The iconic Chrysler PT Cruiser was equipped with the A604 (41TE) transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Models
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement A604 Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 41TE (A604) | 1905 |
What are the DTC codes related to Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0716 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0726 | Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0736 | Reverse Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0791 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0792 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0845 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit |
| P0846 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0848 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit High |
| P0850 | Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit |
| P0868 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Low |
| P0869 | Transmission Fluid Pressure High |
Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Recalls
None Found
Chrysler PT Cruiser Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Problems
Delayed forward and/or reverse engagement with a double ‘bump’ sensation – 41TE transmission
Problem – Drivers may notice a significant delay when they shift into Drive or Reverse. They may also experience a series of ‘bumps’ or ‘bucks’ when the selected gear does engage.
Solution – The retainer that separates the lockup control valve and the TCC accumulator valve may need to be replaced.
PRNDL lights malfunction – 41TE/42LE transmission (1996>)
Problem – The PRNDL lights in the driver information center (in the gauge cluster) may work properly when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, overdrive, drive and low. However, they may malfunction when the vehicle is shifted into Park or Neutral. There may be no diagnostic trouble codes or apparent transmission problems.
Solution – There may be an issue with the ignition switch, or a short in the related wiring.
Speedometer reading when the vehicle is not moving – 41TE transmission / 41TES transmission
Problem – Drivers may notice that the speedometer can jump to over 20 mph while the vehicle is stopped in gear. There may also be a jerking sensation that feels like a 1-2 shift. Gear changes may also feel unusually rough.
Solution – The most common cause of these 41TE transmission problems is a malfunctioning alternator. However there could also be a wiring problem related to the output shaft speed sensor OSS signal going back to the TCM.
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Chrysler PT Cruiser can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Leaking up front crank pump seal
Replaced transmission 11 months ago mechanic said not covered under warranty. $700 to fix leak
Sometimes it will bang when you put it in gear, and will not shift into a higher gear. If you shut off the engine for a minute it usually comes out of it and shifts normal. It only does it once in a great while. Does it need a sensor?
Seems like when shifting its tighter? Kinda slips