300M AT stuck in second gear

Sure sounds like a speed sensor or speed sensor wire/connector, Art. Check out this thread on the 300M ezboard for location of the speed sensors and their connectors:

Since speedo is working, it would be the input sensor. Inspect the connector for trash/corrosion, clean it, and pack it with some good electrical grade silicone grease.

I've seen some indications on forums that the sensors will act up in damp weather (which maybe points to the connector?), so the fact that it sat for a few weeks unused may (or may not) explain the strange timing of the failure without any culpability of the dealer.

For $20 and 20 minutes of your time, it would be nice to find out that that's it (or at least rule it out). Of course in theory you should take it back to the dealer and let them diagnose it, but you don't know how succesful that will be, or if you can convicne them that they should pay for it, and for them to just replace the sensor, if you pay for it, will cost a lot more than $20 (then there's "diagnostic" time, etc.).

Bill Putney (To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my adddress with the letter 'x')

Yep... sensor installed for $38 and change. Didn't even hit my service agreement deductible although at least Chrysler paid for the tow.

$38 was after chrysler paid its share under extended service agreement.

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I realize I'm late with this but it might save someone time later. You can view the diagnostic codes by turning you ignition key to the off position and then cycling it on-off-on-off-on. The codes will appear in the digital odometer. If there are no codes, the odometer will read "done". If you access to a code readout listing, this will help narrow down the search for faulty sensors. Be aware that the codes for the 300m changed in '02 when Chrysler integrated some of their power train controllers into one unit so be sure to use the correct set.

This tip also applies to other Chrysler products as well but I'm not certain how extensively.

This information was in the set of "shop manuals" that I ordered from Chrysler when I bought my '03 Special. I've found these to alway be a good investment.

DB