Ultradrive
Manufacturer | Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler |
---|---|
Also called | 41TE/A604 41AE/A604 42LE/A606 42RLE 40TES 41TES 62TE |
Production | 1989-present |
Predecessor | A670 |
Class | 4-speed automatic |
Related | PowerFlite |
Manuals | Service Manual |
The Ultradrive is a 4-speed automatic transmission from Chrysler Corporation. It was produced from 1989 through the present and was commonly paired with the Chrysler 3.3 engine in transverse engined cars. The Ultradrive and its descendants are produced at Kokomo Transmission in Kokomo, Indiana.
History
The Ultradrive was a significant technological advancement in transmission operation, as it was one of the first electronically-controlled automatics. It pioneered many now-common features, such as adaptive shifting: the computer would optimize shifting based on the driving style of the operator. Unfortunately it earned a reputation for being unreliable, especially in Chrysler's minivans, which had high failure rates. A misprint in both owner's manuals and transmission fluid dipsticks in early models advocated the use of Dexron II transmission fluid in the event the required fluid (Type 7176, also known as ATF+3) was not available. Dexron does not provide the necessary fluid properties for proper operation of the transmission, often resulting in malfunction (commonly deferring the computer into the notorious "limp-home" mode, under which the transmission will not shift out of second gear) or complete failure of the unit. As a result, the older hydraulically-controlled 3-speed automatic was later made available on vehicles equipped with Mitsubishi's 6G72 V6 engine, which was usually paired with the Ultradrive during its first few years.
On paper, the A604 was a great innovation. When working correctly, it will shift smoothly and perfectly, thus providing a soft, comfortable ride often associated with high-end luxury cars. Also, electronic transmissions lack bands to adjust.
The torque converter measured 9.5 inches in diameter and was mounted to the flywheel by a flexible drive plate. The transaxle was cooled through an oil-to-water heat exchanger in the collector tank on the radiator, and/or a standard oil-to-air heat exchanger.
The Ultradrive has evolved dramatically over its long years of production. Countless changes, both electrical and mechanical have been made in an attempt to improve the reliability of the A604. Such changes include different valve bodies, solenoid packs, sensors, etc. One of the better improvements was the introduction of a flash-programmable TCM, which monitors the operator's driving habits, and sets up a custom shifting pattern for the driver.
The A604/41TE transmission also uses 20 fewer parts than its 3-speed siblings.
Mitsubishi's Sportronic transmission was a modified version of the 41TE.
Technical information
There are 4 different types of units. The differences between the types are the bell housing bolt pattern and valve body assemblies. The first type was used for the 2.5 L engine, second type for the 6G72 V6, third type for the 3.3 L and 3.8 L V6s and the fourth type for the 2.0 L and 2.4 L engines.
A604 to 41TE
The most common problems with A604 transmissions are poor shifting quality and sudden locks into second gear ("limp-home" mode), even during highway driving. Nine design changes were made in an attempt to fix clutch failure, and four were directed to "shift busyness", or excessive shifting on hills.
After much pressure from the Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Reports and others, Chrysler promised to waive the $100 deductible in the warranty, provide loaners, and buy back any cars with Ultradrives that could not be fixed. Chrysler ran an unprecedented campaign to contact all owners of cars with Ultradrives to find and fix problems...
A604/41TE
Applications:
- 1989-1993 Chrysler New Yorker
- 1989-1995 Chrysler LeBaron
- 1989-present Dodge Caravan
- 1989-1993 Dodge Daytona
- 1989-1993 Dodge Dynasty
- 1989-1994 Dodge Shadow
- 1989-1994 Plymouth Sundance
- 1989-1994 Dodge Spirit
- 1989-1994 Plymouth Acclaim
- 1989-2000 Plymouth Voyager
- 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial
- 1990-1993 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
- 1990-present Chrysler Town and Country
- 1992-1994 Plymouth Duster
- 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1995-2006 Chrysler Sebring
- 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger
- 1995-2006 Dodge Stratus
- 1996-2000 Plymouth Breeze
- 2000-2003 Chrysler Voyager
- 2001-present Chrysler PT Cruiser
- 2002-2005 Dodge Neon
- 2004-2008 Chrysler Pacifica
- 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse Non-turbo
41AE
The 41AE is a variant of the 41TE that was originally used for the all-wheel drive variants of the minivans, and was also used for the Chrysler Pacifica from its 2004-model-year introduction until the model was discontinued in 2008.
Applications:
- 1991-2004 Chrysler Town and Country
- 1991-2004 Dodge Caravan
- 1991-2000 Plymouth Voyager
- 2000-2003 Chrysler Voyager
- 2004-2008 Chrysler Pacifica
A606/42LE
The 42LE was an upgraded version of the 41TE modified for longitudinal engines. It debuted in 1993 on the LH cars. It is strengthened with a reworked final drive unit, barreled axle shafts, and upgraded clutch packs. The major modification to a N-S drivetrain while maintaining front wheel drive was accomplished by adding a differential to the transmission case, which was driven by means of a transfer chain from the output shaft of the low/reverse clutch assembly at the rear of the transmission case.
Applications:
- 42LE
- 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M
- 1993-2004 Chrysler Concorde
- 1994-2001 Chrysler LHS
- 2001-2002 Chrysler Prowler (Rear Mounted)
- 1994-1996 Chrysler New Yorker
- 1993-2004 Dodge Intrepid
- 1993-1997 Eagle Vision
- 1997-2001 Plymouth Prowler (Rear Mounted)
42RLE
The 42LE was modified in 2003 as the 42RLE, originally for the then-new Jeep Liberty. It is a 42LE transaxle, modified for RWD use by removing the integral differential and transfer chain. Power flow exits the rear of the now transmission. The case has also been modified. This transmission will reportedly remain in production through the end of the decade in several models. Applications:
- 42RLE
- 2005-present Chrysler 300
- 2006-present Dodge Charger
- 2004-present Dodge Dakota
- 2004-present Dodge Durango
- 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
- 2007-present Dodge Nitro
- 2003-present Jeep Liberty
- 2003-present Jeep Wrangler
40TES/41TES
The 40TES and 41TES are upgraded replacement versions of the 41TE, which were first introduced with the 2007 Chrysler Sebring. The 40TES is used with the 2.4 L GEMA I4 engine while the 41TES is used with the 2.7 L EER V6. The difference between the TES and TE is the TES has a shallower bell housing, and the torque converter is more compact. This was done for the revised packaging of the 2007 Sebring's engine compartment.
Applications:
- 2007-present Chrysler Sebring
- 2008-present Dodge Avenger
- 2009-present Dodge Journey
62TE
The 62TE is a six-speed derivative of the 41TE first introduced with the 2007 Chrysler Sebring, and used on the 3.5 L EGJ V6. Applications also include the Pacifica (4.0L), RT Platform minivans (3.8L & 4.0L), and the Dodge Journey (3.5L).
Applications:
- 2007-2008 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2007-present Chrysler Sebring
- 2008-present Dodge Avenger
- 2008-present Chrysler Town and Country
- 2008-present Dodge Grand Caravan
- 2009-present Volkswagen Routan
- 2009-present Dodge Journey
See also
pl:Ultradrive