Eclipse Transmission Problem

Just some thoughts......Transmission filter change?? Are you/Have you been using the correct Mitsu fluid? I'm pretty sure these are not Dexron transmissions.......Transmission computer problem?

That is also standard behavior when the car goes into "Limp In" mode (aka When the car recognizes something that could shred it, it will drop into a mode to protect itself and to get it into a mechanic). If you don't have a check engine light that came on with it, it is usually a tranny issue.

Try a fluid and filter change and see if that helps. If that doesn't work, bring it in for a check up.

Regards, CMF

First, thanks to those who offered help. At first I got a basic Transmission service, which I thought worked, it was fine for 2 days, then the problem frustratingly creeped up again.

It took us awhile to figure it out, but it turned out to be two faulty speed sensors on the transmission, (one input, one output). According to tech manual the tranaxle is designed to substitute second gear for any gear except reverse when a problem is detected upon a key start (limp-in), the frustrating thing in narrowing it down is the way the problem is intermittent, these things only gradually go bad it seems. Anyway, on a diagnostic it will show up as "Gear/Speed Ratio incorrect" and the engine light will come on (mine was on when it was working correctly so I don't know how that helps).

I thought I'd post in case this info could help anybody else who runs into this, I know I searched archives trying to figure this out. Parts were about 55.00 each for the sensors.