Return Spring Compressor for Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep Applications
OTC has recently released several tools for Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep applications, including a spring compressor used to compress the 2-4 piston return spring during removal or installation of the retaining ring in automatic transaxles. Applications include 1989 and later A-604, 41TE, 41AE, 42LE automatic transaxle, and can also be used on 42RLE transmissions.
Solenoids for 2007-19 Stellantis Transmissions
Electrical solenoids from Transtar fit several Stellantis (formerly FCA) transmission applications (including VW Routan). The lists below highlight the transmission model fitments and applications. Name Years 41TE 2008 – 2010 62TE 2007 – 2019 40TES 2012 – 2013 41TES 2011 – 2016 62TEA 2011 – 2016 Transmissions Years Vehicle Drive Types 2008 – 2016 Chrysler
Video: 62TE Low Drum Wear
The 62TE is a six-speed version of the 41TE four-speed automatic. The additional gears are provided through the addition of a reduction unit referred to as the underdrive compounder assembly. Caution must be used when working with the assembly and all upgrades should be performed at the time of service. Mike walks through its disassembly
Chrysler Solenoid Switch Valve Plug Kit
Sonnax releases new switch valve plug kits that fit multiple Chrysler units.
Don’t Overlook the Flex Plate
In the early 2000s, I was working as a transmission technician for a Dodge dealership in Omaha. I had been working there around five years. A customer brought in a 1998 Dodge Caravan equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 41TE (604) transmission. The customer complained that the vehicle had no power. He thought it was a transmission issue, so the Caravan was routed to me for diagnosis.
Continuity Conundrum
We spend a great deal of time helping installers with electronic-circuit codes for shift solenoids, PC-solenoid codes, input and output speed sensors, and pressure switches. Nearly all vehicles have issues with circuit codes. The focus of this article will be on Chrysler transmissions, as they seem to have more of these types of concerns than other vehicles.
Two- and three-pin harness connectors have been used for quite some time, and they have always been a primary source of circuit problems. The issues with them seem to be getting more prevalent since the vehicles that use them are aging. Loose pin fit and corrosion are the primary causes found with them, and cleaning with a heavy base (baking soda, for example) and a mild steel brush will usually dissolve the corrosion.
Low/Reverse-Solenoid Circuit Fault Code P0750 (41)
Without question, aside from P1776 (47), one of the most-common trouble codes plaguing Dodge/Chrysler vehicles is P0750 (or 41), “Low/Reverse Solenoid Circuit error,” in 41TE-type transmissions (see Shift Pointers, October 2008). This is purely an electrical code and typically points to the solenoid, the wiring (which includes the connectors) from the solenoid body to the TCM, or the TCM itself. In so many instances on our technical hotline the cause has been a defective TCM. What becomes very frustrating is out-of-the-box remanufactured TCMs coughing up the same code as soon as they are installed; makes you think you missed something in your previous diagnosis.
Know Your Patient
One would think the easiest part about working on transmissions would be identifying the model you are working on. Nowadays, unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. I was helping via e-mail a technician on a transmission forum who reported having issues reaming a late-model Chrysler FWD valve body. Both he and I were thinking 41TE (A604), but that turned out to be incorrect. What he was working on was actually a 41TES, also known as 41TE VLP.
Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
Codes setting codes is not a new concept in the automotive industry. An example of this in the world of transmissions occurs in Dodge vehicles using the 41TE transaxle. If it develops a gear-ratio-error code such as P0731/2/3/4, code 1790 “Fault Immediately After Shift” can also be present as a result of the gear-ratio code or codes. In fact, the explanation given by the manufacturer for setting this code is: This code is set if the associated speed ratio code is stored within 1.3 seconds after a shift.
604 Solenoid-Block Mystery Leaks
The 604/41TE has been around for some time and we are all pretty familiar with it; however, some things still pose a challenge on this transmission, and one of them is leaks.
Singing the TCM Blues
We recently did a repair on a family friend’s car (first mistake); it was a simple problem. Her 1995 Chrysler Cirrus with a 41TE transaxle had codes 41 (L/R-solenoid-circuit error), 42 (2/4-solenoid-circuit error) and 21 (OD-pressure-switch circuit). The vehicle had only 81,000 miles, and she did not have very much money (same old story). The solenoid body failed the resistance test, so we replaced it. The solenoid-body connector was not making good contact with the solenoid body (common problem); it was replaced and the wire connections were soldered, not crimped.
Just Another Little Known, and even less Cared-for, Fact of the Day
During the first road test after the installation of a 41TE (A604), the vehicle seems to shift fine, then you notice on the second takeoff it starts to act a little strange, like maybe it’s low on fluid. You might also notice a slight pump whine before you make it back from the test drive.
