transmission problem? if so what next?

[yvetteski]

I am the original owner of a 2001 PT automatic with 67k miles.

I've been pretty diligent about maintenance, but have put off my 60k routine stuff since having some personal problems.

Then-- I think it was my transmission-- made an odd noise accompanied by a sensation of slippage while I was accelerating down a long hill and then braked briefly and made a sharp left- then accelerating again.

Then noise continued for a minute and nothing more happened. The next day I was gentler in that stretch and encountered no problems. Now the car did a similar thing while going up a small hill. So now I am scared.

From reading other posts- I should get the automatic transmission fluid changed...

Another question is should I take it into a transmission specialist? I don't trust my dealer and my independent service guy sold the business and I'm not in the trust zone yet. Can anyone recommend someone in the area of Northern Virginia?

Thanks.

Yvette

[CREWZIN]

Yes, the first thing to do is have the transaxle flushed and make sure they use the Chrysler specified fluid ATF+4.

Sorry, can't recommend anyone in your area.

[yvetteski]

Thanks.

I guess I'll try the new owners of my old shop. I suppose this is the kind of thing that could be done anywhere? Or should I look for a transmission specialist?

[quicksilverdon]

You want to be sure that they have a machine that flushes the transmission - if they just take the pan off & drain, more than half the fluid stays in the torque converter, so ask if they have the machine - and be sure they use ATF + 4.

[02ltdpt]

Check mounts as well if the transmission moves alot it can cause some problems to. Might not be your issue but its a good thought. My Transmission mount on my focus was wore out and it got harder to put it into gear and i replaced it and fixed that problem. That has a manual trans tho... I have had the tranny slip on my pt if i turn sharp fast or hit the brakes hard it knocks it right out of gear.. I could be totally wrong but wanted to give some more hints!