I tried a search but couldn't find anything.

I have an automatic in my '99 Sport that suddenly started to stop shifting into 3rd gear and every once in a while will seem to drop into neutral. I checked the level and it seems to be OK. Could it be the filter or are their any other problems with these trannies.

If I have to buy a new tranny, would it be easy enough to drop in a 5 speed or would the computers and all that stuff have to be changed also. Are the flywheels between an auto and manual a direct swap or would there be other problems with balance? Would there be openings for the clutch cables pedal support, shifter opening?

 

I'm not familiar enough with the auto trannies to even begin to help there...

You don't have to swap computers, but you may end up with a CEL related to the torque converter that is no longer there. Used stock PCM's run $25-30 on neons.org, and used Mopar PCM's run $150 or so.

The auto tranny uses a flexplate. Any 1st gen tranny will bolt right up to the block. You would get the modular clutch (I'd recommend the PT Cruiser clutch - cheaper and stronger), and dust covers if they aren't included with the tranny (www.deyemeracing.com sells lightweight versions for less than the dealer). No issues with balancing.

You'll need the axles for a manual tranny as well (for ABS if you have it, otherwise it doesn't matter). Salvage yards usually have them for $25 each or so. Reman axles from a parts store usually run $150+. New ones almost double that.

There are holes already for the clutch and shifter cables, which you'll have to buy (recommend used/salvage for the shifter cables, $$$ at the dealer). A new clutch cable from the dealer isn't all that expensive, and the new ones are built better on the tranny end. I'd also recommend getting poly shifter bushings from www.boogerracing.com since the stock rubber ones break down so fast. The clutch position switch should be jumpered out in your car. Just hook it up to the sensor that should be attached to the new pedal assembly. You'll have to do something with the Park/Neutral switch, but again, I'm not all that familiar with the auto setups...

You'll need the pedal assembly and shifter assembly out of a 5-speed donor Neon. Bolts up to where your current pedal and shifter assemblies are.

The recommended tranny fluid is Mopar Transaxle Lubricant at $12+ per quart, and you'll need 3 bottles. The dealer will tell you to use ATF+4. Don't. Tell them you are buying the fluid for a non-turbo PT Cruiser tranny. It's the same gearbox... Some people have had good luck with Redline MTF and the new Amsoil gear lubricant that has the proper additive for the synchros.

All in all, most people end up spending $600 or so for the swap doing all the labor themselves. A shop would probably tack on another $500 in labor, if they'd even do it. Cheaper than a rebuilt auto tranny, and more power to the wheels...

Best of luck!

 

Thanks, I never thought about the axles. I may just go that route if the A-tranny is bad. Is the manual tranny flywheel between the SOHC and the DOHC interchangeable?

 

Just a note, Found the problem. The shaft for the kickdown was rusted to the gear selector. They both moved at the same time an the tranny though I was a WOT when I was in DRIVE. Flooring the accelerator would actually move the gear selector into Neutral.

A little JB Blaster and some wiggling freed up the shaft and the Neon shifts mormally again.

 

That will do it every time, lol. Glad you got it fixed