I need some help. I have a 2000 dodge stratus with the 2.4 motor and an auto transmission. my problem is that when the car is running it wont move in any gear. its like the emergency brake is on and it just wont go much even locked up in neutral and wont roll. when the engine is off it will roll just fine without resistance in neutral. even more puzzling to me is when I unloaded it off the trailer it would move forward downhill about 12 inches a time in reverse. I'm wondering if there is a valve problem or if a total replacement is needed........thank you for any help I can get

 

Ok so I am guessing there is no help with this or any suggestions?? 5 days and 170 people looking??? time to move on maybe

 

Yes, we are all very perplexed. Have you tried to put it on jackstands and see if the wheels move freely in N or what it does when it's on. I've only seen sticks "step" down a hill like you describe, so your trans may be completely shot (siezed torque converter? Wrong fluid???)

 

Don't know about wrong fluid because I didn't change it but anything's possible. Haven't been on stands but will try that tomorrow. Already have a replacement bought and will probably just change it out tho. Thanks

 

http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

This site is great for mopar transmissions. I would check your fluid level, color (needs to be red) and feel (if it feels gritty, its time for a change). If the level is low, fill it to what the instructions are on the dip stick. If the fluid is any color but bright red, time for a change.

The transmissions in our cars require ATF+4. Anything else will destroy the tranmission. ATF+4 is cheap. Even the walmart brand is approved and works great.

Good luck.