[D725U]

About a month ago, my 94 started randomly going into limp mode. I had a local transmission shop retrieve codes from the TCM using a MT-2500 scan tool and two codes are currently stored in the TCM: 38 and 42 (42 according to the FSM causes the TCM to enter limp mode when it detects a fault with the 2/4 solenoid).

The transmission is the original factory unit and is in otherwise good shape for the age (I never had any problems with it up until last month in the 10+ years I've owned the car) and there's no other visible faults with it (wiring is good, fluid is good, etc).

Just like the RFI module, Chrysler no longer carries the solenoid pack for the 42LE/A606 (even filters are starting to become a problem; guess who's been using them up over the years ). Aftermarket has nothing either, and the transmission shop I'm dealing with is having a hard time finding a solenoid pack through their own suppliers. Also, these solenoid packs can't be rebuilt (at least according to the trans shop).

The car is drivable, but it's becoming a PITA turning off the car and restarting it in the middle of traffic to get out of limp mode. Highway driving is out of the question.

Does anyone have a working Mopar solenoid pack lying around somewhere? Car-Part.com does not list the solenoid pack as a separate unit and there's only two complete 1st gen transmissions listed in Ontario (and I know the first yard listed doesn't have it because they never update their inventory).

I asked in another thread, but did the the #4539766 part number carry on into the 2nd gen? Was the solenoid pack the same throughout the whole LH run (93-04)?

 

[D725U]

Wow, nothing guys? Might have to scrap the 94.

 

[Firem]

A number of us at the 300M site have used reman solenoid packs form E bay sellers with success.
Rebuilt OEM A606 42LE Solenoid Pack 93UP LHS 300M Eagle Vision READ | eBay
There are some rubber valve seats and we have also learned poor solder joints are contributing factors to failure.

 

[D725U]

Thanks for the link. Trying to avoid going the eBay route but I may have no alternative.

Sad there’s nothing available for these transmissions locally anymore.

 

[D725U]

Leaning towards this unit here:

The seller advised me that these are third-party rebuilt solenoid packs and that it is not a genuine Mopar rebuild despite being listed as a OEM Mopar solenoid pack and showing the Mopar casting with the part number in the pic.

I've asked if the seller knows who the supplier is for these remans. Still waiting on that. They are offering a one-year warranty.

Seems that no one carries any new Mopar solenoid packs or official Mopar remans for the 42LE/A606.

 

[pt500]

Just like the RFI module, Chrysler no longer carries the solenoid pack for the 42LE/A606 (even filters are starting to become a problem; guess who's been using them up over the years ). Aftermarket has nothing either, and the transmission shop I'm dealing with is having a hard time finding a solenoid pack through their own suppliers. Also, these solenoid packs can't be rebuilt (at least according to the trans shop).

If you haven't gotten the solenoid pack to install yourself and are planning to have a shop do it, you may want to check with other shops since the remans are still available.

Yes, most of the online Mopar shops are out of the NOS solenoid packs, but it may be worth it to have a local Dodge/Chrysler dealer do their system search. However, decent transmission shops (location links below) use several reman transmission parts suppliers in the US and Canada that likely have the solenoid packs (as well as most of the other 42LE/A606 parts). See photos below of one of the reman solenoid packs I got a while back on sale - reman p/n 62420 or 62420R may be a standard number (haven't had need to install it yet). And if the shop told you that they can't be rebuilt, that is obviously incorrect. Of course the reman suppliers do it with the kits I show below (TransTec & Sonnax). It takes careful work with the little fiddly parts, so most shops will just get a reman solenoid pack and return the core to their supplier. Obviously, if you have the shop do it, you want them to order the part so they will give you a warranty on it. Getting a reman off ebay rather than a known transmission parts supplier can obviously be hit or miss. When I researched this a while back, there were some trans parts suppliers online (most associated with TranStar, TransTec and Sonnax) that would also sell retail to do-it-yourselfers, but I didn't keep a list.

For trans work it is best to go to an independed ATRA certified shop (do not go to chain shops like AAMCO - terrible). ATRA certified shops are in the US and Canada. Other independent ATRA shops will honor the warranty from a member shop.

ATRA - Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association

www.atra.com

For Canada probably need to call 1-866-GO4-ATRA (1-866-464-2872)
Or check Western Canada Chapter site or call 604 254-6288 to see if they can refer you in the east.
ATRA Western Canada Chapter

Here are photos of the reman solenoid, gasket/screen (from an online Mopar dealer), TransTec & Sonnax rebuild parts. The top sticker on the TransTec rebuilt kit shown below says A604, but the Transtec bag label says A604/A606 so it works for both.

 

[D725U]

But it may be worth it to have a local Dodge/Chrysler dealer do their system search.

Did that. None of the Chrysler dealers in my area have anything in stock for the 42LE/A606 (and their computers allow them to check cross-country and even the USA). Chrysler Vintage has nothing either. Only thing I can get locally for these transmissions is fluid and filters (and as I said earlier, even filters are becoming obsolete). Depressing, but true. But that's the state of the LH in 2023.

However, decent transmission shops (location links below) use several reman transmission parts suppliers in the US and Canada that likely have the solenoid packs

I've gone to several transmission shops - they don't have anything in stock for the 42LE. There was one shop in Mississauga, ON that was able to source an aftermarket solenoid pack through their supplier, but I was strongly encouraged not to buy an aftermarket solenoid pack since they tend to fail right out of the box (and this fellow has had plenty of experience working on the 42LE when they were fresh and widely in use).

Getting a reman off ebay rather than a known transmission parts supplier can obviously be hit or miss.

I agree, but my options are very limited in my neck of the woods (Southern Ontario, Canada).

Other independent ATRA shops will honor the warranty from a member shop.

Same shop that suggested not to buy an aftermarket solenoid pack quoted me $500 for labor and they can have the car ready the same day. I already have the fluid and filter ready to go - just need to find a good, dependable solenoid pack to make this happen. I also bought my own MT-2500 scanner so I can do the quick learn procedure on my own.

Here are photos of the reman solenoid, gasket/screen (from an online Mopar dealer), TransTec & Sonnax rebuild parts.

I'll take a look into this, thanks.