Aprox. 70,000 miles. Has had synthetic oil in it since about 24,000 miles. Shop says it is the solenoid pack that is leaking. It isn't where it bolts to the trans. or at the metal end plate BUT is leaking thru the plastic looking middle section. Whole thing must be replaced. Part costs about $370 and with labor total would be $500. Also says that it would need to be scanned/reprogrammed which is included in the price. Is this necessary ? Any body else been into this problem before ? Thanks. *BW*

 

well autozone only charges 179.99 for the silanoid pack. But I have the same problem with my 02 sebring and the trans shop said it would cost about 500 to fix it but i know better than that. but if someone knows if thats the cause and says its an actual problem don't go and pay 500 for the shop to do it because its only a 200 dollar job tops.

 

Most reasonably competent DIY mechanics can replace the solenoids. The dealer price of $370 is steep compared to aftermarket, but in many cases you get what you pay for. In this case, however, the dealer packs leak habitually, but they work consistently and well. I'm not so sure about the aftermarket parts. Myself, I would probably risk the aftermarket, but then, I don't pay for labor.

As far as scanning/reprogramming goes, I'm not sure whether your electronic controls go through the main computer, or a separate one on your vehicle, but I suspect the main (Powertrain Control Module-PCM). If so, any standard code reader will be able to reset any codes that happen because of the change, as well as resetting the computer to it's defaults so it can "re-learn" your vehicles idiosyncrasies and your personal driving habits. Many parts stores (like Autozone) will loan or rent one out and you can DIY.

 

Chrysler recommends putting the car through the "quick learn" procedure after replacement of the solenoid pack using the DRB III scan tool. You can't do that with an OBD scanner. The question is, what happens if you don't? You might get some rough shifting for a while until the transmission control module figures out how to deal with the new part. My guess is that if it were essential, there wouldn't be an market for the aftermarket parts, since few places outside of Chrysler dealerships have DRB III tools.

 

A high quality shop told me that I can replace the solenoid pack myself but to expect for it to take a few days to re-learn my driving. If I don't like the way it drives then, I can have the scan tool do what ever it is that they do with it. Am looking for a brand name aftermarket part for it since the factory parts may have problems like mine does. Thanks to all for your interest. *BW*