I have a 2000 dodge stratus SE. A few months ago, I was driving down a hill, and all of a sudden it felt as if I accidentally bumped my shifter into neutral. Well, as you might have guessed, I didn't. I had to drive the final 10 miles home in 1st gear because my transmission will not shift. My check engine light is also on.
I am nowhere near a mechanic, which is why I have a post here (Thank goodness I found this site!). So please, be gentle with terminology
Also, has anyone that owns a Stratus have any problems with the brakes? I had my pads, calipers, and rotors all replaced at the same time a couple years ago, and now I am getting very severe grinding again. I don't think this is supposed to happen so soon?
Anyway, thanks all for your help. Have a great day!

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does a malfunctioning vacuum modulator make sense in a situation like this? Thats what I was told at Autozone today....

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The transmission is going into limp mode. The computer will reset when the key is turned off. Your problem could be a speed sensor, the solenoid pack, the tcm, or a mechanical failure. Anytime a fault is discovered it goes into limp mode ( first gear).

Muscletone....

My 01 Stratus did the same thing...the car goes to 2nd gear and the "check engine light" comes on (limp mode) and if the problem is in the input or output speed sensor, you should be able to shut the engine off for a minute, re-start, and the car will shift normally, UNTIL you pull up to a stop, where it will probably go into limp again. Does your speedometer still function? Do the door locks still lock at 15 mph? If so, the problem may be in the EATX (Electronic Automatic Transaxle Control). If so, grab your ass, an EATX for the 01 was $500.00, plus 1 hour labor to install and re-burn the software. The input sensor is cheap, and easy to install, so try it first. If that doesn't do it, limp into the dealer, let him scan the codes, then prepare for the grabbing I mentioned earlier. Bright spot: 3 year warranty (supposedly) on the new EATX. Called Chrysler, they claim there's no problem with their trannys, but talk around the shops says otherwise.

Good Luck....Doug