The Dodge Charger was equipped with the 42RLE or the W5A580 (NAG1) transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Dodge Charger transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Dodge Charger Transmission Models
Dodge Charger: 42RLE Transmission
Dodge Charger: W5A580 (NAG1) Transmission
Dodge Charger: 8HP70 Transmission
Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
What are the DTC codes related to Dodge Charger transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0706 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0729 | Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio |
| 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 |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0846 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0871 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0880 | TCM Power Input Signal |
| P0881 | TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance |
| P0882 | TCM Power Input Signal Low |
| P0884 | TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent |
| P0888 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit |
| P0891 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High |
| P0897 | Transmission Fluid Deteriorated |
Dodge Charger Transmission Recalls
Recall 05V460000 / E14 – Transmission may not hold in the park position
2005 – 2006 Chrysler 300 – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Charger – 2006 Dodge Dakota – 2005 Dodge Durango – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Magnum – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Wrangler
Summary – In November 2005, Chrysler recalled 256,409 vehicles equipped with the 42RLE transmission, because the cup plug that holds the park prawl anchor shaft may not have been properly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve the Park position.
Consequence – If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, causing serious injury and damage.
Remedy – Dealers were instructed to install a bracket to ensure that the 42RLE parking prawl anchor shaft will stay in the proper position. Concerned owners may call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
Recall H37 – Gearshift Cable – W5A580 / NAG1 transmission
2006 – 2009 Dodge Charger Police Package AHB
2006 – 2009 Dodge Magnum Police Package AHB
Summary – 20,100 of the above vehicles may have their gearshift cable become disengaged from the column shifter.
Consequence – If this happens, the transmission gear shift position display could read a different gear then the transmission is actually in. This could cause the vehicle to inadvertently move and cause a crash or serious injury.
Remedy – Chrysler recommended securing the gear shift cable to the steering column mounting bracket with a plastic tie strap. Many of the vehicles covered in this recall were repaired by the factory/dealers, and it’s likely that the different police agencies may have performed their own repairs to correct this issue. Concerned owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236
Dodge Charger Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 21-003-06 – Transmission shudder or buzzing noise due to water contamination
2005 – 2006 Chrysler 300
2005 – 2006 Dodge Magnum
2005 – 2006 Dodge Charger
-Note: This W5A580 transmission TSB is intended to supersede TSB 21-011-05 which included the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problem – Owners may experience a shudder vibration and/or a high-frequency buzzing sound. This W5A580/NAG1 transmission problem may be most noticeable during light acceleration where partial application of the torque converter clutch happens in 3rd, 4th, or 5th gears. The reason this happens is because water has gotten past the transmission oil fill tube/dipstick seal. Contaminated transmission fluid can cause the TCC to stick and/or slip.
Solution – If the contaminated transmission fluid has not caused a lot of damage, the transmission and torque converter may be able to be flushed to cure the problem. However, if the contamination is severe, the torque converter will need to be replaced, and the transmission inspected for signs of other damage. The transmission fill tube seal will also need to be upgraded
Common Dodge Charger Transmission Problems
Shifting problems and solenoid/pressure switch DTCs – 42RLE transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience 42RLE transmission problems that include slipping and harsh shifts. The check engine light may also be illuminated with the following codes stored in the ECU: P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871, P0841.
Solution – The problem may be caused by corrosion in the 10 pin solenoid harness connector. This may also be caused by a wiring issue between the TCM/ECU and the transmission harness connector. A new design 42RLE 10-pin connector will need to be installed and/or wiring issues repaired.
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 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Dodge Charger Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger 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!
I have a 2007 dodge charger it drives good get up to 60 mph but it’s not shifting gears the rpms keep going up over when it need to shift put new transmission in it and still the same thing wat could it be
2006 dodge charger 130000 miles. Driving easy ar 40 and 60 mph car studders
Lost communication with tcm
After driving on highway for a bit, when I exit and come to a stop it takes off really slow and doesn’t want to change gears. I used the Lucas repair and it lasted almost a year then started having same problems, I poured another bottle of the repair and it got me home about 40 miles away. It’s been parked ever since, except for a few times I drove around block just so it’s not sitting for a long time unused.
When start it up start going down road won’t shift in to 2sec until u get 4 thousand rpm
Won’t shift into 3rd0r4thgear
It’s a 2008 Dodge Charger 3.5 v6.
When you first start it up and take off it’s fine and soon as you stop it will no longer move it’s self. You can let it set for a few minutes and crank it up and it will go for a little bit then stop again. Acts like it’s not pressuring up the clutches.
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