Expert: Roland Finston - 7/11/2011

Question
QUESTION: 93 DODGE DYNASTY 3.3 CURRENTLY IN LIMP POSITION. INSTALLED NEW SOLENOID BLOCK BY AAMCO. STILL THE SAME BUT NOT AS FREQUENT. WAS TOLD THAT IT MIGHT BE ELECTRICAL. THEY NEED TO TRACK IT DOWN. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN AND HOW COSTLY MIGHT IT BE........THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP

ANSWER: Hi Wayne,
I would want to get a fresh fault code readout to see what codes are stored in the memory of the transmission controller. It could be electrical but that could range from the solenoid pack, the plug/harness between the pack and the controller, a speed sensor, the controller itself, or even just the transmission control relay or its circuit circuit. A code would help to focus toward the solution.
I am suspicious of AAMCO particularly if they diagnosed the problem and said the solenoid pack would fix it. If it didn't, and unless they specifically stated that it was a possible fix with no guarantee, I would make them stand behind the expressed warranty for what you paid so far to presumably have it repaired. The next step I fear may be that they tell you that you need to remove and rebuild/put in a rebuilt transmission.  
Why not get a free code readout from them, and if there is any charge involved in the further repair, then take a break from the process, tell them you will think about it, and send me a follow-up to tell me the number of the code (it should be a 2-digit number for a '93 model year) and we can see what the manual says is the issue? I have the manual that shows the wiring diagrams, and a service manual for the trouble code interpretation.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' response. Thank you



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: THE CODE THEY GAVE ME WAS 41. I NEED A WHOLE NEW MODULE I GUESS AT NO CHARGE WHICH I WAS HAPPY TO HEAR. THEY HAVE TO GET FROM UTAH. THEY SEEM  TO BE ON THE UP AND UP. WILL LET YOU KNOW.

NEW QUESTION PLEASE.....GENERAL PRICE FOR A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP WITH INSTALLATION. WAS TOLD IT HAS A SMALL LEAK. CAN IT BE A HOSE THAT JUST NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS POSSIBLE. I AM THE CONSUMMATE NOVICE WHEN IT COMES TO AUTO REPAIR. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. A FIVE STAR RATING FOR YOU SIR, WHICH IS IN THE BOOKS........THANKS AGAIN

Answer
Hi Wayne,
The 41 code points to a part in the solenoid pack so I guess the first replacement was faulty. That is not to say it is guaranteed to be the 'fix', as it might be the wires to that specific L/R solenoid rather than the solenoid itself but presumably they chected that out. If another pack does it, great.
Otherwise the wiring or even the transmission controller itself could be at fault. But we'll keep our fingers crossed.
On the pump: as far as I can tell the hoses can be checked out without removing the pump. The pump removal isn't a major repair job but I don't know the labor or part charges. How much fluid loss are you experiencing? and comparing the fluid loss to the repair cost is it worth doing?
Thanks for the kind remarks and rating/nomination.
Roland