The Chrysler K-Car Club

Hello, I have a 1987 Dodge 600 Automatic 189k miles. This morning I started it and put it in drive and nothing happened it wouldn't go forward or backwards . Does anyone know what would cause the transmission to do this?
Thanks

G'day Tommy,
I think that you may want to wait for a pro to answer that, but until that happens can I tell you this.
My Mustang did that to me once and I near peed my pants. I looked under the bonnet and couldn't see any hints and then (couldn't think of anything else) I checked the tranny fluid - too low!

Stuck a litre in and vroom - off she goes.

Hope that your problem may be as simple as that - although I guess that you may have already checked the fluid level.

Best
Gary

HI,

Welcome to the club!

As Gary mentioned check the fluid level first. If it is down add some Dexron type fluid. Also, if is that far down you have a leak and you need to find it and fix it.

If that's not the problem, have a helper move the shift lever through its positions while you look under the hood. As you face the engine from the front on the right side you'll see the transmission. Toward the front of the transmission you'll see a bell crank system with some cables attached. One of those should be moving as your helper shifts through the gears. You don't need the car running but you do need the key to unlock the sterring column. It could be a broken cable or the shifter end of the cable popped out. That used to happen occationally on my 84 aries and it was a real pain to get under the dash and pop it back in.

Past that if nothing is found, it's something internal to the transmission.

Good luck and let us know what you find

Thanks, I tried your suggestions and nothing has worked. I changed filter and fluid no change. I started it up and now it seems to have a loud rattling noise sound like maybe the flex plate is loose. Trans will still no engage.
I think I'm just going to sell it the way it is.
Does anyone know how much this car is worth?
Again thanks

Tommy, I would hate to see you sell. Could you call our VP Ed Garren right away? He is really technically savvy on these cars. He can give you some tips. Call him at 213-453-3040.
Please, email me pictures of this car at aries89@chryslerkcar.com.