A604 transmission codes

Codes and data (what they mean.....)

The Chrysler A604 transaxle is a fully computerized 4-speed automatic

Transaxle introduced in the 1989 model year. The computer is constantly
monitoring critical input and output circuits related to transaxle control. Some
circuits are tested continuously, while others are only checked during normal
driving conditions.

If the transmission controller detects a problem in the system, a fault code will
be activated and stored in memory. These codes will remain in memory until a
technician erases them or they are superseded by newer stored codes.

Codes that will cause the transmission to enter creep mode.

11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 39, 41, 42,
43, 44

The following codes will not cause the transaxle to go into creep mode.

12, 19, 28, 29, 37, 38, 45, 46

The only way to get the codes out of the computer is with the DRBII scan
tool. If you have a store that is nice enough to give you a printout of the codes,
a friend with a scanner, or access to one, you can decipher these codes below
to better understand what may be happening.

Code 11 - Watchdog Circuit Test (see secondary codes below) 13 - Watchdog

Circuit Failure 16 - ROM Check Failure 17 - RAM Check Failure 45 -
Memory
Note: Each of these codes is a specific test before the driver starts. When the
driver fails the test or does not match known information, these codes are set.
Each of the codes requires driver replacement when configured. These are not
commonly seen codes.

Code 12 - Battery was disconnected

Note: This code is provided for reference information to inform you that the
controller lost battery voltage

Code 14 - ETAX relay always on.

Note: The controller turns off the etax relay voltage. When he checked pins 16
and 17 on the controller (to see if the points opened on the relay) he saw more
than 3 volts present.

Diagnostic advice
To check for welded spots, swap the etax relay with the backup light.

Relief places
in the controller body
Passenger side fender good
Driver side fuse box

Other causes
Short to ground in SA1 circuit
Open in SA1 circuit between relay and ground
Open in SF1 circuit between relay and ground
Open at J91 relay circuit to ground
Open at J11 relay circuit to junction
60 pin connector problem (pins 15,16, 17)
Bad controller

Code 15 - ETAX relay always off

Note: The controller commands the etax relay to energize (provide voltage to
the solenoid block). When you checked pins 16 and 17 for 12 volts, you saw
less than 3 volts present.

Diagnostic advice
To check for welded spots, swap the etax relay with the backup light.

Relief places
in the controller body
Passenger side fender good
Driver side fuse box

Other causes
Short to ground in SA1 circuit
Open in SA1 circuit between relay and ground
Open in SF1 circuit between relay and ground
Open at J91 relay circuit to ground
Open at J11 relay circuit to junction
60 pin connector problem (pins 15,16, 17)
Bad driver

Code 18 - Engine Speed Signal Circuit

Note: The transmission controller is not receiving the information it needs

from the engine controller.

Diagnostic advice
Check if the wrong computer is installed in the vehicle.

Other causes
Open or short circuit in circuit N7: distributor pickup signal
Defective sensor in the distributor
60-pin connector problem (pin 45)

Code 19 - CD2 bus communication

Note: The transmission controller is not receiving the information it needs
from the engine controller.

Diagnostic advice
Check for opens or shorts between the
Pin 46 (engine controller) and pin 4 (transmission controller), the
Pin 26 (engine controller) and 43 (transmission controller)

Other causes
motor controller
defective Transmission controller defective

Code 20 - Switched Battery

Note: When the controller checked pins 16 and 17, it saw less than 3 volts
(this confirms that the etax relay is open). However, when he checked the
pressure switches on the solenoid pack he saw voltage. This sets code 20.
This is not a common code.

Other causes
Defective etax relay (welded points) with a
SF1 circuit open between controller and junction.
Intermittent short circuit with the battery in the SF1 circuit.
Defective relay with an intermittent problem.
Defective controller.

Code 21 to 27 - Pressure Switch Circuits 21 - OD 22 - 2/4 23 - 2/4 and OD 24

- L/R 25 - L/RY OD 26 - L/RY 2/4 27 - All Pressure Switches pressure
Note: When the controller checked the status of the pressure switches, they
opened or closed at the wrong time.

Causes

1. - If you rebuilt or installed a rebuilt solenoid block with new switch rubbers,
it is likely that the
rubber stamps are too large to set these codes. To confirm this installation,
use a used (not rebuilt) solenoid block. If he
Vehicle runs now, seals were the problem.

