I have a 2007 2.8lt diesel auto. The box has been playing up - not unusual I know, this is my third Chrysler. The symptoms are that I can engage reverse but not forward gears. If I keep trying I can sometimes get drive and once in iseems okay. I have replaced the solenoid valve unit and both the input and output speed sensors but to no avail! Any ideas???

 

1,3 & 4th are controlled electronically by the ECU and solenoid pack, Reverse and 2nd are mechanically controlled. If you are not getting 2nd then it's a mechanical gearbox fault.
1st thing to try would be a fluid a filter change - if that doesn't cure it then you'll probably need to replace the box. Dont bother going to a main dealer, they really don't understand autoboxes (neither do I!) try an auto box specialist.

Regards
Richard

 

What you the owner can do, before spending lots & lots on techies and replacement parts.

- agreed - 1st thing to try would be a life giving fluid a filter change

 

I agree with the above: All the good old-boy mechanics say the same, "change the ATF fluid before anything else". It certainly cured a lot of problems with the six-speed ZF autobox in my previous motor, S-type Jag. Full synth ATF is far and away the best and will last around 60,000mile as against 30,000 for mineral. I think it's ATF4+ for Chrysler autoboxes. Full synth is also cheaper for it's service life.
If you do the job yourself, remember ATF fluid expands considerably with temperature, so centralize your dipstick reading when the fluid is quite warm, even rather hot. It's the viscosity improvers that do this, and there are less of them in full synthetic ATF. compared to mineral. Letting the box drain overnight will get more old fluid out of the torque converter than otherwise. This item can contain a litre or two of fluid which is hard to get out without specialized equipment that only the americans seem to have. Have a good sniff at the old fluid, if it smells burnt, you might have caught it in time. A trick often used to get the level right is to carefully preserve the old fluid, measure it as to quantity with a measuring jug in litres. That is PROVIDED THE BOX HASN'T BEEN LEAKING! Then simply install the right amount of new fluid. (Assuming it's been at the right level before). You are in luck with Chrysler autoboxes here, they at least have a dipstick. So IF there is no filler plug, the dipstick hole can be used. The Jag. I did had no proper filler or dipstick at all, and it was one major aggravation to put it mildly.

Leedsman.

 

It [ATF-4 transmission oil] use to be less than half price at ASDA-UK last year. I've just checked its not in stock, everyone else is charging £40+ for the 4 litres ASDA were £22 for 5 litres last year.

 

Thanks fir the replies. I did, a few weeks back, change the fluid but it is possible that Eurocarparts supplied me with the incorrect fluid. I'll check this. The fluid is clean and no smells. Reverse goes in fine but no forward gears at all in D, 3 or L. If I sit and rev it I can sometimes get it to engage and then it appears fine - changing up and down normally.

 

- putting the wrong fluid in is not a little problem
- its a big one - so big it can kill the gearbox
- torque converter shudder in pre '99's should be ATF-3
- ATF-5 for 2002 and newer models, but ;
- ATF-4 should always always in those originally [4 speed] filled with ATF-4

The smell is not an obvious analysis and the red dye used in ATF-4 is not permanent, the only reliable way to 'do what you the owner can do' is to change it for 'known to be good'. Your other problem is if its had the wrong oil in it you'll need to do the filter, which is a 'pan drop' on these vehicles.

I have a few related opinions on this issue. I'm assuming most of the UK will not have carried out a complete change of the ATF-4 since the last main stealer service requirement. So most UK vehicles will have been topped up over the remaining years, this is not a bad thing if you've had no problems and the oil is good that's enough the oil does not need to deal with soot, diesel condensate or other contaminants. Chrysler have the change at 3000 I think which is ridiculously low. Never flush especially with high 100,000+ mile box's and never never ever [bubbles or foamy dipstick] overfill.

 

I've checked the fluid used and it is labelled as ATF plus, which Eurocarparts say is suitable for my vehicle. I cannot establish the difference between Their own brand ATF plus and ATF+4. Perhaps an oil change and filter change is worth a yo before going to the experts!

 

As said... With the 41TE ( if I remember the code for the 4 speed auto box) it has to have the ATF+4 auto oil! It's the same used in the power steering pump. I bought mine off EBay for £30 for 5L can of Millers who are based in Brighhouse West Yorkshire. I can give you the genuine part number for the box filter and a WIX brand number that you can buy off eBay for about £12.

I bought both! But haven't got around to dropping the pan as yet! Just sucked out 5L and replaced it with the new stuff! It'll be next years job now...

If they have supplied you with the wrong oil! You might have a case against them. Print off the web page and your order form! You'll.need it.

 

ATF plus isn't ATF+4 as far as I know... What brand is it? Get hold of the manufacture and ask some searching questions!