Dodge Spirit Transmission --shifting problem

andrew1000 · #1 Aug 30, 2004, 06:31 AM

Hello,
I have a 1995 Dodge Spirit. After a hard acceleration, the transmission doesn't shift properly. For example it will only shift into 3rd at about 90 km/h (~60 mph). The shift from 1st to 2nd also occurs at much higher than normal speed. Turning the car off and letting it sit for a half hour resolves the problem temporarily. Any idea of how to fix the problem, (other than avoiding the occasional hard acceleration?)

labman · Aug 30, 2004, 06:42 AM

Sounds like you are due for a filter and fluid change.

andrew1000 · Aug 31, 2004, 03:25 PM

Thanks, for the advice labman.

I haven't changed the transmission fluid or filter for at least 50 000 miles.
A friend of mine recommended not changing the fluid and filter if the car has high mileage and the fluid and filter have not been changed regularily. According to him, the old transmission fluid has tiny pieces of metal in it that have worn out the gears, but also help prevent the gears from slipping. Changing the fluid would remove this metal grit and cause the gears to slip.

What do you think?

labman · Aug 31, 2004, 04:15 PM

Your friend may be right. There are too many cases where a transmission that had problems, failed after a fluid and filter change. I feel many of theses failures would have happened with or without the fluid change. It may or may not be too late to head off more problems by servicing the transmission. Maybe talk it over with a transmission shop. Perhaps I should have suggested that first.

weaselchaser · Sep 20, 2004, 09:19 PM

Hi,

I have a 94 Dodge Spirit and just encountered the same problem you posted. Did you do anything to fix it?

andrew1000 · Sep 21, 2004, 10:04 AM

No, I haven't done anything to fix it.
As far as I can gather, the problem is not slipping gears, but the actual shifting mechanism. There are two possibilities. It could be a problem in the
valves in the transmission (which I imagine is very expensive to fix.) Or it could be a problem with a govenor which monitors engine pressure of some sort? This I imagine is cheaper to fix. Unfortunately, I haven't had time to take it to a mechanic and have it checked out. If I drive with a light foot, I don't experience any problems. Thus I am not in a huge hurry to get it fixed.



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