While idle my car shifts from drive into neutral...help! is it my transmission?

Check transmission fluid level if low on fluid it will suck air and transmission forward clutch can not apply. If fluid is full and clean looking RED in color shift control solenoids are the problem and internal. BROWN and BLACK fluid indicates the forward clutch was slipping and now has no holding power for movement. this case the transmission needs reconditioning.

yep ck u tube for a few ways to find the vaacuum leak. theres several ways

i would change the ****** filter see if that fixes the problem!

orbital clutches slipping , needs stripping

Vibration at idle brings to mind a few suspects:

transmission mount(s) broken/missing
transmission internally worn
motor mount(s) broken/missing

(1) transmission internally worn or transmission mount broken/missing - test this by shifting into neutral at the next stop light. If the vibration disappears when you disengage the transmission, then the transmission is the source of the vibration. You'll have to inspect the transmission mounts - if they're ok, then the transmission is internally worn and can no longer smoothly "slip" while idling in drive.
(2) motor mount broken/missing - also test this by shifting into neutral at the next stop light. If the vibration persists, then the transmission is exonerated, and the vibration is coming from (under) the engine. The rubber part of motor mounts commonly crack/break and or pop out and are lost.

A photo of the front motor mount for the 2003 Dodge Neon:

Make sure your transmission fluid is fully topped up. If the transmission has to speed to build up fluid pressure there will be jolt as the drive is engaged from neutral. Make sure you fill up with the right fluid (use the transmission dip stick tube as the fill point). Also when measuring transmission fluid level have the engine running in 'park'.

Shifting to NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL, first make sure
the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle.
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) or have
the clutch pedal pressed for vehicles with
manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case to 2HI.
6. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and
4LO buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL
light will come on when the transfer case shift to
NEUTRAL is complete.
7. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D)
for one second or FIRST (1) for vehicles with
manual transmission.
8. Turn the ignition to OFF.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P) or
FIRST (1) for vehicles with manual transmission.
10. Release the parking brake prior to towing.

************************

Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular
brake pedal.
2. Start the vehicle with the transmission in PARK (P)
or FIRST (1) for vehicles with manual transmission.
3. Press the button for the desired transfer case position
(2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 4LO).
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) or press the
clutch pedal for vehicles with manual transmission.
5. Shift the transmission lever to the desired position.
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL,
the red light will go out.
6. A re-engagement sound is normal when shifting out
of NEUTRAL.

The automatic transmissions on these vehicles are known to die early in the life of the car and Volvo is well aware that the vehicle has a dud auto transmission. The symptoms you have mentioned are an indication that the transmission has had it. It's basically just running in limp mode now.

You don't say what mileage this vehicle has clocked up but even low mileage vehicles have had to have the entire transmission replaced due to failures like yours. You also, no doubt, have a transmission alert showing on the dash.

The bad news is that a replacement automatic transmission will now be necessary and this will be costly. Even then, with these cars, you could experience another transmission failure after just another 30000 miles or so of driving.

Sean

check fluid level, make sure proper fluid is in transmission otherwise take to trans shop to diagnse if level and type is correct(check at idle normal operating temp)

The problem that I could see is the transmission/shift solenoid. The solenoid thing is located inside the transmission. The repair should run $200-$250 or there abouts. If you don't fix it quickly though, you will wreck the transmission and you don't want to know how much that costs!

You may also contact the manufacturer for second opinion.

Hope this helps and have a great evening!