Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I got this car from my son. He told me it made a noise when he put it in reverse and barely backed up. It moved ok back into the yard but then would not move in reverse. I was a Ford C-6, C-4 Fordomatic tranny specialist in my early years and am going to try to rebuild it myself, I need to know the weight of the unit and anything I should look out for during the rebuild. I bought a tranny rebuild book for this model and am hoping my prior experience will get me through this. I am retired now and living on SS so a professional rebuild is out of the question. Any thing you can tell me would be appreciated.
thanks
J.E.
FOLLOW UP Question.
I pulled the transaxel and checced all friction and steel plates, there was no wear. I found no internal problems in the transaxel so I am assuming it is a computer or electrical related problem. I was going to replace the main selonoid on the top side of the transmision, labeled " Do not service, Replace only." and the PRNDL switch, I do not know what other components to try. Is the DRB II checker the same as the computer code checker available as an aftermarket item such as the Equus machine from J.C. Whitney? I promis I will not bother you any more.
Thanks J.E.
Answer -
Hi J.E.,
I don't have any data on the weight of the unit. I have not worked on any automatic transmissions myself so I am limited to what I know from the various general Chrysler shop manuals ('89 FWD, '94 FWD) that these are pretty tricky machines because of the electronic controls. You might want to have the memory of the controller readout to see what fault codes it has observed so as to know which parts to pay closer attention and to verify that the rebuild in total is really necessary. Unfortunately the controller doesn't readout via the check engine light (the way the engine controller does), but rather has to be readout with the Chrysler DRB II unit. The codes don't say specically which parts are bad, but rather what operational parameters are out of spec, but from that some inferences can be drawn. If you can get the car to a shop with a reader that is appropriate it might be worthwhile. I have a DRB II unit which I could lend to you if that is not practical, but the shipping back and forth is a cost consideration.
The manual says the reverse clutch and the low-rev clutch are used for reverse gear so those would be the suspects.
When you drop the pans check for debris which is a sign that it isn't simply and electronic or hydraulic problem.
If your manual is not sufficient, I have the FWD generic (engine-body-chassis, and wiring diagrams) shop manuals from Chrysler, and a code interpretation/electronic trouble-shooting manual for the '92 A-604, but those are probably not as complete as a manual exclusively for rebuilding the A-604.
You will be saving more than $1500 by doing it yourself, so it is worth it. The A-604 is notorious for needing too expensive rebuilds. So it would be good to affirm that the rebuild is necessary.
I have the old-style A-413 on my '89 LeBaron coupe which is still as good as new.
Roland
AnswerHi J.E.,
I do not believe that the aftermarket checker will readout the fault codes for the transmission in the '92 model year cars, when the OBD I system was current. The readout of the trans controller occurs on a separate plug that is different from the one used to readout engine codes. It it called the CCD bus and it is rectangular with 6 pins, 3 on a side, and is located at the left hand end of the dash, underneath near the fuse block. Also, the reader has to have a program card specific for the electronic transaxle fault code readout procedure. Another issue is that if the battery power to the transmission controller has been disconnected then the fault codes it may have stored before the repairs began are now erased. If the battery power is still connected that may not have happened just because the plugs at the trans were disconnected in order to remove it.
Today's readers (OBD II) for 1996 and later vehicles use a different plug and perhaps an incompatible data bus to that for the '92 car. So I suspect the only way to get the fault codes is with a DRB II which has the "body" plug (CCD) adapter and a cartridge that covers the '92 model year. Do you know any Chrysler mechanics who might lend you theirs?
If you found no signs of mechanical damage or debris, then perhaps he solenoid pack is the problem.
Let me know how I might be of help. I live on the San Francisco Bay Peninsula.
Roland
