The iconic Chrysler PT Cruiser was equipped with the A604 (41TE) transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Models
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser: A604 (41TE) Transmission
Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement A604 Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 41TE (A604) | 1905 |
What are the DTC codes related to Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0716 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0726 | Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0736 | Reverse Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0791 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0792 | Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0845 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit |
| P0846 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0848 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit High |
| P0850 | Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit |
| P0868 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Low |
| P0869 | Transmission Fluid Pressure High |
Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Recalls
None Found
Chrysler PT Cruiser Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Problems
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.
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Chrysler PT Cruiser can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Chrysler PT Cruiser Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Was driving then all of a sudden it stopped pulling when it sits for awhile it will move forward and backward but stops pulling
It will shift when I take off in morning then when I try it again it won’t change
I too have basically the same problems with my 2006 PT Cruiser.
It started not shifting to any upper gears. And after I would take off one side of the battery terminals for a few seconds. I would put it back on and it would shift again.
But I’ve been trying all kinds of ideas that I have been researching on Google with no luck for going on 2 years now.
But a month ago it just started to slip in reverse without any gradual signs of the reverse having a problem. To the following day it completely didn’t move in reverse.
I tried the solution a mechanic did In one of the videos I watched by bypassing the electronic relay with an external one like he did. Only difference is that he drove his one fixed into the sunset. And mines still giving me problems to the point where I am borderline getting out into a mental institution.
Limp mode of course.
But I had been thinking that my TIPM or computer transmission module was the problem. To thinking more to the transmission has something going out. So the limp mode was just telling me to be prepared to change the transmission soon. And not an electrical problem like I thought because of the disconnecting of the battery at first fixed the problem. I’m really sorry. But someone please tell me. Change transmission. Or self admit myself to the crazy house
Hard to shift when it warm cold out it ok
Going from Park to drive the vehicle dies going from Park to reverse the vehicle runs I just found out that. Going from Park to first gear vehicle runs Buccaneer will have tendency to misfire die what’s the weather in Hop and got a check engine light on indicating that the cam sensor came up temp sensor code forgot the number anyways replace cam sensor it’s supposed to be the same problem still persist so at this point in time I found a a professor wire that was cut so I replaced that what’s wrong with spark plugs wiring harness was routed so I rerouted that did you know because of the way the wire harness was I thought one was the other right now that’s where I’m at
I have a 2004 PT Cruiser, my problem is when I put it in reverse I have to step on the gas kind of hard to get it to move. It doesn’t jerk or anything putting into gear, just doesn’t want to go
Whinny after 40 mph
I’ve a 2003 pt cruiser turbo. The auto trans suddenly lost drive and started grinding terrible sound. The trans is used no history the car is 120k the original trans did the same thing I bought used. It was doing well for 1/4 mile then grinding to a stop like a park pin engaging while driving any revelations to fix it B4 I burn it? Thanks
Car ben over heating has power but when taking off too fast goes in limp mode when mechanic redets it drives smoothe until you get 35 to 40 if you let off accelarato it shifts
I have a 2005 PT Cruiser 5 speed manual transmission cannot get it to go into gear from a dead stop when it’s cold it does pretty good after it warms up you have to jam it in gear
yes mine pt the cruise had gear jam too put into neutral bring it in low yea
I have a 07 pt . when driving I have a shimmy under acceleration . checked moter mounts and trans tie rods , suspension bushings , haft shaft .and new tires . any suggestions?
Hi – Getting these codes on a 2005 PT Cruiser GT Turbo automatic;
P1689
P0706
P0891
P0218
P0700
The car will drive just fine until it’s completely warmed up. Then it starts shifting somewhat erratically and the high cooling fan comes on.
It never overheats and all fluids are full. I just changed the trans fluid.
It’s got 85,000 miles.
I don’t think the transmission is overheating – driving in 60 – 80 degree weather, no a/c, not towing anything.
Any idea what’s going on here?
My 2006 pt cruiser had the same trans problem stuck in limp mode most of the time.
2007 PT Cruiser Touring edition with 183,000 miles. Got in it one morning and started to leave and the car shifted into reverse, lights came on, but would not actually move. We pulled it out of driveway with truck and it drove fine, just wouldn’t move in reverse. No check engine light and no electrical codes showed up when it was taken to the transmission shop. Anyway only option was rebuild the transmission at the cost of $1,850 dollars and it took almost 1.5 weeks.
My girlfriend has a Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 it’s having a problem shifting from gear to gear it is an automatic it sticks into gear sometimes it will not go through the gears it stays in the first gear or maybe sometimes to the second gear but sometime it sticks to 1 gear all the time you put it in drive and it doesn’t go through the gears like two and three it could be the sensors but I would start at changing out the transmission fluid and putting in a new transmission filter a new transmission kit and go from there but I think it’s internal or it could be the shifting linkage
06 pt cruiser won’t go into 3rd or high gear. Automatic trans. Engine check light is on but no codes shown?!? Seems to be running a little rough.
I use a 2006 PT cruiser and having transmission for some 2 years. I had issues with the brain box and engine both of which I replaced and the car was working fine. At some point the speedometer clock stopped working and the car will not pick up speed. Later the clock will read and the car will move until it stopped working altogether. At some point I discovered my electrian had tampered with some wires right under where are the battery seat was, I fixed them myself and the clock started working again with gear shifting fine. But now it won’t go beyond 60km
Hello I have been having transmission problems with my 2006 model PT cruiser for about 2 and half years. I had problems with the brain box and engine both of which I replaced and the car was working fine. At some point the speedometer clock stopped working and that’s when the car refused to pick up speed again. Intermittently it the speedometer will work and the car will move fine. I changed the clock but it didn’t stop. After series of diagnoses and trying different things, now the clock will not go past 60km and gear will not shift
Thank you after taking it to a mechanic was no help I bought computer myself it said low power to the TCM code 0700 so I have decided to trouble shoot for a possible short or bad sensor.
I have a 2006 pt cruiser gt the automatic/stick seems to be slipping in high gear it just started when it shifts between 3rd and 4th it slips a little but not all the time I changed the fluid but no change could this be caused by a solenoid.the car has a 110000 miles.
Have the same issue right now changed out cam sensor… No help… Just order throttle sensor and hope it fixes the issue. Please let me know if you find the right fix!!
My Pt cruiser the check engine light came on and will not shift past 1st gear I can get up to 30 mph 3000 rpm and it will not shift to the next higher gear. Any suggestions thank you.
I am having the same issue! It has been going on for over a year now. I could pull over and cut the car off and restart and it would start back shifting. I took it to a Chrysler dealership last year (July 2018) and it costed me $2400. It shifted gears well for about a week! When I returned to Chrysler they kept it for another few days stating they couldn’t duplicate the issue I was having.
Im having the same issue with my 2006 pt cruiser touring edition
Same here! 128,000miles. Just bought, had no issues driving home, but about 80 miles… It got stuck in third and just would not go into a higher gear
While driving, check engine light comes on and it downshifts to a lower gear .Next day it shifts normally for a half hour or so before it downshifts again.