I have a thread in the new member area and just realized that there is a Chrysler 200 forum. I just wondered if anyone else had any success fixing a Chrysler 200 transmission?

It is a 2012 with 78K miles. things went wrong after changing the fluid. I missed the 5 years warranty by 2weeks thinking it was a 2012 car. The transmission gets stuck in 3rd gear and the engine stalls when coming to a halt when the engine is cold. It also goes into limp mode about twice a week. Occasionally it gives an engine light, but then this goes out after a week or so. dcotter said there is a bulletin about needing to flash the PCM after a fluid change. Is this correct? Anyone fixed a problem this bad with this procedure? I am just trying to avoid spending $1000 on the wrong thing, I just had a major loss in the hurricane 2 months ago so cant afford to play swaptronics with a $1000 a go.

 

Hi jademann,
I have found two Technical Service Bulletins that may assist you with this concern:

NUMBER: 21-013-12
GROUP: Transmission and
Transfer Case
DATE: November 10, 2012
SUBJECT:
Transmission Shift Improvements
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
This PCM software enhancement improves how the shifts are controlled during upshifts (torque management).

NUMBER: 18-023-12
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: August 10, 2012
SUBJECT:
Flash: MIL Illumination P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High And Transmission Shift Improvements
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience any of the following:
•Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High has been set active or stored.
•1 - 2 upshift clunk or bump
•4 - 5 upshift clunk or bump
•5 - 6 upshift clunk or bump
•6 - 5 downshift clunk or bump
•6 - 4 downshift clunk or bump
•RPM Fluctuating or Jerking feeling while operating in cruise control. Condition is more noticeable when the vehicle is going up and down grades.
Updating the software will correct the condition listed above.

You can provide these TSB numbers and your VIN number to your certified dealer, who will be able to best assess if either of these is a relevant bulletin to your vehicle and if any future steps are necessary. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Anna
ChryslerCares Social Media Specialist

 

Anna, thanks, I believe this means that I now have 5 possible causes:

1. solenoid replacement
2. weak alternator
3. AMS oil technical service bulletin saying TCM re-flash after changing fluid
4. technical service bulletin NUMBER: 21-013-12
5. technical service bulletin NUMBER: 18-023-12

I was just about to call the Chrysler garage but I will include this new information and see what they suggest.
ok I just called the main Chrysler garage and they said that the AMS bulletin is not correct, a reflash is not required...
They said that they could completely diagnose the problem for $130. I do have my doubts about this though based on previous experience.

Please note that I do not appear to have any codes, at least no engine light.
The problem seems to be when shifting from 3 down to 2. It also sometimes goes to limp mode. Manual shift seems much more reliable.
My current work around is to drive around in neutral and use legs.

 

Hi jademann,
If you decide to take your vehicle in to the dealer for diagnosis please reach out if you need any assistance in scheduling an appointment or following up.

Anna
ChryslerCares Social Media Specialist

 

No check engine light does not mean no codes. Not all codes will set the check engine light. Not all scanners will read all codes.

 

I took the 200 to a different garage on Saturday. They used a $5000 computer reader. It told them not enough tranny fluid was added at the other garage that changed the fluid maybe 4 weeks ago. He added ONE complete Liter of fluid and just like that the car transmission is now smooth in all respects. Hopefully no mechanical harm was done..?

How do they get this wrong? The garage that changed the fluid was a very knowledgeable and completely honest master mechanic, in fact he was the only one out of 3 garages that could properly diagnose the manifold leak on the 2008 T&C when it failed emissions. This simple fluid change procedure needs to be made foolproof.


We also need to have readers that can read these codes. Why does Chrysler need to make such a simple thing as codes so difficult? My son's Focus is 100% readable for all codes with a simple $20 reader. He was able to fix all the advanced air bag code issues with it.


The $5000 reader also found seat belt restraint codes. Probably the seat belt sensors are not connected.. There is a new restraint module recall with parts due in June 2017, but guessing this is probably not a fix.

 

Thought I would report that all is still well with the 200 Transmission. The extra Liter of fluid did the trick and no harm done apart from the time spent on trying to figure out what was wrong.

Last weekend I spent 6 hours trying to replace the air switch which switches between the internal and external air. It was making a a clicking sound. I tried several different tools to get it out but gave up, switching to internal permanently and just unplugged the connector. I figured I could always open the window but need as much AC as possible in the AZ summer. I also noticed the cabin air filter was smelling bad when the AC turned off so I pulled that out at the same time.

The most troubling thing was the whole complete front bumper which wraps around to the front wheels no longer fits properly, there is a large gap on one side. I had to use JB weld because it is made of plastic to fix it in place near the wheel arch. The problem is what do I do when I next need to change a bulb or replace the battery?