2003 Neon SXT... 122,000 miles.

Auto Trans... Recently noticed a difference in the shifting. Hesitation when downshifting
to 1st (rpm @ 1000 then slight jump up on way down). Upshifting seems a wee-bit delayed.

No Check Engine Lights. No fluid leaks. Good fluid level/quality.
Filter/Fluid change around 100,000 miles.

Before the trans completely fails, any suggestions as to what I should do or look into?

Have already replaced the Timing Belt @ 95k. Regular maintanence.
Overall, has been a reliable car. Can't see driving it until the trans goes and then just "throwing it away" to buy another $3-$4k used car & start all over again.

However, I'd like to avoid paying $2-$3k having my trans rebuilt.

From the research I've done, there are a few possible root-causes...

1) Radiator Coolant leaking into Trans (not sure how to check this- Fluid looks good).

2) Trans Solenoid going bad?

3) Disconnect battery and TCM will reset/re-adjust itself (really?)

Before I take it to a reputable (hard to find) trans shop, any suggestions?

I have considered buying a used 2003 Neon (found a slightly damaged one) for the engine & trans and then rebuilding THAT drivetrain to replace mine with @ some point.

Has anyone replaced their trans before? How difficult to remove & reinstall?
(having someone else rebuild) Is it simply "plug-n-play" w/o having to tow it the dealer for DRBII re-teaching?


THANKS!!!

John
sr71@comcast.net

 

Has it been doing this for awhile? My auto will do odd little things every now and then, and then it goes away on its own for some time. An example is when it gets in its mood, the car will kick as it goes into 1st gear. It'll do it for a week or two and then stop. It will also stick in each gear a bit longer when upshifting as well. Dodge is not the best when it comes to making good transmissions.

If the coolant is mixing with the transmission fluid, you'll have much bigger problems than some hesitations. The cooling system, I think, will be more of what you will notice. It'll become all gunked up. Of course, the transmission fluid will look a bit odd to I suppose.

As for removing the transmission, it isn't really bad; it is just very time consuming for the DIY'er without a lift and such. Basically, the whole front end has to come off for it to come out. If it is a completely different transmission, AFAIK, it needs dealer programming.

 

Sounds like then tranny solonid thats what happened to my neon just a few months ago.

 

Appreciate the feedback...

This trans shifting problem started a couple of weeks ago. Very subtle.
Doesn't seem to be getting worse or missing shifts all together.

I do have a local repair shop that is honest/reputable; not sure how much trans.
work/diagnosis they do but I might have him check it out. If it's solenoid or something
that can be done w/o R&R the trans, that would be nice. In the meantime, I'm seriously
thinking about buying a decent used 03-05 Neon for the spare motor/trans that I can rebuild at my leisure.

As for the removal/installation process, it doesn't really seem all that complex.
Then again, I work for Chrysler and visit plants often.. watching the chasss/drivetrain
being decked to the body is pretty simple...

Engine/Trans is subassembled to the front cradle/module/cross-member.
Entire assy is raised up to the underbody and secured with 4 bolts.

Then of course, there are a whole variety of other connections to be made.
Looks easy at the Assy Plant.

Does a solenoid change require trans removal?


Thanks!

John
sr71@comcast.net

 

It shouldn't.