QuestionQUESTION: Roland,
I was wondering how difficult it is to change the transmission control solenoid on a 2002 Town and Country. I do the majority of my own repair but there is nothing in my Hanes manual that shows how to remove and replace the Tranny Control Solenoid. The Solenoid is leaking and the fluid under the car and on my driveway is driving me crazy. It appears that there are only 3 bolts holding it in along with the connector. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Butch
ANSWER: Hi Butch,
Another name for the part is the Solenid/pressure switch assembly. It is straightforward according to the manual:
disconnect battery,
remome air cleaner assembly
disconnect s/ps assembly connector
disconnect input speed connector
remove input speed sensor
remove three case bolts
remove assembly and gaskets, use care to avoid getting gasket material and foreign objects in case ports.
Assembly is the reverse;
torque 3 bolts to 110 inch pounds
torque speed sensor to 20 foot pounds
torque connector to 35 inch pounds
If assembly is replaced then a new Quick Learn procedure must be performed.
Otherwise, that is it.
Roland
PS: May I ask a favor? Please click on the "Thank/rate expert" button below/left. There you will find the question "Would you like to nominate expert to be 'volunteer of the month?" I would be very happy if you would click on the 'Yes'. You see I am in a close race for the recognition and need every nomination I can get!
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QUESTION: Roland,.
thanks for the quick response, I am however confused, the solenoid control assembly is on the opposite side of the engine from the air cleaner on my 2002 T&C, the van has the 3.3L engine and the assembly is located just above where the tranny pan connects and below the thermostat radiator hose.
Thanks again
Butch
ANSWER: Hi Butch,
That instruction set may have been generic, e.g., designed for covering all the engines available including the 2.4L which probably is set up quite differently as regards the air intake as compared to your V-6. So simply ignore that instruction.
Was the rest of instruction applicable as you see it? It is from the '02 manual.
I appreciate very much your 10's across rating... but may I once again ask for you to go to the 'Thank/rate the expert' button and click again, as you are allowed to rate each answer, and please notice the question about a 'nomination' for me. I really need your "Yes", which I hope you believe that I deserve.
Roland
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QUESTION: Roland, yes the rest of the instruction is applicable, what is the Quick Learn procedure you mentioned.
AnswerHi Butch,
The quick learn procedure is done by an interfacing the Chrysler Diagnostic Readout Box III with the data link plug that is under the dash near the steering column, so it is something that has to be done by a dealer or transmission shop with the proper box. It is not necessary to do this unless you REPLACE the solenoid/pressure switch assembly, so if you are just replacing the gasket it will be unnecessary.
As the name implies, there is also a slow learn procedure which the transcontroller will accomplish as you drive it, so that even if there is a slight change of function over time the transmission will adjust it. In the early days of the electronic transaxles (before the DRB III) the 'learn' was done by doing 15 accelerations at a moderate fixed throttle position from 0 to 45 mph. Then going 25 mph or less do 5 wide-open throttle downshifts to 1st from either 2nd or 3rd, and then going faster than 25 mph do 5 partial to wide open throttle downshifts to 2nd or 3rd from 4th gear. Allow for 5 seconds in the higher gear, at least, before doing each downshift. So that would be an alternative 'slow' learn approach, I believe.
Roland
P.S.: May I ask a favor of you? I would appreciate your rating my answer by clicking on the "Thank/rate expert" button below/left. Please notice the question just below the ratings which asks if you would like to nominate me to be 'volunteer of the month'? That recognition is based on the number of 'Yes's I get from questioners like you, one 'Yes' per each answer being allowed. Thank you in advance for your giving me a 'Yes'. In the light of my answers so far, I hope you will give me that vote of confidence.
