2001 Neon tranny issue

My sister’s 2001 Neon is having tranny issues. I haven’t experianced it yet but she said that going down the highway it acts like the tranny pops into neutral and she floors it to keep the speed up. I already told her not to floor it but to pull over or she'll blow the motor. It will then pop back into gear. It’s done this a few times to her. Any idea what this might be and how to fix it? I haven't taken the pan off yet to look for any metal shavings. I'm hoping changing the oil and filter might help it, or at least extend it's life.

Thanks,
Dave

the correct throttle rod pressure adjustment on all torqueflite transmissions, is critical for proper operation and longevity. The procedure for the Neon is equally important for proper upshift/downshift quality and driveability. If you have the service manual...the cable adjustment procedure is clearly defined and simple to accomplish. If this adjustment doesn't correct the trannys issues...it may require a trip to the dealer service department or local transmission shop. Good luck

3 or 4 speed? If 3 speed check to make sure the kickdown linkage is not froze up and returns all the way,it is common for the 3 speeds to rust and get stuck where the kickdown shaft runs through the gear selector shaft. To fix that you need to remove the valve body and remove shafts and clean. Or could be as simple as low fluid.

It's a 3 speed auto. I didn't know but my dad spoke with a tranny guy from our Dodge dealer and he said it sounds like the governor is hunting for gears and that's not good. He said it probably needs re-built which would cost more than the car is worth. Can anyone explain this better? I guess I thought most governors were electronic these days. Many I can find a junkyard tranny. Any idea what other year trannys are compatible with a 2001? Thanks! Oh, the fluid was checked and it's full.

www.neons.org

Take a look, just one of the good sites for Neons.

Its a simple fix. the problem is corrosion between the kickdown shaft where it passes though the selector lever shaft. When the throttle is moved far enough to activate the kick down linkage it moves the shift selector. It took me a while to figure out the 1st one I saw. Remove the air cleaner,battery and battery tray. Have some one floor the throttle(engine off)you will see what I'm talking about. You may have to unbolt the arms from the trans and /or remove the E ring from the top of the shaft in severe cases. Some PB Blaster while wiggling the levers back and forth should due the trick.
Doug

Thanks for the ideas! I will look at the kickdown linkage first and hopefully there will be corrosion in there! After looking the the Neon site posted above they had a thread on the same issue but multiple causes, including the governor so I guess I have some other things to look at to if the problem continues. I hope to get to it this weekend.