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Author	Topic: The 42LE Is A Problematic Transmission!!!
Want1Bad Prowler Junkie Posts: 79 From: Sweet Home Alabama, USA Registered: NOV 2004	posted 10-17-2005 10:03 PM It's hard to believe the 42LE is in the Prowler!!! I just found out today that my 94 Concorde's 42LE tranny is fried. This is the second one, replaced at the dealership three years ago for $2,600. It came with a 3/36 warranty - well here it is 3 years and 50,000 miles later and I'm being told I need another transmission!!! (of course this one is out of warranty) I was also told it should have been serviced at least three times in the three years - does any other car manufacturer have this requirement??? Now is it just me or is it too much of an expectation for a transmission to last at least 100,000 miles or more? Anyone else have this experience??? Or does anyone else have a story of a more destructive shorter-lasting transmission???? I'd like to hear about it!!! They should have the odometers run in reverse - to tell you how many miles are left on your tranny!!! Had to vent... Scott w/42LE This message has been edited by Want1Bad on 10-18-2005 at 08:43 PM
wuzzzer Prowler Junkie Posts: 466 From: St. Cloud MN Registered: JUN 2002	posted 10-17-2005 10:11 PM I drive a Ford Taurus SHO which has been notorious for transmission problems as well. Many have bit the dust at the 20-30k mile point. Fortunately they can be rebuilt with a shift kit by a company called Trans-Go that makes them pretty much bulletproof. It is unfortunate that they didn't come that way from the factory, though. As far as servicing, I don't think that car manufacturers have a requirement but most do recommend a transmission flush every year or 12,000 miles.
whiskers Prowler Junkie Posts: 113 From: Redondo Beach, CA USA Registered: MAY 2004	posted 10-17-2005 10:26 PM I had a '90 New Yorker 5th Ave. Tranny stopped shifting at 30K. I had serviced it twice before. Dealer wanted $1600 to fix, local shop fixed it for $250. ------------------ Mike
ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 From: Mesa, Az Registered: JUL 2000	posted 10-17-2005 11:54 PM My company owned 2004 Ford Ranger has had two new tranny changes in 55,000 miles. We all know I don't abuse equipment! Moisture and heat are the most destructive things to many automatic transmissions. Within ten years or so,,,most automatics will come completely sealed with synthetic fluid......no servicing.
brianwlong Prowler Junkie Posts: 584 From: Douglasville, GA USA Registered: MAY 2005	posted 10-18-2005 12:04 PM SCOTT, LET ME KNOW IF I CAN HELP
Want1Bad Prowler Junkie Posts: 79 From: Sweet Home Alabama, USA Registered: NOV 2004	posted 10-18-2005 12:38 PM Thanks Brian - PM Sent....
MDProwler Prowler Junkie Posts: 5250 From: Fallston,MD USA Registered: JUL 2003	posted 10-18-2005 07:23 PM Most are lucky to see 100k anymore. My local Tranny guy I have used for 30 years advises servicing between 25 and 40k miles depending on severity of use.
Want1Bad Prowler Junkie Posts: 79 From: Sweet Home Alabama, USA Registered: NOV 2004	posted 10-18-2005 07:54 PM Well I just got in from the dealer - the service manager told me its basically my fault for not servicing it regularly. We then had a discussion regarding warranty and expected life - of course I the consumer, was also wrong. I then went to the general manager and told him I've spent over $75,000 on Chrysler vehicles in the past 10 years and I don't think it's fair this transmission is shot in 50,000 miles. He offered to do nothing nor discount anything. He told us if he goes and buys a TV and it breaks the day after the warranty is up - it wouldn't bother him. The $65 service bill only added insult to injury. Well I stood up, said I'm disappointed and I'm sorry and walked out the door. The sad fact is - I am really sorry - it's a shame nothing is done in order keep loyal customers. I hope no one else has this happen to them... Scott "Service the tranny more than you change your oil!!!"
