1991 A604 trans fluid change

Hello All:

The local Mom and Pop transmission shop that I used for years has
changed hands, and I am not comfortable with the new owners (I think
they might have sabotaged my wife's Impala on my last visit, but I'll
spare you the details).

Anyhow, I have been calling around town, and I cannot find a shop that
is willing to do just a transmission fluid change. They all insist on a
fluid flush. From what I was told by my trusty old trans shop, fluid
flushes can do mare harm than good. Also, some shops think the old A604
can use DEXRON fluid, which scares me.

So, I am thinking about tackling this job myself. I do all of my own
oil changes and other simple maintenance, etc, so maybe I can do the
trans fluid change, too?

I have a few questions:

1) I have read that some trans filters come with a cork gasket that is
sure to leak, other filters have a synthetic rubber gasket that seems
to work well, and some come with a tube of silicone rubber sealer.
Anyone know what to get?

2) I will buy my fluid from MOPAR at the dealer; how many quarts?
Should I get the filter there, also?

3) Any procedures you can recommend?

Thanks for any help, and have a nice day, Bill

 

It should be a task that you can handle yourself. I would recommend
going to the dealer and purchasing the *reusable gasket* and a filter.
The fluid can be purchased at most auto parts stores. I have seen it
sold under the names of Quaker State and Valvoline. So long as it says
ATF3+ and/or type 7176 the fluid should be fine.I paid about $2.50 a
quart the last time I bought it.

-KM

 

http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1990/Repair/a604.htm

I don't vouch for the content, but Google can be your friend, LOL.

 

here it is again,
i haven't hear much about the reason, but why Dex is scary? i used it
on my 2001 nissan and on my 1993 passat, my Caravan 1989 3.0 auto+OD
says on the dipstick to use Dextron.
You guys seem to know about this, can you explain why it is not good
for Caravan trans? what is going to happen if i use it, someone on this
group said it will damage the trans in a few months, many times i saw
here ppl stay away from Dex and choose ATF+3.
what is going on?

thanks
Ilia

 

It was explained to me that type 7176 was 'intoduced by Chrysler' as a
requirement for the A604 transaxles. This fluid is a 'semi-synthetic',
high temp formulation. As I have heard, since type 7176 was a 'Chrysler
only' fluid for several years, they placed "use Dexron" on the dip
stick as a temporary measure in case you needed to add fluid 'in the
field'. It was not intended to be used for fluid changes. Severl
transmission shops insist that Dexron is the correct fluid for the
A604, hence doing this job myself.

 

Because it is the wrong fluid for a Chrysler 4 speed automatic
transaxle.

The Dexron dipstick script has long ago been superseded by a TSB
that says to use ATF+3 or better fluid.

Because it is the wrong fluid.

Very likely.

What's going on is; Dexron is the wrong fluid.

 

thanks for the info
i have to check if mine has a A604, i saw in allpar.com web site the
explanation, same thing you are saying.
shoot, and i filled mine just recently with Dex3.
bummer

 

Kmathenson had some good info on the reusable pan gasket and fluid.

The problem with quick lubes they have gone flush crazy.
And some even do not even change the filter just flush away and use the
same type of fluid out of the same barell for everything.

Newer cars and newer transmisssions take special transmission fluid and
different fluid change procedures.
Check your dip stick and owners manual first.
And a note on cry transmissions most but not all have gone to or cry
recommends changing them over to the ATX+4 cry transmission fluid.
I did it on my own 98 town and country and could tell a difference in
the shifting for the good.
Check with the dealer to be sure what ones need it.
One a 91 I see no special reason to change it over to ATX+4.
Just a filter and fluid change will do it cry 7176 or a good ATX+3
Good luck MT

 

Bill,Just in case you have 100,000 miles or more on your A604 it's
better NOT to change the fluid anymore. To do so will only hasten it's
inevitable failure. I was told that by every trans tech I've ever
known.Ron

 

I have changed my transmission fluid every 30K miles since I bought the
car new (almost 16 years ago). This will be it's third trans fluid
change (90K miles), and the trans, which is nicknamed "a-sick-oh-four"
due to it's problems, has been trouble free, so far. I am not sure if
30K fluid changes has contributed to my trouble free experience, but I
will continue.

I understand what you are saying about causing failure after a trans
fluid change; I think these 'flushes' cause some harm. The way it has
been explained to me, unless you can flush twice with two new trans
filters, the flush does not make a "100%" fluid exchange, and the flush
itself spreads some debris past the filter, etc.

 

That sounds like a simple pan drop (not a true flush) which only
replaces about half the fluid. You can replace the filter (pan drop)
and then start the engine with the tranny cooler return line
disconnected while you add fluid. You can get it all that way including
what's in the torque converter. There's no more disturbance of debris
that way than driving the vehicle normally (as opposed to a pressure
flush), and you get all the fluid replaced. I see little risk there.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

 

I think you should go ahead with the change, I am curious to know if
the transmission controller has ever been replaced. Being that you have
a 1991, it probably has the controller that is not flashable. It would
probably be a good idea to get the newer one if it doesn't have it
already, and program it with the latest code.

