[MoparPerformance]

Did I read that right, 3rd tranny in 3 months? aaaw man, I wish you the best of luck bro, get that taken care of right! I know that your problem is much more serious but just a couple things that may perhaps help... Make sure they ONLY use Mopar ATF. Check and see if you can use the new 9602 or 9606 which is used in the new Intrepids otherwise stick with Mopar Type 7176. Also keep in mind that although much cheaper than a Dodge/Chrysler dealer some tranny shops sometimes don't do a very good job with these trannys.

Some suggestions if not already done.... I would also see about having your TCM (Transmission Control Module Flashed) to the latest revision from Chrysler right after service if not already up to date. While it's in you may want to have your PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Flashed as well. This usually has to be done by a Chrysler/Dodge dealer. It usually runs around $60-$90 and they will usually put a sticker under the hood indicating the update code etc. Then disconnect the negative battery cable for about 15 minutes to reset the PCM and TCM.

The TCM update usually corrects a lot of the intermittent bump shift, hesitation, etc. The PCM update will usually give you better gas mileage and sometimes smoother engine performance.

Good luck bro!
MoparPerformance

[ January 16, 2002: Message edited by: MoparPerformance ]

 

[MoparPerformance]

The Chrysler Ultradrive has unfortunately been problematic since it's introduction in the 80's. The A604 (Usually 1st gen) and 42LE (Usually second gen) have had various problems and it is easily made worse when one of these transmissions are not maintained or serviced properly (Mopar fluid only etc.). Sometimes there are TCM (Transmission Control Module) updates to smooth out some of the intermittent issues with these transmissions, it's always best to have the latest updates/revisions.

Of course that would NOT correct slipage or failure or anything but it may help delay shift, hesitation, bump and sometimes will configure more optimal shift patterns.

I'm not really sure why Chrysler stretched the Ultradrive out so long, I would think it would cost them money with all the warrany repairs I have seen performed. Perhaps they figured it would last past the warranty period in which a lot of times it did. Some people have gotten lucky and have never had any problems. I think the Ultradrive design is cheap to manufacture. Chrysler probably didn't want to pay for a reengineering project or perhaps that was the best Chrysler's engineers could come up with.

I have had problems at 75K with the tranny failing in my 95 Intrepid.

Then at about 33K with my 99ES, my tranny had to be overhauled with Torque Converter replacement, Automatic Disc Clutch replacement Input/Output Speed Sensor replacement. The slippage issue never returned (It slipped really bad once) but the bump shift, rough shifting in lower gears (surging), hesitation etc. still continued. The dealer told me various times that there were no PCM or TCM updates. I went to another dealership which performed the updates and I got better fuel mileage after the PCM update and my tranny performed a lot better and smoother after the TCM update.

From what I hear the new Intrepid's will get a RWD Transmission based on Mercedes E Class design. I think that this will probably be a good thing. They'll probably add some more horsepower as well with being that more durable transmission's will be used.

I'm planning on buying the R/T or top of the line model of the 04' if this is the case and they still look nice.


Later guys

[ January 24, 2002: Message edited by: MoparPerformance ]