quincy Prowler Junkie Posts: 1635 From: Utica, Michigan, USA Registered: MAY 2004	posted 10-18-2005 08:15 PM Modern automatic transmissions are normally trouble free. GM units use Dextron III fluid, which, under 'normal driving conditions' should last 100K. The 4T40E family in fact are sealed from the factory...no dip stick. I always change the fluid and filters every 50K under 'normal conditions'. Many of the special additives in ATF can 'gas off' over time and are consumed over time. Now, if you tow, drive aggressive, (lots of WOT upshift/downshifts) stop and go driving, (heavy city traffic/delivery) or lots of mountains, you are out of the 'normal' range and into 'severe'. Your manual will state what service interval to use under severe usage. Want1Bad, do you abuse your transaxle? Do you shift from rev. to drive or visa versa while the vehicle is still in motion? Do you load the converter while at a light or stopped or on a hill? (foot on brake and gas at the same time) These are really bad habits that you might not be aware of and can cause premature failure. Of course it is possible you just have a troublesome unit. Did the dealer repair the original or replace it? I am not aware of any passenger car transmission requiring service every year, under normal conditions. The 42LE is a derivative of the original A604, a full clutch to clutch shifting transaxle utilizing full electronic controls and solenoids. It had a troubled youth in the mini van,(clutches would not disengage fast enough when others were applied, causing them to burn out) but over all it has matured into a very respectable product. Sorry you are having issues.
Want1Bad Prowler Junkie Posts: 79 From: Sweet Home Alabama, USA Registered: NOV 2004	posted 10-18-2005 08:48 PM Thanks Quincy for the tips! The Mrs drove this car mostly to school and job - so I didn't have a heavy foot or treat it badly - I did pounce on the original and it did last much longer (about 130,000) I was much more careful on the second. Plus now I have the Prowler to pounce on or DO I!!!! The original was replaced - with the newer improvements on the 2001 and later models. Maybe I should a Prowler tranny in the Concord!! Scott This message has been edited by Want1Bad on 10-18-2005 at 08:49 PM
WAYNEW Prowler Junkie Posts: 844 From: HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA Registered: AUG 2003	posted 10-18-2005 08:48 PM PUT 100K MILES ON MY PROWLER AND NOT ANY PROBLEMS. ------------------
Want1Bad Prowler Junkie Posts: 79 From: Sweet Home Alabama, USA Registered: NOV 2004	posted 10-18-2005 08:50 PM quote: Originally posted by WAYNEW: PUT 100K MILES ON MY PROWLER AND NOT ANY PROBLEMS. I think the Prowler arrangement (tranny in the rear without engine heat and heavier innards) definitely give it a longer life span. I'm fairly certain most Intrepid/Concord/Vision owners have had the tranny work done. Have you serviced it regularly or ever at all? This message has been edited by Want1Bad on 10-18-2005 at 08:52 PM
Marty Usher Prowler Junkie Posts: 13833 From: San Antonio, Texas Registered: JUN 2001	posted 10-19-2005 06:09 PM I have over 118,000 miles on my original tranny. I put performance gears in at 10,000 and have chagnge the fluid twice - period. I've ran a couple hundred pounds of nitrous throught the engine and have had a stroker motor in the car for over 50,000 miles. The tranny is still going - can't say the same thing about the stock engine.
Gene Prowler Junkie Posts: 1256 From: St.Petersburg,Fl USA Registered: JUL 2002	posted 10-19-2005 06:39 PM Have you given any though to a used one from wrecking yard out of low mileage car?
Want1Bad Prowler Junkie Posts: 79 From: Sweet Home Alabama, USA Registered: NOV 2004	posted 10-19-2005 09:21 PM Well I dropped off the car today at a local shop for a $1,500 repair and replace. quote: Have you given any though to a used one from wrecking yard out of low mileage car? I thought of that Gene, but I'd rather start semi-anew with proper fluid changes - I've learned my lesson! I checked the Prowler manual and the Prowler says 100,000 for fluid change on schedule A (Normal) and 75,000 on heavy use. Does anyone know the effect of time on transmission fluid? Although I only have 6,000 miles on the Kat, its about three years old... HMMMMMMMM Marty/Others - Does anyone know HOW the Prowler tranny is different from the others?? Heavier duty materials? This message has been edited by Want1Bad on 10-19-2005 at 09:23 PM
Marty Usher Prowler Junkie Posts: 13833 From: San Antonio, Texas Registered: JUN 2001	posted 10-19-2005 09:32 PM I believe there is a difference in the tranny controler programming that makes it shift "harder" for a more sporty feel. The clutch packs are what wear out and mine are at the point where the shift to 4th gear isn't as crisp as it should be, but with the number of miles I accept that. I think the transaxle and the fact that it wsa moved to the rear contributes to the amount of power loss from crank HP rating to the rear wheels and would prefer a standard trannsmision and rearend for performance purposes. For cruising the Autostick is great for me.
