LHS Transmission Woes.

METHANE519

MEMBER
CHRYSLER LHS

I have a 95 LHS. 3.5L

Lots of erratic things on on. Sometimes it shifts very hard going into 2nd. Almost slams its that hard. Restart the car and the problem is gone. Other times the car won't go into high gear, its stays in what I've read as the "limp gear". Restarting sometimes fixes this as well. When the car is stuck in limp gear or is going to shift hard sometimes the tach and or speedometer is dead and the all the gear selected lights will be lit up. The tach or speedo at times jumps all over the place. Even the climate control comes on at times during this.
I brought it to a transmission shop and they say I need a rebuild or new tranny, others tell me its computer/electrical of some sort. The dealer nearby has a horrible reputation and I'm afraid to bring it there. I had the car scanned while all this was going on and it does not kick out any codes at all.
The only thing the scan did say was that the clutch pack pressures were very high. If this makes sense at all. Low budget here, I just want to make sure the rebuild is the last option

1 Reply

GOONIOR

MEMBER
4 POSTS

This may be twofold. Sounds like the input and output sensors on the trans may be giving false signals to the computer. Replacing them would be a start.I replaced mine in a 94 New Yorker a few years ago and it helped. They were about $25 each at that time from the dealer.
Another problem I had was the ignition switch in the column was bad causing the computer to go nuts like you are describing.
Hope this helps. Always try to replace the easy, inexpensive stuff before replacing the trans.

Another thing, make sure you ALWAYS use ATF +3 when it needs to be filled. Learned my lesson w/ the 94 New Yorker.
Dexron will destroy the trans eventually and it will have to be replaced.