300M AT stuck in second gear

My wife was about 6 blocks from the house and she calls that the car is
jerking and check engine light is on. Car was just in for a new strut and
bushing, oil filter change, and shifter recall. Sat at dealer for almost 2
weeks because they could not get the damaged strut replacement from
Chrylser. So now this. Speedometer is working. AT fluid has been changed
twice since car was new. Car only has 42k miles on it. I don't know
exactly what the shifter recall involved but maybe they left a wire loose.
Would be odd coincidence if AT or a sensor failed right after the recall
done.

 

Sure sounds like a speed sensor or speed sensor wire/connector, Art.
Check out this thread on the 300M ezboard for location of the speed
sensors and their connectors:
http://p209.ezboard.com/f300menthusiastsclubfrm23.showMessage?topicID=46.topic

Since speedo is working, it would be the input sensor. Inspect the
connector for trash/corrosion, clean it, and pack it with some good
electrical grade silicone grease.

I've seen some indications on forums that the sensors will act up in
damp weather (which maybe points to the connector?), so the fact that it
sat for a few weeks unused may (or may not) explain the strange timing
of the failure without any culpability of the dealer.

For $20 and 20 minutes of your time, it would be nice to find out that
that's it (or at least rule it out). Of course in theory you should
take it back to the dealer and let them diagnose it, but you don't know
how succesful that will be, or if you can convicne them that they should
pay for it, and for them to just replace the sensor, if you pay for it,
will cost a lot more than $20 (then there's "diagnostic" time, etc.).

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
adddress with the letter 'x')

 

Yep... sensor installed for $38 and change. Didn't even hit my service
agreement deductible although at least Chrysler paid for the tow.

 

$38 was after chrysler paid its share under extended service agreement.

 

I realize I'm late with this but it might save someone time later. You can
view the diagnostic codes by turning you ignition key to the off position
and then cycling it on-off-on-off-on. The codes will appear in the digital
odometer. If there are no codes, the odometer will read "done". If you
access to a code readout listing, this will help narrow down the search for
faulty sensors. Be aware that the codes for the 300m changed in '02 when
Chrysler integrated some of their power train controllers into one unit so
be sure to use the correct set.

This tip also applies to other Chrysler products as well but I'm not certain
how extensively.

This information was in the set of "shop manuals" that I ordered from
Chrysler when I bought my '03 Special. I've found these to alway be a good
investment.

DB