1999 Transmission taking a coffee break?

Hello everyone.

I'm new here but have been reading many of your posts - good stuff.

My question deals with the transmission on my 1999 Intrepid w/ 2.7 liter.

While driving home, without any warning, the transmission acts like it's in neutral and it sounded like there were giant killer bees under the hood.

It's always shifted beautifully and was working perfectly all that day. There was no notice that anything was about to go wrong.

I checked the trans fluid level - checked ok.
Smelled fluid - not burned.
Fluid color was good.

Last trans service was just a little over a year ago.

Here's the kicker.... once the engine cooled down the transmission started working again just like new. However about three miles down the road when the engine warmed up the transmission took another coffee break.

A check engine code has set but I haven't had a chance to read it yet.

I've noted in the past that the transmission doesn't go into overdrive until the engine reaches a minmum operating temperature - probably an emissions thing. Could this be a related item.

Any and all comments would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,

RM

You mentioned service, did you go to a Dodge Dealer? Many places don't have/use the proper fluid (because it is expensive or they are unqualified). Using Mercron/Dextron is certain death for these transmissions,they usually have total failure in 10,000miles or less.

Hi Neon RT

She went to the dealer.

I know that Dodge trannies are as picky about fluids as we Seattleites are about our coffee.

I'm stumped as to why she runs like new when the engine is cold but has no gears (forward or reverse) when warm.

Thanks for the reply!!!

RM

you can check your codes one of two ways: first, take it to a place like Autozone and have them pull the code(s). Second, turn your ignition key on/off 3xs ending in the on position and read your odometer, it should say "P0700" or something to that affect afterwards it will have "done" displayed letting you know that it's done displaying all the codes in memory. From what you describe sounds like a Transmission Control Module problem, probably needs to be flash programmed.

I checked the codes and P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) came up as one of the codes.

The other was P1684 "Battery disconnected within last 50 starts."

My wife, who bought the car before we were married, told me that the battery had indeed been disconnected approximately two years ago. I guess the codes don't reset unless you go to the dealer for a flash program. Is this kind of like the flashy thing on the Men in Black movies??

Sorry, I digress.

Back to the TCM and its replacement. Is this something that will involve a lot of skinned knuckles and massive amounts of cussing???

Should I just take it to the dealer and let him mess with it??

I've worked on my own vehicles for over 30 years but have yet to do any tranny work. This is my first Dodge. I've had Chevy Astros for the last 20 years.

Time to pull out the Haynes manual I guess.

Thank you for the help it's greatly appreciated!!!! :)