So I purchased a 95 stratus a few days ago for $450. The main problem with the car is that when you start it out in drive, it seems like it has no power at all, even with the pedal to the floor, until you reach about 25-30mph, then it will get its power back. The car won't shift over 2nd gear though. Checked the transmission fluid, it was full AND it smelled fine AND it was good pinkish color. I don't think it's an internal problem with the transmission and first and second shift great it's just it isn't wanting to shift over 2nd gear. What could the problem be? PLEASE HELP! I have narrowed it down to either the speed sensor or the transmission solenoid. Please help!.

 

what type motor is it hooked to? 96 2.0Lneonhave adj trans bands. might be same trans type. could be a bad filter or kincked cooling lines slowing the fluid flow to the trans. let us know what you find.

 

I am taking it on Monday to be looked at for a second opinion, then I will decided what I am going to replace on it first. Thanks for the info, I'll keep you informed.

 

Sounds like an A604 Tranny and it appears to be in limp mode ... This can be caused by a bad relay to major troubles...You'll need a place to get the codes to check on cause ... Many tranny shops will just say you need a rebuild $2000 please then sort it out later

 

UPDATE

Yeah it's in A604 tranny. I got it scanned today and have a list of the error codes. I still think it is external, but of course the transmission shop said I'd need it rebuilt so I told them I'd replace it myself and save $1,600.


Codes:
21 o2 sensor stays at center
21 o2 sensor shorted to voltage
33 A/C sensor input high- above max volts
P0733 3rd gear ratio incorrect
P1792 battery was disconnected
P1781 OD Pressure switch circuit
P1790 Fault immediately after a shift
P1787 OD Hydraulic pressure switch circuit

Okay,
Let me know what you guys think I should replace next. The car IS getting power all the time now, so I'm guessing it wasn't before because I had just bought it and it hadn't been driven for a while. I replaced the input speed sensor so far and nothing. I am thinking it might very well be the shift solenoid. How do I get to the shift solenoid and how would I test it to see if it is working properly?

Thanks for all the help in advance,
Kyle

 

I hate to say it but maybe a true dodge dealer will be your better bet then a tranny shop ...

 

Okay, so a few of those codes relate to an oxygen sensor. I have a question. If an oxygen sensor is bad could it possibly send a signal to the computer to tell the car to run in limp mode and make the car think that the transmission is slipping? Oh and I used dextron and I just found a site that says that causes almost all problems in these a604 transmissions. So I'm gonna flush it immediately, but I'm thinking all I need is an o2 sensor and a solenoid and this car is good as new.

 

The Gear ratio code with a battery disconnect in there also leads me to a possible flash memory problem in the tranny controller. The a604 is a learning computer and if the base values get screwed up, sometimes they don't know where to shift and go right into limp mode. A "Quick Learn" procedure might help which usually needs to be done by a tranny shop or a dealer ($50-100) and about 5 minutes where they hook the computer up and re-flash gear ratio and shift points for it to learn from.. You should definately flush and put in +3 or +4 (i'd go with the +4). Dex/Merc is a big reason for 604 failure.
O2 sensor should not cause a limp mode situation. I'd flush the fluid and look into a quick learn before going wild over this.

 

What about my mpg? I haven't mentioned it yet, but I'm seeing about 10 mpg. Would the transmission being in limp mode cause that bad of gas mileage? That's what led me to believe that I might have an oxygen sensor problem. I bought the ATF+4 and I'm going to have it done tomorrow. I'm going to get everything done tomorrow. I'm going to call around in a bit about having the tranny reprogrammed.

 

So should I still pick up a shift solenoid? I can get one real cheap. I spent 20 dollars on transmission fluid and I don't want to flush the system then find out I have to replace the solenoid and have to pay for even more transmission fluid, but yet again I don't want to buy the solenoid if all it needs is a flush and reprogram...