2. - The second most common cause of these codes is loose female connector
bolts on the solenoid harness.

Here's how to check them

TO. - Get a #43/.089'' drill bit
b. - Insert the drill bit into each of the female pins. The bit should have some
drag when installing and removing.

Here's how to fix them

TO. - Insert the #43 drill bit into the female pin. b. - Use a very small needle
tip or screwdriver and tighten the pin against the bit. c. - Drag test.

3.- The third most common problem is open or short circuits.

Here's how to check them

TO. - Unplug the 8-pin solenoid connector and the 60-pin controller
connector.
b. - Use an ohm meter to check these wires for opens or shorts.
Solenoid pin 2 to controller pin 50 (Low/Rev)
Solenoid pin 1 to controller pin 57 (2/4)
Solenoid pin 1 to controller pin 9 (OD)

Note: If none of the wires checked open or short, then the controller is
damaged. This is very
queer

Code 28 - Check PRNDL signal

Note: When the controller checked the status of the PRNDL or NSS switch,
they opened or closed.
They closed at the wrong time.

1. Check for loose pins on the PRNDL/NSS switches or the end of the
PRNDL/NSS connector
 2. Check for openings or shorts in the cables between PRNDL/NSS and the
controller.
3. Install new PRNDL/NSS switches one at a time

Code 29 - TPS signal

Note: Transmission controller sees TPS out of range or intermittent signal

Diagnostic advice
Try clearing the transmission controller code. This is why. If TPS was
replaced on a
general repair shop, they may have just cleared the code on the engine
controller. If you cleared the code and came back, hook the scanner to the
engine diagnostic connector (in the engine bay) and see if it shows code 29.
Yes = bad TPS
No = open or short in the wiring between the engine and transmission
controllers.

Code 31 to 33 Pressure Switch Problem 31 - OD 32 - 2/4 33 - OD and 2/4

Note: These codes are similar to codes 21 through 27 in that the controller has
seen the pressure switches open or closed at the wrong time. The difference is
that codes 31 through 33 only indicate problems with the solenoid block or
internal transmission - there are no electrical problems.

Diagnostic advice
If you rebuilt or installed a rebuilt solenoid block with new switch rubbers,
the rubber seals are likely too large to set these codes. To confirm this
installation, a used (not rebuilt) solenoid block. If he
Vehicle runs now, gaskets were the problem.

Worn holes in the accumulator (loss of oil pressure in the switches) or

deformation of the lower channel in the valve body can cause the switches to
be applied at the wrong time.
Important
Always check the accumulator bores for wear and the flat sand/stone valve
body to avoid these trouble codes.

Code 36 - Failure immediately after turn

Very important
AT ANY TIME this code appears with any of the 50 series codes, it indicates
that there is NO
electric problem ! That means there is a hydraulic or mechanical problem
inside the transmission.
ring
retention broken UD/OD Off Clutch pack OD
Gear train failure

Code 37 – Stuck solenoid switch valve (stuck in L/U position)

Note: The controller sees the SSV stuck in the L/U position on the valve body.

Diagnostic advice
This code is usually only seen after general review. The condition you will
receive is not 1st after an upshift.
The vehicle will take off in 2nd gear and shift up. Don't confuse this with
failsafe (2nd and reverse only).

There are only 2 things that will cause this valve to stick.
1. - Overtightening the valve body (impact wrench)
2. - Dirt or debris causing restricted cooler (cooler not flushing)

Code 38 Lock Control

Note: When the driver requested the lock you saw a slip or no lock at all.

Diagnostic advice
This code is usually set after a review and has 3 possible causes
1.- Pump wear: Any amount of wear in the pump bag between suction and
discharge will cause low pressures on the converter clutch lock engagement
surface.

2. - Torque Converter: A poor quality rebuild will cause the converter clutch
to slip.

3. - The solenoid switch valve is stuck in the L/R position on the valve body
and is not locked.

The problem is most often the pump. Next is the torque converter. The last
one is the SSV valve trapped in the valve body.

Important
Most shops when encountering code 38 replace both the pump and torque
converter at the same time to avoid a third R and R.

Code 39 - Gear Ratio Error (1989 and 1990 only)

Note: This code says that the controller is seeing a slide.

