Grettings.

I'm looking for a little input here.

My 1997 Dodge Avenger's transmission is messing up.

Pretty much what happens is when I first start the car and drive it shifts fine, but after a small amount of time, it wont shift out of first.

She's got 150,000k on her and I dont know when the last time she's had a new flush/filter change. Should I go that route? I was also considering changing the control module.

Any input in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

Actually it is placing itself into and staying in 2nd gear. This is called limp mode, it is designed to allow you to still drive the car home after the transmission computer senses a problem with the trans.

Before you throw money at trying to fix it take it to a garage that specializes in automatic transmissions. Have them read the codes from the transmission computer. Do not have them do anything else to the car. Bring your codes that they give you back here and let us know what they came up with. We will then be able to tell you if you should try replacing a couple parts or if you need a rebuild or anything else.

 

Hmmmm...

You sure? I know what limp mode on a car is (having had two other cars I've previously owned do the exact same thing). In both instances they did indeed stay in 2nd gear the entire time. The moment I started the car and started driving it, 2nd gear. With the Avenger, it takes in between 5-10 minutes for it to stick in gear.

 

Yes they will sometimes do that

If the problem is instantly noticed by the computer as soon as you start to drive it will go straight into limp mode

If the problem only occurs or becomes noticed by the computer (as in a clutch or band that starts to slip after warming up) then it will not go into limp mode until that time.

 

if the tranny is new they may have forgot to fill the torque converter...... If they replace your half shafts. you could have lost tranny fluids. I ran in to that prob when I had to replace lower control arms and halft shafts. when it was apart for a week it lost about 2 1/2 quarts and did the slipping issues. Oh check out your wiring. for some reason the autos power is linked to the dam dome light. so if your dome lights dont work your tranny acts weird... lol