dodge intrepid problems

For the reverse and shifting out of low problem I'd check your tranny fluid first. It may be low, especially if it's leaking. The fluid may also need changing. Some manufacturers recommend a change every 30k miles. If none of that helps it could be a problem with the tranny itself or the ECU isn't telling it when to shift at the proper time (less likely, but possible). The electrical problems are strange. Are you sure you didn't clip an extra wire or two when you pulled out that alarm? It just be that the cluster has malfunctioned at the same time, making it seem as though they're related.

Well... depending on the way the WASP system was in there... I'd say there is a grounding problem or a cut power wire to the dash... something was pulled out that had to stay.

As for the transmission... I know the symptoms all too well. I have a Plymouth Voyager (2 actually), and mine did the exact same thing. Sounds like your reverse band is not operating properly... but more than that, your governor is the reason that it sticks in first. In my case the material from my worn out reverse band got caught and was making my governor stick... get it serviced fast... otherwise you could do a lot more damage! You can drive it... but when it warms up and works perfect.. it's still doing damage.

Good luck..

Cruise problem may have to do with the clock spring in the steering wheel beginning to go out. Connects steering wheel mounted switches to the steering column wiring. Will eventually affect air bag and horn. These have been a problem with DC vehicles for a few years. Currently there is a recall on several model years of minivan for this problem. It's possible it may be expanded to several other years and models.

Get the trans serviced ASAP. New CHRYSLER filter and ATF+4 only. No snake oil modified Dexron or Mercon. May need to have solenoid pack replaced. Good indication of a bad solenoid pack is a lack of clicking as you slow down as the pack cycles through its various states.

Dashboard problems more than likely a bad ground from the instrument cluster to the chassis. Another possibility is cracked solder connections on the instrument cluster itself.

August wrote:

On the delayed shifting- check all the basics first. Fluid up to normal level? Fluid and filter changed at specified times? How many miles on the car, anyway?

All problems *could* be electrical though. You say you disconnected an alarm system. Scary- these cars are very sensitive to bad ground connections, and the dead instrument cluster really sounds like a bad ground for the Body Control Module wiring. Since the transmission is electronically controlled, bad grounding can give it fits too. It

As for the "clunk" go> Help. I have a 1995 Dodge Intrepid. Here is what I notice about it. >

Except that no Dodge Intrepid transmission has ever *had* a reverse band... its an electronic transmission with no bands or overrunning clutches (sprags) whatsoever. All shifts are clutch-to-clutch and computer controlled.

Except that no Dodge Intrepid transmission has ever *had* a governor... the governor function is handled by input (turbine) and output shaft speed sensors that provide information to the transmission control computer.

I had a transmission shop take a look at it and he said it is an internal problem. That's all he said though, he didn't really elaborate and I think he based that conclusion on simply observing (first-hand) the problems I described - he didn't do much diagnostics. He said the transmission was sticking between 2nd and 3rd gears. $389 to pull and examine. Alot more most likely to fix!

What do you all think about getting one out of a "junkyard" and having that put in instead? Can I specify "get one from a car that was running good before it crashed?" :-)

But seriously, it was really strange how the gauges would be dead until the trannie began upshifting and on the exact moment it began upshifting, that's when the gauges came to life.

I can hook the alarm back up and same problems exist. Car has 123k on it. Fluid looks kind of high in level. I was going to try draining and replacing filter but seriously do you all think that would solve my problem?