Diagnostic Tip
If the code is intermittent, you likely have a poor connection at the input or
output speed sensors caused by loose female pins at the ends of the wiring. Do
not attempt to resize the female ends on the connector. Replace the wiring
ends with Chrysler kit part # 4419478.

Entry or exit sensors can set code 39 (but usually don't). If you want to check
if the sensors are setting the code, change them one at a time, clear the code
and test the unit.

If the code 39 is not intermittent (and will hover in mode at the same mph
each time - slipper clutch) it is an internal transmission problem with 2
possibilities.
Before overhaul: Broken tapered pressure ring of OD pressure plate or burnt
OD clutches on input drum.
After inspection: dismantle the inlet drum (OD frictions / elastic rings / seals).
Code 41 to 44 - Solenoid Circuit Error 41 - L/R 42 - 2/4 43 - OD 44 - UD
Note: The controller saw an electrical problem when testing the solenoid
circuit.

Diagnostic advice
These codes are usually set as follows: The wiring between the solenoid pack
and the controller is opened or cut.
Solenoid or controller connections
bad controller
Solenoid pack

Code 46 3-4 change abort

Note: The driver saw an input speed change on the 3-4 upshift too long.

Diagnostic advice
When this happens, the vehicle will usually attempt to shift from 3rd to 4th,
but will go straight back into third. It feels
as if entering and exiting 3 -4 / 4 -3 / 3 -4 / 4 - 3. There are 2 causes.

Before overhaul: OD pressure plate pressure ring breakage or burnt OD

friction.
After inspection: incorrectly mounted input drum / OD clutch / retaining rings
/ seals.

Code 47 – Solenoid Switch Valve (stuck in low/rev position)

Note: The computer sees the SSV stuck in the downshift position.

Diagnostic advice
This code is usually seen after a service that adjusts the VB with an impact or
cooler dirt that does not flush.
Code 50 to 55 - Speed error 50 - Speed error in Reverse 51 - Speed error in 1st
52 - Speed error in 2nd 53 - Speed error in 3rd gear

54 - Speed error in 4th gear 55 - Speed error in Neutral 9 (for future use)
Note: When these codes are set, the controller has seen the incorrect gear
ratio for a particular gear or an excessive change in turbine or output shaft
speed.

Very important
If code 36 is present (fails immediately after shifting) with one of these 50
series codes, there is an internal transmission problem!
Broken UD/OD retaining ring
burnt OD clutch pack
gear train failure,
etc

Code 56 – Turbine Speed Sensor Error

Code 57 - Output Speed Sensor Error

Note: The controller has seen an excessive change in turbine or output rpm in
any gear.

Diagnostic Tip
If the code is intermittent, you likely have a bad connection on the input or
output speed sensors caused by
loose female pins at the ends of the wiring. Do not attempt to resize the
female ends on the connector. Replace the wiring ends with Chrysler kit part #
4419478. Entry or exit sensors can set code 39 (but usually don't). If you want
to check if the sensors are setting the code, change them one at a time, clear
the code and test the unit.

Code 60 to 63 - Improper Clutch Volume Index - CVI (1990 and up) 60 - L/R
61 - 2/4 62 - OD 63 - UD
Note: The controller has seen a CVI that is too low or too high to apply a
clutch. CVI is the amount of time it takes for a clutch to reach 0 clearance
measured in CC

Diagnostic Tip CVI codes can be adjusted using any of the following
tapered pressure plate snap rings
Broken SD. Clutch packs are poorly assembled or too tight
. Assembled accumulators. Accumulated accumulator holes.
Accumulator seal leakage.
CONDITIONS

TO SET THE CODE:

code 50. a 54 - The gear ratio error is not compared to the particular gear ratio.

code 55 - The In-neutral ratio error code will not be seen. (reserved for future
use.)

code 56 - turbine speed sensor an excessive change in turbine revolutions per

minute in any gear

code 57 - output speed sensor an excessive change in output rpm in any gear

code 58 - Sensors ground after a Neutral reset and is equal to a certain ratio
(turbine gear teeth/output gear teeth).

WHEN CHECKED: Continuously when the transmission is in motion.

EFFECT: transaxle limp in (2nd gear).

Note: Errors in speed data are tolerated for a while before coasting. However,
once an error is detected, this sequence of events will follow cough.

- Changes are inhibited

- Lock operation is inhibited.

- The solenoid circuits are tested and if they fail, they are blamed for the speed
error.

- Limping in (2nd gear)