-KM

 

Bill,> I agree with changing the fluid at 90K but I wouldn't do it
at 120K. Just my $.02.> Ron

 

In 1997, right before the 7/70 warranty expired, my dealer performaned
several TSBs and updates to the transmission. The label under the hood
says "Chrysler Software Update" and shows a date of 12-1-1997.

I have had the trans serviced at 30K intervals since new; no flush,
just a fluid and filter.

I am off to the dealer at lunch to order the re-usable gasket. I'll
tackle the fluid change in two weeks when I have some time off work.

Thank you all for your advice!

Bill

 

Right on there with the regular service.
People that keep there transmission serviced have a lot leess trouble
that the people wo do not.
Good luck MT.

 

OK, back from the local Chrysler dealer's part dept. I am not sure if
they were joking with me, but they said "Good Luck finding that
part....our database shows it is on national back order......"

They did give me a few dealer's phone numbers to try, but none are
local.

So, again, my question to the Chrysler A604 owners; Is it worth the
trouble to find this gasket, or shall I go with a rubber gasket that
comes with a NAPA, or Advance Auto filter?

Thanks for your help and time in replys.

Bill

 

Yes it is a good reusable gasket. Good for 3-5 fluid/filter changes.
You can silicone the pan back on but it is hard to glue up without
transmission fluid running down in the glue. I let them drain overnight
and then glue up and let set a while longer for silcone to set up.
Cry does have some good black silicone for transmission pans.
And I use import gray silicone a lot of times.

And the rubber gaskets that come with the filter kits just are not as
good.
Most will seap or squeeze out some. Real pains.
Try some local parts places or transmisson shops. For the reusable
gasket.
www.transtarindustries.com or call transtar 1-800 359 3339
MT

 

I've never had a problem with the ones I've bought. Get the trans filter
and gasket from a decent parts supplier like NAPA and you won't
have a problem.

The one critical thing though is you must use a torque wrench and make
sure the gasket is properly torqued. The factory manual torque figures
are low - this is to prevent the gasket from being squished
unevenly and causing seepage. The one unfortunate thing about this though
is that because the figures are so low, sometimes one or two of the bolts
will back themselves out. You want to get under the vehicle a month or
so later and check all of the bolts again with the torque wrench. Once
they have been setting in the trans for a while they will stop doing this.
DONT
exceed the torque value or it -will- leak.

Ted

 

Here is the TSB for this reusable gasket:

A/T Pan Gasket - Reusable Design/Installation


NUMBER: 21-05-99 Rev. A


GROUP: Transmission


DATE: Sep. 03, 1999


THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-05-99 DATED
MARCH 5, 1999 WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS
ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL PARTS AND
MODEL COVERAGE.


SUBJECT:
Reusable Automatic Transmission Oil Pan Gasket


OVERVIEW:
This bulletin announces availability and installation of a reusable
automatic transmission oil pan gasket.


MODELS:
1989 - 1995 (AA) Spirit/Acclaim/LeBaron Sedan
1989 - 1993 (AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
**1989** - 1993 (AG) Daytona
**1989** - 1995 (AJ) LeBaron Coupe/LeBaron Convertible
**1989** - 1994 (AP) Shadow/Shadow Convertible/Sundance
1990 - 1991 (AQ) Chrysler Maserati TC
1989 - 1995 (AS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1990 - 1993 (AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1993 - 1995 (ES) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1995 - **2000** (FJ) Sebring/Avenger/Talon
1996 - **2000** (GS) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1995 - **2000** (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
1996 - **2000** (JX) Sebring Convertible
**1993 - 2000 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/New Yorker/LHS/Vision/300M**
1996 - **2000** (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
**1995 - 2000 (PL) Neon**
**1997 - 2000 (PR) Prowler**


DISCUSSION:


A reusable silicone gasket has been developed to replace the RTV
method of sealing the automatic transmission oil pan. Due to more
frequent Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) change intervals and the
possibility of the fluid foaming if it comes in contact with uncured
RTV it is recommended that this gasket be used in all applications.


NOTE: THIS GASKET CAN BE REUSED UP TO THREE (3) TIMES.


PARTS REQUIRED:


**1 05011113AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 31TH**
**1 05011114AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 42LE**
1 05011115AA Gasket, Transmission Oil Pan, 41TE/AE


POLICY: INFORMATION ONLY


POLICY: Information Only

 

Just completed the job! Not too bad, but took me almost three hours
start to finish (including clean up), and cost me a little under $60
including MOPAR gasket and filter, and four quarts of Valvoline ATF+4.

I loosened the pan bolts slowly all around, and let it drip for almost
20 minutes, the loosened the bolts some more, and it let it drip for
another 20 minutes. Then the pan and filter came off without too much
mess.

The pan had a thin rubber gasket from it's last fluid change, so no RTV
to scrap off.

The only item of concern is that the aftermarket filter that was in
place was hard to pull out, and the new replacement MOPAR filter fit in
a bit loosely. YES, it did have the orange O-ring on the replacement
filter; it just did not feel as snug as the filter I removed.

Anti-seize back on all the bolt threads.

I torqued all bolts to 18Nm.

I had one quart of ATF+3 that I put back in first, since I read that
they are backwards compatible with ATF+4. I cycled the gear selector
from R to D while the engine was running parked and added fluid to
FULL.

Going for a test drive.

Thanks for all of your advice!

Bill