So I've got a 99 Stratus 2.5L and 114,000 miles on it, and I noticed yesterday that when I went to start the car after I'd already driven it a while, that it made a knocking noise. I thought, "Oh great, the engine's gonna need a rebuild." Well today, I double checked all my fluids except for the transmission, since it was cold. All was well. I started the car and noticed no "CLUNK" so I let the car warm up, hoping it was a one time noise (which it never is). Well I jump out to go check the transmission fluid and there is a small amount of white smoke coming from the dipstick. I turn the car off and start it up, and sure enough, there is that unmistakeable "CLUNK." Fluid level was fine though! SO....I'm pretty sure I need to take action fast, since this is my only car. Any suggestions? New car? Rebuild the tranny? Replace the tranny? I could do the later myself, assuming it can last until I get the new one. Thanks in advance.

 

You might be able to keep it going for a little while by doing a flush of the trans fluid. obviously making sure to use the proper mopar atf+ (3 or 4 i don't remember off-hand). Walmart has a mopar equivilient fluid that i've been running since the gasket failed on mine, and it hasen't caused me any issues yet.