towards it having something to do with the solenoid pack at present.

 

I've never noticed any problems with the 1-2 shift in the vehicle. The transmission overall has been very reliable as well. Thoughts?

 

Does it have problems shifting into or out of any gears? The gear ratio error usually comes up when something isn't shifting the way it should.

 

My Chrystler Concorde did that. It just turned out I didnt have enough fluid... any fluid in it. Check that. I don't know what those codes mean though

 

I've reset the battery in hope to clear some of the codes - and have driven the car locally 4 or 5 times since then.

At this point - the P0731 and P0755 codes are completely gone - with only the P700 code showing up.

I'm taking it in for a TCM scan on Monday...but in the mean time...any thoughts?

Thanks,
Kyle

 

That's weird that only the P0700 is showing up, because that means there's other codes.

 

So, what happened?

 

UPDATE:

Car just got finished at the dealer today. Initially took it in to have the transmission codes pulled (roughly $95.00 with tax) - and a bad Solenoid Shift Pack was diagnosed. Decided to use their factory part and labor - as well as flush the transmission. Part was higher than I wanted - but I'm happy it's fixed....

All in all...

Diagnosis - $95.00
Shift Solenoid Pack - $244.00
Labor - $135.00
Trans Flush, Filter, etc... - $189.00

With tax...about $700.00 out the door. High, but it's fixed.

Thanks for everyone's help!