2001 Chrysler 300M Trans Problems!

My wife had to go to downtown Detroit yesterday & so I insisted on driving her down there. Instead of taking one of our "nice" vehicles, I figgered we'd take our 2001 300M which usually sits in our driveway - we hardly drive it anymore. The car has been mechanically excellent since I bought the car in Florida with 43,000 on it 4 years ago.

So, on the way home, the trans starts acting up & thankfully we were near home, but in 3 miles it becomes barely driveable! Slipping in & out of gear, then finally stuck in second gear. Come to a stop, acts like it's in neutral, give it more gas - then it starts to move. Anyway, we limp it into a Chrysler dealer. The service writer tries to pull codes & can't get anything, so we left it & got a ride home. I did check the fluid while pulled over after all this started & the fluid was clean & at proper level - no leaks on the ground. Anyway, any ideas? I'm hoping for something minor because if the trans is toast, the car will be almost worthless. I'm guessing $2500.00 to R&R minimum. I'm not going to put that kind of $$ into it. (have not heard from the dealer yet today)

Try the battery disconnect trick, for 20 minutes or so. If like intrepid, can just disconnect at right shock tower.

Monitor shifts with the Drb . To ck input and outputs

Ck clutch volume indexes

Any abnormal noises ...a whining noise would suggest a front pump issue
Loss of either input or output speed sensor will only put it in limp in.
Will not cause slipping in gear issues

Keep us informed on what happens. I’m not far from Highland - if it requires rebuild I can help you out if you get it out of the car.

I have a DRB.

Thanks Transman. Dealer called a couple of hours ago - I just got back from there - paid the $101.00 fee to diagnose. They tell me the pump failed & it burned up - trans is supposedly toast. Dealer service guy told me $5,000 for a new transmission, $3200.00 for a used trans to R&R.

I'm having it towed to a reputable independent trans shop that actually REPAIRS & REBUILDS - they have the ability to. They are not just parts changers like most trans shops these days, granted it's a big job. Owner there scoffed at the dealer's prices. We'll see where these guys come in. If it's too much, the car will get towed back to my house where I'll clean er up & sell it. I'll keep you all posted to see the opinion of the trans shop - edge of the seat everybody......

You can’t buy a “new” 42LE, only Reman and they don’t cost anything near that price.

Agree, take it to someone that isn’t afraid to repair it.

Labor.time to R+R that trans is in the 6 to 8 hours time frame .

I'm guessing but a remain is probably in the 2500 to 3000 list range ??? Been a while since I've done one so i.may be off there.

That said....I can see close to $4k for a replacement.
But. No where near that for used trans

Update, trans shop just called a little while & they confirmed that the trans is KO'd. They have found a used one with 6 month warranty & can install it for $2200.00. OR, they can pull the one in the car & go through it & repair/rebuild. estimated $2300-2500.00.

Car for sale - needs trans.

PM sent . . .