The Chrysler Aspen was equipped with the 545RFE transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Chrysler Aspen transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Chrysler Aspen Transmission Models
Chrysler Aspen: 545RFE Transmission
Chrysler Aspen 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 545RFE Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 545RFE | 2348 |
What are the DTC codes related to Chrysler Aspen transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0880 | TCM Power Input Signal |
| P0881 | TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance |
| P0882 | TCM Power Input Signal Low |
| P0884 | TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent |
Chrysler Aspen Transmission Recalls
None Found
Chrysler Aspen Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 21-015-05 – Delayed gear engagement
2000 – 2004 Dodge Dakota – 2000 – 2006 Dodge Durango – 2003 – 2006 Dodge Ram – 2002 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 1999 – 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2006 Jeep Commander
Problem – Drivers may notice an initial delayed gear engagement with the shift into Drive or reverse after the vehicle has been parked overnight/is cold. This may occur after having the transmission serviced and having the transmission cooler return filter replaced.
Solution – If the OEM transmission cooler return filter (part #04799662AB) was used, it can allow the transmission fluid to drain back out of the torque converter, causing the delay/slip on initial gear engagement. Installing an upgraded transmission cooler return filter should cure the problem.
Common Chrysler Aspen Transmission Problems
Delayed and/or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 shifts
Problem – Owners may experience an unusually delayed or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 gear change, where the transmission doesn’t seem to want to go into that particular gear.
Solution – This issue is related to valve body problems where the material used to make one of the checkballs has broken down to the point that fluid is able to get past and engage the underdrive clutch during those shifts. An upgraded #2 checkball will be needed to solve the issue.
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 Aspen 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 Aspen transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Chrysler Aspen 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 Aspen 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 Aspen transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Chrysler Aspen 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 Aspen transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Chrysler Aspen 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 Aspen 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 Aspen transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Chrysler Aspen Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Chrysler Aspen 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 Aspen 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 Aspen 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 Aspen 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!
It’s stuck in third geer just had engine work on there was nothing wrong with it when it came in to be worked on
Will not move at all
Vehicle does not move in any gear
Vehicle will not move in any.gear
I have a 2009 Chrysler Aspen that won’t engage into gear.
The vehicle drives fine. Although, it smells like its burning when I get out of the vehicle. I drive the car for 1.6 miles to work, get out and I can smell something burning. I just bought vehicle off 1 owner. Stated everything was maintained regularly, and he never had any issues previously.
I have a 2007 Chrysler Aspen 120k miles that won’t go into gear. I didn’t get any codes, but the shifter seems to just slide without catching any gears.