My transmission is downshifting hard into second while I'm slowing to a stop. It will not shift out of second nor will it shift to first manually. I have to stop the car, shut off the ignition, put it in park and all is well until the next time and it happens all over again. It may happen again in just a few miles and then it may be several miles before it happens again. Anyone know what is going on?? James

 

I'm no trany guy, but it could be your speed input (maybe output) sensor. The output sensor usally acts diffrent and also effects the speedometer. It also could be a clogged filter, or stuck pressure valve.

If you want to try some simple things before hitting a trany shop:
1. Change the filter and fluid (ensure you use Mopar ATF Plus fluid type 7176).
If this dosent help,
2. The speed sensors. They are located on the driver side of the transaxel, behind the output shaft to the CV. There should be a cable with 3 connectors, the foward is the input, the bottom is diffrent looking, and the aft is the output.

PS, these locations are based on my 42LE transaxel, and may be diffrent based on which you have. Also I don't think they changed fluid type between your year and mine, but check to make sure. You could call a dealer and ask for the correct fluid type for your VIN to make sure.
Good luck

 

I took my Dodge to my mechanic because the transmission wasfunctioning as I described earlier. Hechanged the tranny fluid and filter. He said he thought itmight bethe sensors, dealer item only available onlyin the three pack. He flushed the transmission and used synthetic Mopar fluid. I drove the car about 400 miles and it started happening again. James

 

I bought and changed my output sensor. I got it at autozone for $25 I think. The input was about $10 more as I recall. Very easy to change. If you want to be sure, take the car to either a dealer, or trany shop that has a DRB scann tool. With it they can diagnose the trany computer (TCM), sensors, and even check pressures etc. I think it would be worth a few bucks instead throwing parts at it.

 

It sound like your transmission went into limp in. Is your ck engine lite on?