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  #1  
Old 05-18-2004, 06:43 PM
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Location: Toronto, Canada
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Ultradrive A-604 transmission

Hi Guys

Once again I come to seek knowledge with a non-mercedes car, but, mercedes posts will soon follow.

As some of you might know, I recently rebuilt an engine in a 91 Plymouth acclaim, 3.0L. The engine runs like a charm, just needs a new oil pan gasket and O2 sensor.

Now I have to deal with the transmission.

I did some reaserch, and I know that it's the A-604 aka Ultradrive which takes only ATF+3 fluid since Dexron can ruin it.

This transmission is stuck in limp mode, it won't shift past 2nd gear. I want to restore or rebuild it to good as new condition.

Naturally my first step was to look for a manual, I found a few, but I would have to order them online and that would not be the best thing to do. I know a lot of people have worked on these trannies before and would be able to recommend a good detailed manual for it and where I could get one. I would really appreciate any directions as to where I could get such a manual.

Secondly parts, I know that aftermarket parts are no good since they are weak and cause the transmission to fall apart rather quick, dealer down here is super expencive, so any online stores that would be able to ship to Canada would be greatly appreciated, I know Fastlane does not carry Chrysler parts.

And lastly, and most importantly any experiance when working with these transmissions other then "CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN" for which I now have a handy compressor that will aid me a lot in that field

I already dished out a hefty $2k on a transmission rebuild on my dads car, he happens to drive the same thing just 94 model, and since these are good winter cars, if I can learn to fix the tranny, I will have completed a complete rebuild of this car.

Thanking you in Advance....

xp

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  #2  
Old 05-18-2004, 07:51 PM
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Location: new york/orange county
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If you cycle the key and the car shifts fine for a short while then goes into limp, in most cases in a 604 transmission it is electronic. You need scanner to check clutch volume index, clutch pack wear and codes. The most common failure is input and output speed sensors. A mechanical failure can also send a gear ratio error. Have the Trans scan for codes
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Old 05-18-2004, 08:52 PM
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Location: Motor City, MI
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I used to own a 91 LeBaron with the A604 transmission. From chit-chat on the internet I get the impression that these transmissions need rebuilding every 80,000 miles. Though the input and output sensors may often cause the limp-home problem, it's still pretty much up in the air what could cause the problem. Nobody seems to have nailed down a 'common' problem for this transmission. C32AMG is correct in stating that the first step for diagnosis is to read the CVI's (clutch volume index) and codes.

I would think hard before tackling the A604 for a rebuild project. These transmissions require many special tools, plus there have been many upgrades. A good trans rebuilder would know these upgrades. The trick is finding a good rebuilder. Try cruising the Allpar forum. Lots of knowledgeable people there. You should get some good recommendations.

If you insist on doing it yourself, I still have the complete factory shop manual for '91 Chrysler FWD vehicles. The A604 Ultradrive section has 64 pages.
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Old 05-18-2004, 09:15 PM
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Kestas thanx a lot for the advice.

I actually did look at the allpar forum and they say it's not that hard to rebuild the transmission, tools come in handy but you can get around with just a few basic ones.

I'll send a pm regarding the manual, I know I will definately need it.

Thanx again

xp
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Old 05-18-2004, 09:30 PM
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You may also want to check Transmission Exchange .
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Old 05-18-2004, 10:20 PM
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Location: Brick, NJ USA
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you've got a couple of choices ...
It'll probably need to be rebuilt. They are not inexpensive to do; a less expensive alternative is to put in Chryslers 3 speed auto (the cars standard auto tranny for fleets).
BUT, the Ultradrive does drive really well, and changes the car. Therefore, if you rebuild, drive with the tranny in 3 around town, avoiding overdrive. These tranys constantly shift in and out of 4th/OD around town, overheating them. Using third eliminates all of the problems.
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Old 05-19-2004, 10:17 AM
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Location: Toronto, Canada
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DRB II

What about this DRB II tool used for reading codes?

I'm guessing this would be a good start for me to determine what the computer says.

I already figured out that my dads car needs a flash upgrade because of the shudder, and since I have two of these cars, and the tool is at a resonable price perhaps I could get one, I'm looking around from where though.

xp

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