quincy Prowler Junkie Posts: 1635 From: Utica, Michigan, USA Registered: MAY 2004	posted 10-19-2005 09:41 PM Want1Bad, Good question on ATF life...time vs. miles. ATF is not hygroscopic like brake fluid, and any accumulated moisture (trans. is vented to atmosphere, thus will 'breath' in humidity) should boil off under normal use. But the additive packs do not have infinite life. I think to play it safe, even at low miles, it would be prudent to change the fluid at least every five years. From what information I have been able to gather, the 'guts' of the Prowler transaxle are not unique to itself. As Marty has already stated, the shift algorithm is all Prowler!
GRROWL Prowler Junkie Posts: 2404 From: Herndon, VA Registered: FEB 2002	posted 10-19-2005 09:51 PM quote: Originally posted by Want1Bad: Does anyone know the effect of time on transmission fluid? Although I only have 6,000 miles on the Kat, its about three years old... For 2000 and later prowlers, they came with (and must use) ATF+4. From the back of the bottle, "Engineered to be a "Fill for Life" Automatic Transmission fluid under normal driving conditions." Doesn't sound like it's time-sensitive. -GRROWL
Marty Usher Prowler Junkie Posts: 13833 From: San Antonio, Texas Registered: JUN 2001	posted 10-21-2005 10:16 PM I had Westech look at my tranny while the car was there all week. Sure enough - no surprise - the overdrive clutch, 2/4 clutch and reverse clutch were all showimg a lot of wear. They replaced a couple of metal bowl shaped pieces that I can't remmeber what they are called also then added a new torque convertor. The performance gears were swithced for stock gears also. Now the car will burn the rear wheels all the way through first while going sideways. I went 230 miles and was just under 1/4 tank and it took 10.02 gallons. It really wakes up in the mid range 3000-5000 RPMs. This is all seat of the pants and I have no numbers but will try to get to 1/8 mile track next week if weather permits. The original clutches held up for 118,000 miles but the car has been slipping into 4th (overdrive) for over 40,000 miles. I was surprised that the reverse clutch waa wearing out - you'd think I was doing burnouts in reverse.
GenoTex Prowler Junkie Posts: 8492 From: Oakfield, WI, USA Registered: MAR 2002	posted 10-21-2005 11:05 PM I have NO proof, evidence, etc.. just a 'butt' feelin' I have a high-pitched whine any time that I put any kind of 'even the smallest amount..' of "stress" on the tranny, downshifting (at what should be "REASONABLE" times).... i.e. not 'abuse' just 'use'...... I think it's the torque converter..... 30,000 miles, sux
GenoTex Prowler Junkie Posts: 8492 From: Oakfield, WI, USA Registered: MAR 2002	posted 10-21-2005 11:10 PM quote: Originally posted by Marty Usher: I went 230 miles and was just under 1/4 tank and it took 10.02 gallons. Way to go, Marty! 23MPG at your "pace", awesome!
Want1Bad Prowler Junkie Posts: 79 From: Sweet Home Alabama, USA Registered: NOV 2004	posted 10-22-2005 09:59 PM quote: Originally posted by Marty Usher: ... Now the car will burn the rear wheels all the way through first while going sideways. ... It really wakes up in the mid range 3000-5000 RPMs. DROOLING
Marty Usher Prowler Junkie Posts: 13833 From: San Antonio, Texas Registered: JUN 2001	posted 10-22-2005 10:08 PM quote: Originally posted by Want1Bad: DROOLING It's an amazing thing that memory of frustrations of more than a dozen trips over three years to Wisconsin and many thousands of dollars spent can be replaced so quickly with smiles when the car performs like I think it should have to begin with!
Fat Pat Prowler Junkie Posts: 1242 From: Blue Springs, Missouri, USA Registered: DEC 2004	posted 10-23-2005 06:09 AM Sounds like your transmission has held up well Marty! Especially with the extra HP that you have. My best buddy lives in London, Ky. just a few hours from you...I need to go see him.

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