Vehicle will not drive in any gear, it just bucks and lunges?

MOM10555

MEMBER
2010 DODGE CALIBER
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

I bought the car listed above as is. It runs great when I put it in drive or reverse it engages but only moves about 12 inches then stops it feels like brake is on but it’s not, I drain the transmission fluid and it had 2 gallons in it while it was empty. I put it in gear, and it seemed to move okay. So, I added the correct amount of transmission fluid to do it and it lunge forward about six times, and I went down the street and then it locked up again. Soon as I slowed down, I can’t move it even in neutral it’s locked up, but if I have someone push while in gear and accelerating it will jerk really hard and lunge forward. Any help would be great, I can’t afford to take to shop.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,244 POSTS

Hi,

Wow, that is different. When you drained the fluid, how dirty was it? Also, two gallons from draining sounds like a lot. Did you use the correct fluid (MOPAR CVT +4)? Also, have you scanned the computer to see if there are transmission codes that will help diagnose the issue? If not, that is where we need to start. Here is a link that explains how to scan the can-bus which includes all modules:

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

Also, let me know if you also changed the transmission filter when you drained and refilled it. Plus, let me know if there are any differences since you serviced it.

Take care,

joe