Hard (early) Shifting - 2003 Dodge Neon SXT (automatic)

[dnoyes]

Hey guys (and gals). I have a 2003 Dodge Neon (Automatic) SXT. Worked GREAT until about 55K miles. Then crap started falling apart.

Fast forward 4K miles. At 59K my engine light went on. I went in, and they told me I needed transmission work. Still covered under Powertrain, so that was cool.

After having it for a few hours, they told me that the engine air cleaner was hosed. It was cracked and couldn't even be tightened down. Fine, replace it. New air cleaner, transmission seals fixed.

I've had my car back for a week now. It feels like it's shifting harder, and not at points that it used to. I'm having a _really_ hard time finding info on when my (automatic trans) car should be shifting.

It doesn't seem to be shifting based on RPM. Shifts into 2nd at about 12 mph, shifts into 3rd about 35, shifts into 4th about 42. Can that be right? It feels _awfully_ strange.

Even weirder on the highway. Shifts into 3rd about 40 mph and 4th about 43 mph. Huh? Also, between 60-70 mph, I feel little jumps/kicks. Kinda feels like when there's a moderate wind that moves your car a bit. Just feels.... not right.

My fuel economy has even gone done. Before engine light came on, and with my busted air cleaner, I was getting about 250-260 miles a tank. Now I'm getting about 230-240.

Any ideas? Sorry this was kinda long. I'm not a car guy (yet), so I did my best to explain the situation. If anybody can help, or needs more information, that'd be fantastic! Oh yeah, a friend pointed me at Chilton manuals, but there's so many. I'm a little lost.

Dave

[das2123]

Where did you have the transmission serviced at? What kind of work did they do?

Chrysler trannies are real sensitive to friction modifiers, so if they refilled with anything other than ATF+4 then that will cause problems.

The shifting depends on your throttle. If you floor it, it will stay in gear loner as opposed to when you are lightly pressing on the throttle.

[dnoyes]

Hi das. Thanks for the reply.

Originally Posted by das2123

Where did you have the transmission serviced at?

I got my car serviced at a Chrysler dealer. So I'm _hoping_ they know their stuff.

Originally Posted by das2123

What kind of work did they do?

ISSUE: Converter failed and debris throughout transmission
RESOLUTION: "21000733 Transaxle, Automatic - Remove and install for recondition 4-speed transaxle"

It lists a bunch o' things such as:

• converter package
• seal package
• bolts, bearings, gears
• pinions
• solenoid

Originally Posted by das2123

if they refilled with anything other than ATF+4 then that will cause problems.

The work order lists that ATF+4 was put in.

There was also some NON-transmission work done:

• New air cleaner (entire unit, not the filter)
• Resurfaced front rotors and rear drums. AND THEY'RE STILL PULSATING!
• Alignment

I've noticed less power, and worse fuel economy (on top of the 7-times-out-of-10 hard shifting)
Thanks again for your reply. Let me know if you could use any more info

[das2123]

Well it would appear that they covered everything. But I would take it back and let them know that you are still experiencing problems.