Hi all... I have a transmission problem with my 2000 Stratus 2.4L. When I shift into drive it seems as though it doesn't engage into drive right away. Also if it does and I start to drive it sometimes acts like it slips out and is in neutral. Any ideas on what is wrong or what I can check?? I have almost 205,000 on the car and am hoping I can get it to last a lot more.

 

How is reverse? And is the ck engine lite on?

 

reverse work good for the most part. I have a hard time getting into it once it slips out of drive. Both seem to engage pretty hard though when they do engage. No engine light on at all.

Thanks.

 

Have you checked the transmission oil to see if it's inline? Has the car ever had transmission fluid change/filter?
I would start off by doing a transmission oil change w/new filter ATF4. But it does sound like it's starting go--- a re-build might come into play.

GL

 

If you give up on the car, I'd be interested in buying it as-is. I fixed my stratus trans. problem and wouldn't be afraid to take on another one to fix while I fight with the POS 2.7 in my Intrepid.

 

Here is a TSB for the 2002 stratus, but you can also apply to the 2000 stratus too.


SUBJECT:
Transaxle Slips In Reverse Or First Gear
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing the low/reverse accumulator cover and
O-ring during transmission repair.
MODELS:
2002 (JR) Sebring Sedan/Sebring Convertible/Stratus Sedan
2002 (PL) Neon
2002 (PT) PT Cruiser
2002 (RS) Town & Country/Voyager/Caravan
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC
TRANSAXLE WITH BUILD CODE DATES OF 1342 (MAY 14, 2002) THROUGH
AND INCLUDING 1502 (MAY 30, 2002).
Some vehicles may have a transaxle that will not move or slips in Reverse or First gear.
DISCUSSION:
Vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles built in the range specified that exhibit
the condition(s) listed above may also have Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) (DTC)
P0736, Gear Ratio Error In Reverse, or P0731, Gear Ratio Error In 1st set. All
vehicles that fall in this category must have the Low/Reverse Accumulator
Cover and O-Ring replaced during transmission repair.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 04431617 Cover, Low/Reverse Accumulator
1 06501549 O-Ring, Low/Reverse Accumulator

 

thanks... i changed the filter and fluid shortly after I bought it. I'm guessing around 128,000 miles or so.

How can do anything with this TSB??

 

IDK why he just posts TSB's all the time and not personal info???

From what I read in that info, I really doubt it's your problem. But since he is the Master, I'll decifer as best as I can. I found more info on this on a different web site. You'd need to remove the pan and lower and maybe lower the valve body (I got conflicting statements). Using a snap ring pliers, remove ring holding in Low/Reverse acumulator piston. Using a pliers, pull on button in middle of acumulator retainer disc. There is an o-ring around this cap/retainer. That's what the TSB is talking about. Seems like a lot of work for a speculation. I'd think a guy with a scanner could retreive something called CVI which I read, would show higher numbers for Low/Reverse piston due to leakage of this seal.

 

hey folks. my 04 stratus has same effect in delayed reverse or drive engagement. seems to need a slight warm up and then works fine. been this way for 6 months. waiting for warm weather for pan drop and filter change hoping this corrects problem?

 

Welcome to DF
This condition maybe normal for cold weather, Because the fluid isn't getting warm and causes a delay. Try letting the car warm up and then drive.