Remanufactured Dodge Avenger Transmissions 

Remanufactured Dodge Avenger Transmissions 

The Avenger nameplate is what Dodge used on its line of midsize coupes and sedans starting in the 1995 model year. They weren’t quite as aggressive as the name implies, but the Dodge Avenger sold well and became quite popular on the used market. Depending on the generation, the Dodge Avenger transmission was either the 4-speed A604 / 41TE transmission or the 6-speed 62TE transmission. Although overall reliability was fairly decent, some transmission problems can require a remanufactured Dodge Avenger transmission to solve. So let’s find out if you might need one. 

Common Dodge Avenger 41TE Transmission Problems  

Hard Shifting & Slipping: Two of the most common A604 transmission problems are slipping between the gears, or particularly hard shifts. There are a number of OE design flaws that cause these problems to occur. 

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. 

Failed Torque Converter: Another common Dodge Avenger transmission problem is the complete failure of the torque converter. This can be caused by a number of OE design flaws, overheating, or simply using Dexron ATF, instead of the correct Chrysler-specific Type 7176 ATF. 

Common Dodge Avenger 62TE Transmission Problems  

Slipping, Erratic Shifting, Harsh Forward or Reverse Gear Engagement: Some of the most common 62TE transmission problems are slipping between gears, erratic up or down shifts, or a hard slam when the 62TE transmission engages Drive or Reverse. There are a number of design flaws in this transmission, and any one of them could be causing these symptoms. 

Engine stalls while in Drive or during coast down – 62TE transmission  
Problem – Drivers may experience an engine stall when they place the gear selector into Drive. They may also notice that the engine starts to run excessively rough or stalls when they are coasting to a stop. 
Solution – These 62TE transmission problems may be caused by mechanical failure with the electronically modulated converter clutch variable force solenoid / EMCC VFS solenoid, which can cause the torque converter clutch to engage when it shouldn’t. To fix the problem, the EMCC solenoid will have to be replaced. 

Transmission shifts into neutral on the 1-2 shift – 2007+ 62TE transmission 
Problem – Drivers may notice that the vehicle shifts into neutral upon the 1-2 shift. This may cause the vehicle to go into limp mode, where the transmission becomes locked in 3rd gear. In some cases, the vehicle may not move and will require the engine to be shut off and restarted before limp mode can be activated. 
Solution – These 62TE transmission problems are often caused by worn sealing ring lands on the low clutch housing. To correct this condition, place the housing and possibly the piston from the direct clutch. 

How to Solve Dodge Avenger Transmission Problems 

Solution A: Buy a Used Dodge Avenger Transmission 

Going to the local junkyard and picking up a used A604 / 41TE transmission or 6-speed 62TE transmission might seem like the cheapest and fastest option. But you need to consider the fact that you don’t know what the actual shape of the internal components are. It could very well be on the verge of transmission problems of its own, which would leave you in the exact same predicament that you’re in now. And that 30 – 90 day junkyard warranty probably won’t cover labor charges to install the replacement transmission if something goes wrong. 

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Dodge Avenger Transmission 

Getting a rebuilt A604 / 41TE transmission or 6-speed 62TE transmission would probably seem like a better idea. However, a lot of mechanics and transmission shops will only rebuild your Dodge Avenger transmission back to its original factory specifications. Which means that all of those factory design flaws are still going to be in–play. And that rebuilt transmission warranty might only be good at certain shops, which could do you no good if you have transmission problems while you’re traveling. 

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Dodge Avenger Transmission 

If you want to get the most service life out of your little luxury SUV as possible, then you really should consider a remanufactured Dodge Avenger transmission from Street Smart Transmission. Each one is completely disassembled and re-remanufactured, so nothing is left to chance. They’re also modified to correct the factory design flaws, which will greatly extend the service life. Plus, you get a 3-Year/Unlimited Mile Nationwide Warranty. This will cover parts and labor charges at any licensed repair shop in the Continental United States, giving you a lot more flexibility and coverage.