Chrysler’s 41TE FWD transmission has been on the road for 23 years now. I remember when they first came into the shop in 1989. I was working at Gibraltar Transmission shop on Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island New York at the time. We had a dealer account so we serviced their warranty. Although the shop has since moved into a completely different facility today, I remember the first time I worked on this transmission. Sadly enough, it seems like it was only yesterday. How time flies. Now I have grandchildren. But it sure is a demonstration as to the longevity this transmission has.
Even though there have been some issues with this transaxle, it was an engineering marvel being the first clutch to clutch shifting transmission without a sprag. A transmission that was completely controlled by a computer and four solenoids along with a shift adapt strategy. Quite impressive for a transmission like this to enter the market in 1989, there was nothing like it at the time.
One of the common complaints we still encounter with this transmission on ATSG’s technical support line is torque converter shudder. Over the years we have documented the following possibilities:
- Converter regulator valve failure.
- Internal bypass valve failure (in case under pump).
- Faulty torque converter.
- Fluid to friction compatibility issues.
- Incorrect converter clutch lining – shudder occurs during partial EMCC between 32 and 40 mph (2003 41TE and up [some models] – 2005 42RLE and up Liberty and Charger vehicles – The same lightening bolt style relief cuts seen in the 586 style 42RLE converter should be the same in the 41TE as well as late model 545RFE 5.7L hemi and multi-displacement strategies).
- EMCC strategy software issues (2007 application – OE bulletin 21-002-07 REV. E).
- Some remanufactures converters will dress the converter mounting pads to square them off by shaving a couple of thousandths off the face. If you do not reduce your converter bolts by a couple of threads, the bolts will bottom out on the cover and dimple the face/lining.
- Mass Air Flow irregularities no codes engine runs well. TCC will either shudder or cycle in and out.
There is yet one other cause that we know of but always seems to escape our thinking and the purpose of this newsletter. That is, bypassing the cooling system entirely with using a non-restricted tube type cooler. This reduces torque converter apply pressure causing the shudder. This type of cooling system requires a certain degree of restriction which is tied into the converter clutch apply circuit and strategy.
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