Chrysler Repair: 95 Cirrus tranny limp mode problem, code 44, solenoid pack, solenoid valve

Question
Hi Roland,
You've helped me before and I'm hoping you can help me again. My daughter's '95 Chrysler Cirrus LX 2.5 went into limp mode in the transaxle (this appears to be common with Chryslers!). I check past questions to you and determined that readings are different from others. The OTC scan tool, when running the transmission diagnostics, kept reading the code 44 for "UD Solenoid Circuit" and I can't get the code to clear out, even after disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes and clearing the code from the scan tool. I'd like to find out what this is and how it can be fixed. Like most, I'm trying to avoid pulling the transaxle if possible. Your help is sincerely appreciated.

Answer
Hi Pete,
It appears that this code fortunately refers to parts which are removable from the unit without dismantling it, e.g. the UD solenoid valve is in the solenoid pack/box. The solenoid operates a pressure switch in that box. It could also be due to a problem in the wire from the tcm to the box, or finally to the tcm itself. The wire that drives the UD solenoid in on pin 59 of the 60-way plug of the tcm and is colored pink/dark blue. The wire attaches to pin 5 of an 8-way plug at the solenoid box. So you could check the patency of that wire. Then you can do an electrical test of the solenoid by measuring the resistance between pins 4 and 5 of the socket at the box and you should get a reading of 1 ohm. If wide of that mark then replace the UD solenoid and pressure switch in the box. Those pins of the socket are immediately on either side of the mid-line of the socket  (the round circle) and they are on the side which is more removed from the tilted 'neck' of the plug. Pin 4 has a red brown wire that comes to it from the power distribution center's transmission relay, pin 26, that carries 12v to one side of all the solenoids. Then the pink/dark blue of pin 5 controls the voltage at the other end of the UD solenoid and is thus called the "driver" of the solenoid. These pin numbers, wire colors are taken from the '96 Cirrus manual (the only one I have), and are different from those of the '95 Sebring manual, so if these don't seem to correlate with your daughter's car let me know and I can tell you those for the Sebring.
Roland