Chrysler Repair: Transmission codes 0760, 0765. Possibly need a rebuild?, solenoid pack, straightforward procedure

Question
My Chrysler stopped going into gear.  The codes I am getting are P0765 and P0760.  The dealer is suggesting I may need a whole new tranny.  I just had the fluid changed (not at the dealer and no I haven't made sure yet that it was ATF+3) but I am checking.  I would think that if the entire tranny was gone that there would have been a clue in the fluid when it was changed but it was fine.  Any ideas?  Could it just need a new solenoid pack?  Or would the wrong fluid do that too?

Answer
Hi Brook,
Thak you for the generous evaluation. I'll copy and mail the pages tomorrow, from Palo Alto.
Roland


Hi Brook,
Neither the 0760 or 0765 codes have any possible outcome that would warrant a whole new tranny, in fact the possible reasons are in either the solenoid pack or the trans controller itself; there is nothing at all to do with the internal parts of the trans that would require removal and rebuild. The Chrysler powertrain diagnostic procedures manual clearly shows this, so I am very suspicious of any dealer shop manager who would tell you that was a possibility. There is a straightforward procedure for testing the trans for remediating both those codes that should show exactly which component: wiring/connectors between the trans and the controller, control relay circuit or solenoid circuits, Overdrive solenoid, Underdrive solenoid, or at worst the controller itself, to be at fault. The solenoids, if either is at fault, can be replaced individually without buying an entire new pack.
So I would look around for an independent and non-nationwide franchise (e.g. not AAMCO) type of shop that you can get good recommendations for (from prior customers, BBB) and have them run the procedure and authorize them to repair on the basis of the procedure results. The procedures for both codes are covered on 8 pages total which I could xerox and postal mail you to use when you approach a shop about the repair.
If the dealer is the only realistic possibility (due to no such shop/towing costs) tell them you will give them the official diagnotic procedures (neither of which conclude a rebuild to be necessary) and authorize them to do the procedure and report back with their result and the proposed specific repair on that basis for your approval.
As to whether the drain would have revealed a need for a rebuild, if there were significant amounts of debris left in the pans after they were removed to drain the fluid, then that would have been the typical clue. Absent seeing that and reporting it to you, I would believe that and the codes being non-catastrophic means that a rebuild is not in the cards.
Take your time to find an honest and knowledgeable shop. Let me know if the test pages would be helpful to you as leverage against a rip-off.
Roland