Automatic transmission issues, high RPM at low speeds

ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2000 Chrysler Cirrus. The transmission control module would need to be scanned to see if the codes stored may indicate the shifting problem you are having. You may have an internal shift solenoid problem causing the shift problem. A speed sensor for the transmission may also cause the transmission not to go past second gear. I recommend having a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect your shifting issue and high RPM problem in person in order to have the correct repairs made.

ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle may have more than one issue.

Belt chirping is usually caused by a worn belt or tensioner. If either component wears out the belt may loosen and chirp when the engine is started, or cold.

The low rpm low quality idle can be caused by a few different things. I would look at the idle air control valve, as that is the component that maintains the vehicle idle, and at any vacuum hoses that may be cracked or damaged, and possibly leaking. This is more likely for older or high mileage vehicles.

If you’re unable to pinpoint the issue yourself, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians will be able to come to your home or office to diagnose your starting issue firsthand and make the necessary repair to your car.

ANSWER : Hi there. Check the high and low circuits with a digital meter for a voltage reading. The low should have a lower voltage reading than the high. I recommend putting the wires on the high selection to prevent the engine from overheating at any time. If you need further assistance with hooking up your radiator fan motor, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by vehicle speed sensors and engine speed sensors. Based on this information, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the Transmission Control Unit (TCM), executes the appropriate upshifts and downshifts by sending a signal to one of several shift solenoids. These transmission solenoids have spring-loaded plungers inside them, which are wrapped with wire. When this coil of wire receives an electrical charge from the TCM / ECU, it causes these plungers to open, allowing transmission fluid to flow into the valve body and pressurize the desired clutches and bands. When this happens, the transmission changes gears and you continue down the road. The computer controls the transmission solenoid in several ways. If the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Transmission Control Unit, it can open or close the hydraulic circuit using a direct 12v signal. In some cases, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can control the solenoid’s plunger by turning the ground circuit on and off. When this is not working properly, this can cause a jerking reaction, a delay in shifting or in some cases may cause the transmission to hesitate in shifting gears. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your transmission.

ANSWER : Hi There,
This may be an issue related to the communication of the PCM and the TCM (Transmission control module). As you may know, the TCM relies on the PCM to transmit information related to RPM’s, which the TCM then uses to determine when to direct the transmission to shift. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine speed sensor, and transmission fluid temperature sensors that all direct information to it in order for it to perform it’s function. Other functions controlled by the TCM are components such as a kick down switch, traction control system, and cruise control module. Any of these may also affect the way the transmission control module performs and controls the transmission and the shifting of your vehicle. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your transmission problem.

ANSWER : Hi there. Speeding in general can be very dangerous for any vehicle component. However, how the vehicle gets to that speed (as in acceleration or exhibition of speed; ie; illegal street racing) could definitely break a transmission, drive axles, gears, and other power train components.

Also, when a vehicle is being driven at a higher rate of speed than the vehicle is designed for, it can create excessive heat in the transmission which can cause the fluid to expand and break transmission fluid lines inside the housing.

If your transmission is slipping during acceleration, contact one of our local mechanics to inspect the issue firsthand and make the necessary repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there. The sound that you are hearing is probably from the blower motor to the heater / air conditioning evaporator. Remove the fuse to the blower motor and see if the sound stops. If the sound stops, then the motor or the squirrel cage is bent and rubbing. If the sound is still there when you remove the fuse, then it could be the alternator or power steering pump transmitting the sound through the cabin area. If you need further assistance with locating the source to the high pitch sound near your glove box, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hello. It is possible that the first gear in your transmission is slipping. There could be other transmission parts that are slipping as well. Additionally, the car’s turbo or turbo components could be faulty. Have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come and inspect your transmission and turbo system in order to pinpoint the source of your problem.