2000 Chrysler Concorde LXi - Tests Practical?

your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol fuel we are all forced to run now......

depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in fla.

I called a local Chrysler dealer service manager (Summit County Ohio) and discussed my concerns. He asked if my engine light was coming on. When I told him "No", he told me he wouldn't be able to tell me anything by hooking up his machine to the engine. He DID say he could make sure I had the latest computer updates.

Does it make sense to have a dealership flash the computer? I'd a little c> depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in fla. >

they do have freeze frame capabilities on the factory scan tool, to check the current operating conditions of the engine and trans. it would be damn hard to trouble shoot a lot of problems if they didnt. but you wind up sending 2-3 hours of labor for checking every system in the car. Really I'd ask about the updates, recalls and leave it at that. if it's running good, the main thing is keeping all the filters, fluids and belts changed at the right time for YOUR driving conditions. one of the most common thing folks forget is the radiator hoses. they do tend to get soft at times, especially the lower one and can suck shut at highway speeds due to suction from the water pump, or cracked and dried up. don't forget the diff fluid too.

I have 191,000 on my 96 LHS i am currently not driving it due to a bad trans, but otherwise the engine is still running strong, and clean as a whistle inside.

by the way, what engine is in there? 3.5?

It has a 3.2 engine. All hoses and belts were changed as scheduled... new water pump replaced when the timing belt was replaced as well.

Any idea what that slight hesitation is was the car shifts at very low speed? I can often "baby" it and avoid it from slamming into gear. But then... I'm not even sure it's the transmission. It reminds me of a universal joint on older cars. I remember that feeling (and replaced the joint myself if I can recall correctly...a bout 45 years ago.)

The car starts to roll f> they do have freeze frame capabilities on the factory scan tool, to check

got any idea what trans is has? 604? 606?

a fluid and filter change ( NOT a flush) and getting the dealer to do TCM update, might be the trick there. its the quickest and cheapest most likely.

there is also a TSB for this issue in 96 but not sure it applies to a 2000

I've not been too impressed with the two Chrysler dealerships in my area over the years; mechanic changes. By contrast, there's a specialty transmission repair (Richard's Garage - Akron) that repaired my '85 Sable a long time ago. They're well respected here and that's what they do all day long; repair transmissions.

See any downside to lett> there is also a TSB for this issue in 96 but not sure it applies to a 2000 >

most dealers have 1 or 2 guys that are trans specialists. Plus they get the factory training and tools. that's not to say independent shops don't get that info but the dealers get it sooner and have access to the factory for input if they need it.

Trans shop can do the same updates, and usually the price is good. the choice is yours.

With what fluid?

Dexron has fewer friction modifiers than ATF+4, hence it isn't as "slippery" this can make the clutches in the trans grab instead of smoothly engaging, the TCM/PCM tries to compensate but can't fully. This causes binding and "bump shift" along with potentially destroying the transmission.

If Dexron was used, with or without Lubegard the fluid needs to be changed again but now the system must be flushed too to get what is in the torque converter.

If ATF+4 was used the problem is something else.