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Followup To
Question -
Took the 1995 Cirrus to tranny shop (2.5 Ltre). They say no problem with the tranny, but after a period of time the car goes into limp mode. When we shut off for a while , the problem goes away for a while then returns. Doesn't seem related to temperature of the car or duration of drive. We have had all front end suspension fix(bearings, etc) but problem there before hand, and still there after. Fluid level is up. Suggestions? We didn't get a code for the tranny from the shop, but at the time car not in limp mode.
Thanks for the help.
Answer -
Hi Spencer,
Are you sure that the tranny shop had a proper code reader? The controller has the property of self-erasing a stored code if after 75 key cycles following the setting of the code it has not recurred. So if they had a proper reader and the engine was started 75 times more since the last limp-in experience that would explain why they saw no fault code. An intermittant code like that usually means an electrical connector or wire problem rather than a mechanical of hyraulic problem, which is a good sign because the other problems are more expensive to fix. So I would suggest that you try to get it to a shop or Chrysler dealer a.s.a.p. after the next limp-in occurs and have the codes read out before it self-erases.
If they give you a number and it isn't clear to you what it means or you suspect that the recommended fix is inappropriate or way expensive, just thank them and write me back with the code number and what they recommended. We can compare that to the shop manual that I have for your car. The cost of the readout may be applied to the repair job by some shops if you take it back to them for the job, so ask about that too.
Roland
The codes that we got back were 12 and 41. The 12 was becuase we disconnected the battery and connector to inspect, but the 41 we were told we would need a new tcm. Our book says no, thats a 45. Thoughts
Thanks
AnswerHi Spencer,
You are correct, the replace TCM is a 45 code. In my '96 Cirrus manual the 41 code is for a problem with the low/reverse solenoid circuit. The 4 solenoids are tested by the TCM and if one of them fails to respond to two attempts, the code is set. They are also tested when a speed or pressure switch circuit failure occurs.
The possible causes are:
l/r driver circuit open or shorted (see 8 way test below)
open power or ground circuit (this should effect all solenoids, I would think)
60 way connector problems (pin 7 of the 8 way should be connected to pin 20 of the 60 way, so check that for continuity).
8 way connector problems (pins 4 and 7 at the pack itself are across the l/r solenoid, so you could compare the resistance of that path to 4-8, 4-5, and 4-6 which are the other solenoid connections. If it is quite different then that would cause me to think the l/r solenoid needs to be replaced)
solenoid pack internal problem (a mechanical solenoid failure?)
internal transmission control module failure (as a last resort, evidentally).
So on this basis, I would look into the specific l/r solenoid circuit rather than the TCM itself. Fortunately, the solenoid pack is external on the trans so you don't have to remove the trans if the solenoid needs to be replaced. I wonder about the shop that told you the 41 means to replace the TCM. Let me know how this works out.
Roland
