When shifting the transmission into reverse or drive nothing happens?

Tiny
NLWELLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHRYSLER 300
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
Okay, I have the all-wheel drive v6 3.5l. And I just purchased this vehicle hoping to get a great deal. But having problems sorting out the transmission problem. Seems to have a working PCM, and TCM, but I might be mistaken. When I go to shift into either reverse or drive. Absolutely nothing happens. Besides maybe a little bit resistance when I push on the gas. Like I shift into neutral or park I can rev it up pretty high but back into reverse or drive its reverse up to 3,500 RPMs, with zero movement. It's almost like it's neutral in either gear besides the slight resistance. Help please!
Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 1:16 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello,

The first step would be to carry out a CAN scan using a suitable diagnostic tool. Check if any relevant fault codes are logged.

How to:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Once done please post the fault codes on our site for further evaluation.

Next, I would suggest checking ATF fluid level and condition.
Ensure that the oil is at the correct level and does not smell/look burnt.

How to:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

Transmission issues:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Cheers, Boris
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 3:32 AM
Tiny
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Is can scan different from OBD2 scan? When I ran a diagnostic. Codes U1403, P0031, P0037, P0051, P0057 they all came up twice. Like 1-5 it that order then 6-10 in that order. I was going to be doing a transmission flush this afternoon as well as pulling the bottom pan to check for shavings and valves. I was wondering if this is a common issue with Chrysler 300. The dude I bought it from said he was driving on a decently long trip. I believe he parked to go into a quick stop or to take a leak and when he went to drive again. He would shift into drive, nothing. And same for reverse. He went ahead and added transmission fluid. Thinking that would solve it. And still nothing. I learned that went a transmission goes out it would show signs like slipping or 1st or reverse goes out not just all at once like this. So, any pointers on what I should look for or do before I just pull the transmission. Also, I have a spare transmission that came from a 06 or 09 Charger. That has the same v6 motor. Although the transmissions are slightly different. Mine is all wheel drive. The other doesn't have the bolting pattern needed for the transfer case. But both look similar. Could I use any parts off the other transmission?
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 5:39 AM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello,

None of the fault codes you provided point towards any possible transmission issues.
They all point towards O2 sensor problems.

I think there might be a possible issue in the transfer case.
A mechanical part like the input shaft could be stripped/broken.
See exploded view of transfer case below.

Cheers, Boris
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 9:35 AM
Tiny
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Yes well, a friend was running the codes and hit clear on it before writing down what it said for the A/t codes.
All he remembers is it being something to do with gear ratio error. Something along those lines. I have been trying to get the codes to show back you by leading the car running. But I believe I'd actually need to drive it somehow to trigger a faulty code.

I was thinking something on the lines of transfer case as well I know I'm at the point where transmission and transfer case need to come out to find the problem.
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello,

Fault codes with gear ratio error usually point towards a mechanical failure inside the transmission. That you have no drive whatsoever seem to point either at a lack of hydraulic pressure possibly caused by faulty oil pump, torque converter or valve body or a mechanical part such as the transfer case or an output shaft.

Cheers, Boris
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 12:54 AM
Tiny
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Awesome insights, thank you. I am about to dig into it and will use your advice. I will give an update when I find the problem.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
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How will I know if my transfer case is messed up? So, say I have it out on the bench what kind of tests can I run?
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Saturday, January 21st, 2023 AT 11:07 PM
Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 762 POSTS
Hello,

I would suggest checking if you rotate the input shaft on the transfer case that the output shafts also rotate, items 3 and 17

See image below, input shaft is item 1

If no rotation can be seen next, I would strip the transfer case and inspect the input shat spline into the hollow shaft, item 7, and that the intermediate gear, item 6, is not damaged.

Cheers, Boris
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Monday, January 23rd, 2023 AT 3:32 AM

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