need help with transmission problem

I have a 1995 chrysler cirrus with transmission problems.. while driving
home, I heard a hiss-like noise ( like air coming out of a balloon) and
now my automatic transmission will not shift out of first gear...need
diagnostic help

 

Are you sure it is stuck in 1st gear and not second? Chrysler transmissions
automatically default to 2nd gear only when they fail any type of internal
diagnostic. This is called limp home mode to allow you to get it to a
qualified service center to diagnose and repair the issue. Did you
experience any other symptoms? For instance, if you lost your speedometer,
then the output speed sensor is the likely fault. Have you checked the
fluid level using the procedure in the owner's manual? Was the trans
recently serviced, perhaps with the wrong fluid (use ATF+4 or ATF+3 only).

Also, more info would be very helpful. For instance, the vehicle's mileage,
any transmission service performed ever and if so, when and by whom? Can
you better describe the hiss like noise and where it seemed to originate
from?

At this point, without additional info, my advice would be to not drive the
vehicle other than to take it for service. I'd also recommend you only use
a qualified transmission service center that has experience with Chrysler
vehicles since most will use the wrong fluid and cause you long term issues.
As to the source of your problem, it could be a $30 sensor, or an internal
part failure requiring a $2K rebuild. The trans computer will have
diagnostic failure codes stored that will help lead to the final diagnosis.

Good luck and post what you find for others benefit.

Bob