Almost sounds like it might be some sort of gear ratio problem. The causes would be the solenoid or an internal transmission issue, unless you also have a loss of prime code; then it's the oil pump.

Shall wait for the codes though.

 

Minty, I tried to answer earlier before I left but the forum was down....sorry.

I don't think your transmission has failed, I really think it's either the solenoid, or some other electrical problem. They are generally pretty reliable, but like all vehicles, some will develop problems.

What I wanted to ask earlier (before you'd gone to sleep), can you actually feel the transmission try to go into 3rd gear repeatedly? Also, to my knowledge, the '01 model doesn't have a 4 speed, it's a 3 speed with a locking converter. You said a late 01, I just want to be 100% sure you have a 4 speed. I actually thought I had a 4 speed, too, until I was corrected by a friend. It could be the exact problem as mine had, it gave a generic 3rd to 4th shift error, but when my mechanic friend read the code with a different machine in more detail, it gave a "voltage error to TCC" or something like that...anyway, when I tested the voltage at the TCC plug, it read normal, but on the TCC itself, there was zero continuity and it being a solenoid, I knew this was wrong, so I ordered the replacement for $12US and my problem was solved.

 

Yes I will do my best to get the codes. What I might do if you like is do a you tube video of what happens to the car so you can better understand it. But I will try and explain.

Starts normally, you select drive everything seems fine. Clutch engages like it should with no nasty supprisses. You go to pull off and it starts to go, changes from 1st to 2nd normally, then suddenly revs hard and it sometimes jerks forward in a nasty fashion, then engages the clutch and revs with nothing happening, it then kicks back down into 2nd rince and repeat. I am lucky if I can get 30mph out of it.

Now you mention it, I was under the impression from 2000 onwards it was a 4 speed box that was installed. As mine is an 01 I assumed it was 4 speed. I dont know for sure only what the error code stated. I will do my upmost to get a full list of the codes tommorow afternoon if I can afford another diagnostic check, as I have to pay each time. There is no other errors in the engine apart from P0700. Its basically P0700 ---- Done on the display. The Eng mang light also flashes 10 times.

I should also point out reverse is 100% ok.

 

Does anyone have a wire diagram of the solenoid plug so I can check the resistance on the solenoids. That will tell me without a doubt if that needs replacing.

 

The plug for the solenoid is under the air cleaner. It's easiest to remove the entire air cleaner/filter box and under it, down on the transmission, you will see a plug (round-ish) with 2 wires...don't recall the color, I only remember black, which will be no help, I'm sure. If you remove the plug and turn on the key, you'll get 12 volts from one wire, and nothing on the other, as it is a ground controlled by the computer.

One thing I might suggest (that will probably cause many to disagree) is some transmission additive. I know most don't agree with this, but I've had good results a few times in the past, and know others that have also. Trans-x is the name I've heard most, but also Lucas Oil...if it happens to not be the TCC solenoid, but rather a sticky valve, that might fix it for you without having to so much as pick up a wrench. I've had that sort of problem on my Suburban, and fixed it with a quart of Trans-X. It was a sticky valve causing my problem with the suburban, and could be the same with you. But I'd at least research the TCC solenoid first, I still believe that's a possibility.

Good luck

P.S.
Feel free to PM me, or email me at bert.m.rhodes@gmail.com if you like. I have a set of schematics for a 2000, if you think they'll help, and would be happy to email them to you.

 

minty, not sure if the specific diagram you are requesting is in there, but try the 00-02 fsm link in darth's Signature.

and Just in case anyone is confused by diffrences in us/uk Electrical terminology:
(US)Ground = (UK)Earth

 

Sounds like what my Neon did when the oil pump went out...
The 4-speed wasn't put into the Neon until 2002 here in the states. Export models had all sorts of goodies though that we never got, so it is very possible they had the 4-speed electronic transmission in pre-2002 cars.

However, in light of all of this, you say the CEL is blinking. That indicates a major issue and the car should not be driven, really.

 

Its ok the blink is 5 5 which means no codes found for the engine. Its a good sign it does not blink when driving only when you switch on the ignition using the 3 on off trick.

 

I have the codes from the TCM.

P0700 , P0733 , and P0734

I have spoken to chrysler and they have suggested I replace the speed sensors as a first priority. It would appear they are just as bad here as they are in the states about wanting to chuck parts at it until it gets to the faulty unit. If it was the speed sensors why would the car operate normally in 1st and 2nd gear surely the same sensor applies to all gears. The solenoid pack here is an insane price. £400 for a replacement which works out to about $600, the speed sensors are coming in at about $150.

 

I don't think there's anything wrong with your speed sensors, honestly. I'm beginning to think either your governor valve is sticking or you have a servo that's sticking.

Don't spend any more money having tests done, or replacing anything.

You have a low mileage 2001 vehicle that's spent alot of time sitting and waiting to be used, and this isn't good for valves and servos in automatic transmissions.

Please, try that Trans-X, or Lucal Oil transmission additive, or something similar to it and see if it helps. Your transmission is NOT worn out or damaged, I'm almost certain of it, I think it's just not seen enough use.