2004 gt turbo trans issue..

[deltas69]

Couldn't find my previous post a few weeks ago..short version 2004 gt turbo auto..trans 143,000 two owner miles ..has difficulty engaging gears forward or back when outside temps are below 50 degrees..above that works and shifts fine..40 degrees today warmed it up for an hour and didn't engage as it should..but did after a few revs...then wouldn't upshift cel came on i read a code of P0700 indicating ageneral trans issue..could be one of several things...checked the fluid..ahhh fluid hot read at the cold level on dipstick..added just a few ounces of proper fluid..and shifted fine..but CEL still on...but still again..I know it won't engage properly until the weather warms up to above 50 degrees...this car sits under our carport through the week and the wife drives it only on weekends..I'm thinking the solonoids are just stickinbg due to cold weather and infrequent use...any ideas ??? thanks in advance...pj

[chuzz]

Maybe 4-8 oz of Marvel Mystery Oil to help free up sticky solenoids or valves.

[deltas69]

Thanks Marvels is a wonder drug for many things...I run a bottle through my '93 Ranger every 5K miles...further investigation on the Cruiser P0700 code has narrowed the possibility down to either sticking or defective solinoids...or a faulty TCU...my thinking is since once the temps rise above 50 degrees and it runs fine...the solinoids would be the likely suspect...Marvels may free them up...i appreciate the help...

[Renegade]

Has the tranny fluid and filter ever been changed?

[deltas69]

Not in the 3000 miles we've owned it...the previous owner was an older lady who took it to the dealer if it needed air in the tires...lots of paperwork detailing scheduled maintenence...I would have to bet they had it done at some point..fluid is nice and clean, no burnt odor...now all that said...I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to change it...in fact that was on my to do list this week...call around and see the price of a change...thanks for the reply...

[chuzz]

If you're not going to do the trans fluid and filter change yourself, then make DAMN SURE that whatever place you have do it for you uses the proper fluid. MOPAR ATF+4 ONLY. No Dexron with an additive and any other type of crap with an additive. IT WILL KILL YOUR TRANSMISSION. And don't let them just do a flush and fill. It's imperative that the filter gets changed too. If you're going to have the fluid and filter done, skip the Marvel. No point in doing that unless you just want to try it before the other.

[deltas69]

I am in the auto parts business so know who to trust..but there are many shops i go to that I would never let touch any of my vehicles..that said..where ever I take it I will be safe knowing they put the correct fluid in there as well as filter..we have the proper fluid and filter in my warehouse and my son is a certified mechanic across GM/FORD.CUMMINGS DIESEL...however he lives two hours away now...so I 'll have to take it to a shop I trust..thanks for the help...I put some MMO in just to test it...can't hurt thanks again...pj

[NitroPT]

The code P0700 you are getting is a generic transmission trouble code. The need to have a shop preferably a Transmission shop or Chrysler Dealership service shop access further codes is really the first thing you should do before changing fluid or adding any conditioners even MARVEL Mystery Oil which is good stuff!

A worth while investment if you plan on keeping your PT Cruiser for a few years is to have both engine and trans oil checked.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

[deltas69]

I could have had that done a few years ago..my oldest son worked for TVA and that was his job...travel to all the TVA locations, change the oil in their vehicles and have samples of each analyzed...He still has contacts there..I bet I can have that done...thanks for the heads up...

[deltas69]

UPDATE...65 Degrees here today car went into gear and shifted just fine..no problems..as a whim I took it around the corner to O'reilly's awher a former co worker works and had him scan the CEL..I was only showing two codes..p0700 and p0522lllhis scanner brought up six additional codes...I won't list them but most were trans related ..looked up all the codes to see what they were..won't list..but one of the symptoms in each was a faulty ecm, or tcm...my question is...how can this car run and shift perfectly in warm weather throwing all these codes ?? When the temp drops again below 40......it will go back to the same difficult engagement issues...thanks...