Chrysler Tech Tip: Diagnosing Delayed Transaxle Engagement at Start-Up

Chrysler Tech Tip: Diagnosing Delayed Transaxle Engagement at Start-Up

Some Chyrsler owners may complain of intermittent delayed transmission engagement at vehicle start-up in excess of three seconds. The transaxle may be cold or hot. Check the transaxle fluid level while the vehicle is on a level surface and the transaxle is at normal operating temperature using the following procedure.

Affected Vehicles:
•1993: (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon; (AG) Daytona; (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue;
•1993-’94: (AP) Shadow/Shadow Convertible/Sundance; and
•1993-’95: (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/LeBaron Sedan; (AJ) LeBaron Coupe/Convertible; (AS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager; (ES) Chrysler Voyager (European market); and (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/LHS/New Yorker/Vision.

Note: This bulletin applies to vehicles with 41TE and 42LE transaxles built before Nov. 15, 1994 (transaxle ID code number XXX-2163-XXXX).

Symptom/Condition
Intermittent delayed transmission engagement at vehicle start-up in excess of three seconds. The transaxle may be cold or hot.

Diagnosis
Check the transaxle fluid level while the vehicle is on a level surface and the transaxle is at normal operating temperature using the following procedure.

Start the engine and allow to idle for minimum of one minute. With the parking brake and the service brakes applied, move the gear selector lever momentarily to each gear position. Place the gear selector lever in either Park or Neutral.

Check the transaxle fluid level; It should be in the HOT range of the dipstick. Adjust the fluid level as necessary. Use Mopar ATF type 7176 (P/N 4467721) if additional fluid is required.

Attempt to reproduce the condition described by the vehicle operator. If the gear engagement time exceeds three seconds, the garage shifts are considered delayed and the repair procedure should be performed.

Note: Vehicles with delayed transaxle engagement on start-up, after being parked for several days, are considered normal and will not be affected by performing this bulletin.

Other possible conditions that might cause delayed transaxle engagement are a sticking or frozen PRNDL switch, or a transaxle front pump with excessive gear clearances.

Repair Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle with an appropriate hoist.

2. Clean the transaxle oil pan and mating area thoroughly, preferably with steam.

3. Remove the transaxle oil pan. Remove all sealant from the transaxle oil pan and mating area. Clean the inside of the oil pan and magnet.

4. Check the transaxle oil filter engagement and O-ring condition. Cut or poorly installed O-rings also may cause delayed garage shifts.

5. Separate the transaxle oil filter and O-ring from the valve body and discard.

6. Remove the 18 bolts attaching the valve body and separate the valve body from the transaxle and properly dispose of the transmission fluid.

7. Install the new valve body (P/N 4659085, 41TE; P/N 4659084, 42LE). Torque the attaching bolts to 40 in.-lbs. (5 Nm).

8. Install the new oil filter (P/N 4504048, 41TE; P/N 4796730, 42LE).

9. Apply a 1/8” bead of Mopar RTV sealant, P/N 4318025, or equivalent, on the mounting flange of the transaxle oil pan. Also apply the sealant to the underside of the attaching bolts. Torque the attaching bolts to 165 in.-lbs. (19 Nm).

10. Pour four quarts of ATF through the fill tube.

11. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a minimum of one minute. With the parking brake and the service brakes applied, move the gear selector lever momentarily to each gear position. Place the gear selector lever in either Park or Neutral.

12. Check the transaxle fluid level and add an appropriate amount of transmission fluid to bring the level to 1/8” (3 mm) below the ADD mark on the dipstick.

13. Recheck the fluid level after the transaxle is at normal operating temperature. The level should be in the HOT range of the dipstick.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of Mitchell 1.

For additional information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

You May Also Like

Wrenchers Doubles Repair Tool & Equipment Offering

More than 25,000 lifts, tools, and equipment from 39 brands available online or by phone.

Wrenchers has more than doubled the vehicle repair tools and shop equipment available in its new catalog, offering over 25,000 car lifts, specialty tools, tire changers, shop fans, and more from 39 brands. 

“We are committed to continuously improving our product lineup to make Wrenchers a one-stop-shop for tools and garage equipment,” says Karla Zarate, director of sales operations. “When we launched Wrenchers as an improved version of long-time distributor Garage Equipment Supply in 2022, we had about 12,000 product numbers in our catalog. We’re at more than 25,000 now, with more in the pipeline. This means our customers can get more of what they need with just a click, rather than having to waste time shopping around.”

Myers Tire Supply Introduces MTS Xpresstm

The innovative solution to consolidate purchases and control inventory costs.

Experiencing What the Tool Industry Has to Offer

ETI held its annual ToolTech conference April 17-19 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.

Sandia Mountains
LIQUI MOLY Develops Liquid Thermal Manager for EV Batteries

The automotive chemical specialist is expanding its range for all-electric vehicles with Battery Coolant EV 200.

May 2023 Vehicle Care RockStar: Johnny Weber

Johnny Weber exudes confidence in his abilities to lead the band through proficiency over pageantry.

Other Posts

Variable Valve Timing Systems

Variable valve timing systems allow today’s engines to maximize performance and drivability.

Continental Tire Upgrades Test Tracks for EVs

Continental expanded its EV charging infrastructure at three company-owned test sites in Sweden, Germany and the U.S.

Streamlight Names E.A. Langenfeld & Associates 2022 Automotive Sales Rep Agency of the Year

The company received the award yet again in recognition for outstanding national sales achievement.

MAHLE and Midtronics Join Forces for Battery Service 

The goal of the cooperation: holistic battery diagnostics and maintenance from a single source in a growing future market.