don't understand my 1994 transmission problem

[peregrine]

this is obviously my first post.

ok, i have a problem. i've got a 1994 3.3 w/ 220,000 miles that is having the usual steering rack problems, but my main concern is that one day, while making a left hand turn my tranny popped out of gear completely (when i stepped on the gas it was just revving), then popped back into gear. after that it would never ever ever leave second gear. i can go in reverse and first to second, but nothing more. at least i'm pretty sure it's second, it's hard to tell. i can go up to about 40 mph and it'll run at around 4k rpm (thereabouts). i don't know a lot about cars and this is the first tranny problem i've ever had. i'm new in town and don't know any reputable mechanics, i just don't want to (and can't afford to) get screwed. if you guys could give me some direction to check out, i would definitely appreciate it.

thanks in advance.

[Dodgevanman]

Sounds like an electronic problem. The transmission has gone into "limp home" (no joke) mode. Take your car to a transmission shop....they maybe able to pull an error code from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) which controls engine and transmission function.

Has the transmission ever been serviced (ie. filter and fluid changed)?

Worst case is a rebuilt or new transmission, but with 220K that's pretty darn good service.

[peregrine]

i've never had it serviced, but i've only had it for less than a year.

so i should take it to a tranny shop and ask them to run a diagnostics on it? i just don't want someone to tell me it needs to be rebuilt or replaced if i can still get a couple of more months use out of it. i cannot afford either one of those options, so i'm hoping it will carry me through until i can save up some money.

if it helps, the fluid looks ok. no pieces of anything floating in it, so i guess that means that it's not toasted, right? what about a flush? anyone think that would do any good?

thanks again.

[Dodgevanman]

The newer automatics are sensitive to fluid condition because of the electronic modules and such. I wonder if the previous owners did any service to the trans. 220K is a looooong time to go on the factory fill fluid.

An honest trans. shop will diagnose and replace only what needs to be fixed. Unfortunately I can't help you with picking out a trans. shop. Do you have a mechanic that can recommend a shop?