Hi Everyone,

Im new to this forum. I have a 2004 Chrysler Crossfire which im having problems wth. The problem is when i start the car i cant put it in the reverse or in drive. The shifting handle is stuck. The radeo turns completely off when this problem occurs. Autozone told me that the car lost communication with the transmission control module. Anyone know how to fix this, one minute the car works fine and the next i cant put it in drive once a park the car.

 

I doubt this is a TCM issue.
Try pushing the release ( it is the little indentation right at the left rear just outside the shifter surround silver trim - use a ball point pen or something )

If this releases the shifter, then you have a ignition / brake interlock issue.

 

When i start the car the P = parking letter is not recognized on the dash board. The radio losses complete power when the problem is happening. When the radio comes back on then the car lets me move the shifter to whatever i want. This also happens as im driving. The radeo tuns completely off and the car laggs and cant pick up speed.

 

sounding more like an electrical problem.
How old is the battery ? These puppies are very sensitive to having the proper voltage.
Could also be a ground / cable problem with the battery.

I don't like the 'radio cuts off' stuff ......
Does the car continue to run OK ? [ nevermind - you said it 'lags' ]

Might want to pick one of those voltage meters that plugs in the cigarette lighter socket from AutoZone or Advance and see if the voltage is dropping while these shenangins are happening.

or here's a good one from Amazon.com :

 

Alaxfire,
Thanks for the advice, I have an old random battery on there that i put on it because the original battery died on me and this current battery was the only one my friend had so i am now using the incorrect battery. Autonzone checked it a week ago and said it was fine. I have this same battery about a year and this issue is just now showing up. I will soon replace the battery so that the car has the correct battery for it.

 

Anyone know where the Transmission Control module is? I need to disconect and re-conect and see if the problem stops

 

It is under the carpet at the front of the passenger side, along with the Infinity amplifier.

You will see a white metal panel bolted in with plastic 10mm nuts, fold that back .......

 

The radio wiring, amp, and tranny module are all under the panel as mentioned. Right where any heater core water leak goes. You may have water there and shorting connections. Pull carpet back and check to see if water under floor.

 

Could be a number of things.
First and easiest thing to check is your brake lamp switch. Turn the key to the on position, push down on the brake pedal and see if your brake lights turn on.
Could be the shifter assembly its self, doesnt take much moisture for an internal short.
And as stated above, could be water intrusion around the EGS and or the front SAM.

 

If u need an extra, I have one for sale.

 

I had this problem once and found the connection to the TCM came loose because of an aftermarket radio installation. Cost me $500 to have it diagnosed at the Chrysler dealership. My tranny would go into limp home mode though, not get stuck in park.

Personally I think you have a battery issue. Install a new one.

Good luck

 

Try unplugging the battery and plug it back should reset it.

 

did you drop a drink in the car by chance ....sounds like water got in there somehow...

 

Brake pedal switch. Mine failed, even though the brake lights still worked fine. I think there are different circuits in that little switch. Easy, cheap fix to try before taking it to the dealer.