Crossfire Trans Failure: Failed Sensor vs. Major Repairs

Had similar transmission issues with a 2009 Chrysler Sebring last month. The symptoms matched exactly, grinding noise, transmission slipping, warning lights, and limp mode activation. The root cause was indeed a faulty transmission oil temperature sensor combined with critically low transmission oil level. When transmission oil runs low, it causes overheating problems and can trigger multiple sensor failures. The transmission control unit receives incorrect signals and puts the car into limp mode as a protective measure. The repair required: Replacing the faulty transmission sensor, Complete transmission oil flush and refill, Recalibration of the transmission control unit, Diagnostic scan to clear fault codes This was quite a serious issue since continued driving could have led to complete transmission failure. The grinding noise indicated internal transmission components were already suffering from inadequate lubrication. The fix restored proper shifting and eliminated all warning lights. Regular transmission oil level checks since then have shown no further leaks or consumption issues. Would strongly recommend having both the sensor and oil level checked, as these issues often occur together in this generation of Chrysler transmissions.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Sebring transmission issues. Really helpful information. Your symptoms were identical to what I am experiencing with my Crossfire automatic transmission. The sensor problems and gear shifting issues seem to be a common weak point. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was? Also curious if you have had any transmission-related problems since the temperature sensor replacement and oil service? I will take your advice and have both thoroughly checked. Hopefully catching it early will prevent more extensive transmission repair being needed down the road.

Got my Sebring back from the shop last week after addressing those transmission troubles. The faulty transmission oil temperature sensor was successfully replaced and they found the transmission oil level was critically low, which was causing those gear shifting problems. Total repair cost came to 365€ including parts, labor, and the transmission oil top-up. Since the fix, the automatic transmission has been working flawlessly. No more warning lights, grinding noises, or issues with gear changes. The transmission repair shop explained that catching these problems early likely prevented major internal damage. The mechanic mentioned this is a known issue with these transmissions, when the oil sensor fails, it often coincides with low fluid levels, leading to overheating problems. Regular transmission maintenance is key to preventing these issues from recurring. Worth noting that prices may vary between shops, but having both the sensor and oil level addressed together is usually more cost-effective than separate repairs. The transmission has performed perfectly since the repair, with smooth shifting and no warning lights.

Thanks everyone for the helpful insights. I took my Crossfire to a different transmission repair specialist last week. After running diagnostics, they confirmed the faulty transmission oil temperature sensor was causing the problems, along with low transmission oil levels. The repair included replacing the sensor, doing a complete transmission oil flush, and resetting the computer. Total cost came to 420€, which seemed reasonable given the work involved. The grinding noise and warning lights are now completely gone. The mechanic showed me the old sensor which was heavily corroded. They also found some metal particles in the old transmission oil, suggesting I caught the problem just in time before serious internal damage occurred. The transmission now shifts perfectly through all gears with no slipping or warning lights. Will definitely stay on top of regular transmission maintenance going forward to avoid similar issues. Really glad I got a second opinion instead of returning to my previous mechanic who missed these problems.