Ultradrive
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| Ultradrive | |
| Also called: | 41TE/A604 41AE/A604 42LE/A606 42RLE 40TES 41TES |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Chrysler Corporation DaimlerChrysler |
| Production: | 1989-present |
| Predecessor: | A670 |
| Class: | 4-speed automatic |
| Related: | PowerFlite |
The Ultradrive is a 4-speed automatic transmission from Chrysler Corporation. It was produced from 1989 through the present and was commonly paired with the Chrysler 3.3 engine in transverse engined cars. The Ultradrive and its descendants are produced at Kokomo Transmission in Kokomo, Indiana.
Contents |
[edit] History
The Ultradrive was a significant technological advancement in transmission operation, as it was one of the first electronically-controlled automatics. It pioneered many now-common features, such as adaptive shifting: the computer would optimize shifting based on the driving style of the operator. Unfortunately it earned a reputation for being unreliable, especially in Chrysler's minivans, which had high failure rates. A misprint in both owner's manuals and transmission fluid dipsticks in early models advocated the use of Dexron II transmission fluid in the event the required fluid (Type 7176, also known as ATF+3) was not available. Dexron does not provide the necessary fluid properties for proper operation of the transmission, often resulting in malfunction (commonly deferring the computer into the notorious "limp-home" mode, under which the transmission will not shift beyond second gear) or complete failure of the unit. As a result, the older hydraulically-controlled 3-speed automatic was later made available on vehicles equipped with Mitsubishi's 6G72 V6 engine, which was usually paired with the Ultradrive during its first few years.
On paper, the A604 was a great innovation. When working correctly, it will shift smoothly and perfectly, thus providing a soft, comfortable ride often associated with high-end luxury cars. The transmission, being so electronic, also lacks bands to adjust.
The torque converter measured 9.5 inches in diameter and was mounted to the flywheel by a flexible drive plate. The transaxle was cooled through an oil-to-water heat exchanger in the collector tank on the radiator, and/or a standard oil-to-air heat exchanger.
The Ultradrive has evolved dramatically over its long years of production. Countless changes, both electrical and mechanical have been made in an attempt to improve the reliability of the A604. Such changes include different valve bodies, solenoid packs, sensors, etc. One of the better improvements was the introduction of a flash-programmable TCM, which monitors the operator's driving habits, and sets up a custom shifting pattern for the driver.
The A604/41TE transmission also uses 20 fewer parts than its 3-speed siblings.
Mitsubishi's Sportronic transmission was a modified version of the 41TE.
[edit] Technical information
There are 4 different types of units. The differences between the types are the bell housing bolt pattern and valve body assemblies. The first type was used for the 2.5 L engine, second type for the 6G72 V6, third type for the 3.3 L and 3.8 L V6s and the fourth type for the 2.0 L and 2.4 L engines.
[edit] A604 to 41TE
The most common problems with early A604 transmissions are poor shifting quality and sudden locks into second gear ("limp-home" mode), even during highway driving. Between January 1989 and July 1991, Chrysler tried 28 different changes to deal with A604 problems according to Chrysler's reference guide, "History of the A-604 Transaxle." Nine design changes were made in an attempt to fix clutch failure, and four were directed to "shift busyness", or excessive shifting on hills.
In 1991, after much pressure from the Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Reports and others, Chrysler promised to waive the $100 deductible in the warranty, provide loaners, and buy back any cars with Ultradrives that could not be fixed. Chrysler ran an unprecedented campaign to contact all owners of cars with Ultradrives to find and fix problems.
In 1992, Chrysler renamed the A604 as the 41TE transmission. Technical service bulletins after this date refer to the A604 as the 41TE even though the bulletin might cover 1989 models, when the Ultradrive was known only as the A604.
[edit] A604/41TE
Applications:
- 1989-1993 Chrysler New Yorker
- 1989-1995 Chrysler LeBaron
- 1989-2007 Dodge Caravan
- 1989-1993 Dodge Daytona
- 1989-1993 Dodge Dynasty
- 1989-1994 Dodge Shadow
- 1989-1994 Dodge Spirit
- 1989-1994 Plymouth Acclaim
- 1989-2000 Plymouth Voyager
- 1990-1993 Chrysler Imperial
- 1990-1993 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue
- 1990-2007 Chrysler Town and Country
- 1992-1994 Plymouth Duster
- 1995-2000 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1995-2006 Chrysler Sebring
- 1995-2000 Dodge Avenger
- 1995-2006 Dodge Stratus
- 1996-2000 Plymouth Breeze
- 2000-2003 Chrysler Voyager
- 2001-present Chrysler PT Cruiser
- 2002-2005 Dodge Neon
- 2004-present Chrysler Pacifica
[edit] 41AE
The 41AE is a variant of the 41TE that was originally used for the all-wheel drive variants of the minivans, and is now used for the Chrysler Pacifica.
Applications:
- 1991-2004 Chrysler Town and Country
- 1991-2004 Dodge Caravan
- 1991-2000 Plymouth Voyager
- 2000-2003 Chrysler Voyager
- 2004-present Chrysler Pacifica
[edit] 42LE
The 42LE was an upgraded version of the 41TE modified for longitudinal engines. It debuted in 1993 on the LH cars. It is strengthened with a reworked final drive unit, barreled axle shafts, and upgraded clutch packs.
The 42LE was modified in 2003 as the 42RLE, originally for the then-new Jeep Liberty. This transmission will reportedly remain in production through the end of the decade with the LX cars and the 2007 Jeep Wrangler.
Applications:
- 42LE
- 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M
- 1993-2004 Chrysler Concorde
- 1994-2001 Chrysler LHS
- 2001-2002 Chrysler Prowler
- 1994-1996 Chrysler New Yorker
- 1993-2004 Dodge Intrepid
- 1993-1997 Eagle Vision
- 1997-2001 Plymouth Prowler
- 42RLE
- 2005-present Chrysler 300
- 2007-present Chrysler Aspen
- 2006-present Dodge Charger
- 2005-present Dodge Dakota
- 2004-present Dodge Durango
- 2005-present Dodge Magnum
- 2007-present Dodge Nitro
- 2003-present Jeep Liberty
- 2003-present Jeep Wrangler
[edit] 40TES/41TES
The 40TES and 41TES are upgraded versions of the 41TE, which were first introduced with the 2007 Chrysler Sebring. The 40TES is used with the 2.4 L GEMA I4 engine while the 41TES is used with the 2.7 L EER V6.
Applications:
- 2007-present Chrysler Sebring
- 2008-present Dodge Avenger
[edit] 62TE
The 62TE is a six-speed derivative of the 41TE first introduced with the 2007 Chrysler Sebring, and used on the 3.5 L EGJ V6. It is also used on Pacificas equipped with the 4.0 L V6.
Applications:
- 2007-present Chrysler Pacifica
- 2007-present Chrysler Sebring
- 2008-present Dodge Avenger
