Questions and Answers

Dodge Intrepid Lost Second And Drive Q. Hi Vincent I just discovered your web site and have a quick question about my car. I bought a 1996 Dodge Intrepid with 140,000 miles on it. It is an automatic with a 3.3 liter and for some reason the transmission won't shift into drive. It will go through first and third but no drive. And when you shut it off and let it sit for a little while then start it back up and when it is supposed to shift into drive it will like kick into neutral and then back to third.

But it only does that when you shut it off and start it back up. I am hoping you have some suggestions for me before I have to put $1000.00 into the car for another transmission.

Thank you for your time,

James

A. Before condemning the transmission, I would suggest two things. First, change the transmission fluid and filter. Don't have it flushed, just drop the pan, replace the filter and put it back together, replacing what was lost. Many times this will fix it due to a partial transmission filter clog.

If the symptoms persist, then scan the PCM for stored codes. If it is an electronic control problem, there will be stored codes.

If this does not resolve the problem you are probably looking at a transmission rebuild or replacement. I would let the Dodge Dealer diagnose it to be sure.