The Dodge Magnum was shockingly cool station wagon that came equipped with the 42RLE or the W5A580 (NAG1) transmission (depending on the engine. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Dodge Magnum transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Dodge Magnum Transmission Models
Dodge Magnum: 42RLE Transmission
Dodge Magnum: W5A580 (NAG1) Transmission
Dodge Magnum 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 Magnum Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
What are the DTC codes related to Dodge Magnum transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| 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 |
| 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 Magnum 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 Magnum 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 Magnum 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 Magnum 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 Magnum transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Dodge Magnum 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 Magnum 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 Magnum transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Dodge Magnum 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 Magnum transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Dodge Magnum 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 Magnum 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 Magnum transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Dodge Magnum Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Dodge Magnum 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 Magnum 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 Magnum 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 Magnum 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!
05 magnum r/t started making winding sounds and shifting hard with high rpms then got worse and now no gears nothing….what is going on.
2006 magnum srt8 wont shift out of first but auto stick works.
Not passing gear and the cruise control not working
Bought an 06 dodge Magnum rt AWD today had no issues until the drive home it wouldn’t shift on its own I had too auto shift manually and I don’t know what is causing it or price too fix this issue also my screen will not work radio wise but the radio turns on and of but no other buttons work
Wow I have the same problem with my radio to transmission went no gears loud clunk like some 1 hit me from behind and it didn’t want to go in move in drive reverse park nada.and radio screen goes of and on but buttons work
05 mangnum rt 5.7 with a nag1 transmission. Car drove fine when parked, came out of store and reversed, car moved 15 feet and stopped. Won’t move forward or reverse. Towed it home. Started and drove forward then reverse and stopped again. No movement at all again. No previous noises or vibration noticed before this happened.
Trans mission is stuck in 3rd gear. 08 magnum 3.5 awd with nag1 transmission code po0731
2005 Dodge Magnum SXT RWD, have strawberry milkshake in the transmission, none in reservoir but coolant started bubbling into the coolant reservoir where one single hose enters the back of reservoir.
05 2.7 relays chattering won’t start until I remove the relay check engine light is on as well as traction control lights and security light will not shift while driving and fuel pump surging
I have the exact same thing happening with my magnum won’t start if I don’t remove the relay did u ever get it fix?
Will not shift….has no codes as of yet on trans,200,000, 26″ wheels for atlease 10,000 miles…2day pulled pan just conv soot , brown fluid,changed filter , same results….NO SHIFT
05 3.5……..thx u
have code p2784, input shaft sensor, and trans enters limp mode and then just slips until i reset or pull fuse and put it back. will a new conductor plate solve this issue?
Once in awhile,not always or regularly,it’ll make clunking noises for just a couple of seconds when it’s automatically shifting gears.Almost sounds like when u-joints are wore out.Weird thing is it doesn’t do it all of the time.It’s a 2006 Magnum with 73k miles and has been very well taken care of.I just purchased it from a friend.Also,once in awhile,it’ll just die when I’m coming to a stop when driving very slow.NO codes have ever came up and nothing is leaking.
I have the same problem. 2007 2.7L. 144k miles. New EGR,O2 sensors. Both had codes. Did not fix the problem but no more codes.
I have a 2006 Dodge Magnum transmission stop pulling you can turn off the ignition switch turn it back on it will start back putting the car will run about 30 miles per hour but it won’t change gears
I have an 05 Dodge Magnum with the three seven in it drove Vine pulled into Walmart when an come back out it was like I run over something I have gears by have it moves on its own power it’s not slipping but it doesn’t want to go into the higher gears goes into reverse great any ideas what the problem could be
I have an 06 rt. Tranny has 150000 miles.engine replaced with Durango 5.7. car started shutting down. P0700 and u0100 codes. Pcm eventually reset Everytime car shuts down. Looks like some type of communications issue. Any thoughts?
Run a ground from battery to motor and body..bad ground cause alot of mishaps in these cars.
Have a o5 magnum rt 5.7 but car has o6 changer tranny got rebuilt now win hits fifth gear it’ throws code and goes Into limp mode can I make it work
SRT eight dodge Magnum will not downshift sometimes have to shut the car off and restart
05 magnum rt after a few miles of driving it goes into neutral. Local dodge dealership had it for a week and told me nothing at all. 180k miles, no prior issues. No I havnt been driving it this way.