Shadow V6-181 3.0L SOHC (1994)
Technical Service Bulletin # 182794
Date: 940130
TCM - Improved Transmission Shift Quality
NO: 18-27-94
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: January 30, 1994
SUBJECT:
Improved Transmission Shift Quality
MODELS:
1989 - 1995
(AA) Acclaim/Spirit/LeBaron Sedan
1989 - 1993
(AC) Dynasty/New Yorker/New Yorker Salon
1990 - 1993
(AG) Daytona
1990 - 1995
(AJ) LeBaron Coupe/LeBaron Convertible
1989 - 1994
(AP) Sundance/Shadow/Shadow Convertible
1990 - 1991
(AQ) Chrysler TC
1990 - 1995
(AS) Caravan/Voyager/Town & Country
1990 - 1993
(AY) Imperial/New Yorker Fifth Avenue
1995
(JA) Cirrus/Stratus
1993 - 1995
(LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker
1993 - 1995
(ES) Chrysler Voyager (Export Only)
Note:
This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with the 41TE or 42LE transaxle. also, the reference section contains information that can be used for
quick reference.
Symptom/Condition
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
1992 AC & AY built after February 15, 1992 (MDH 02-15-XX). ALL 1993-1994 and 1995 BUILT BEFORE October 19, 1994 (MDH 10-19-XX).
1.
Vehicles that operate frequently at speeds where EMCC usage is engaged (vehicle speeds between 34-41 MPH) may experience early
deterioration of the transmission oil (15K-70K miles). Characteristics of deteriorated oil include yellowish brown color, burnt odor, and poor shift
quality. Deteriorated transmission fluid may cause harsh upshifts, downshifts, a pronounced shudder during EMCC operation, and/or harsh torque
converter clutch engagements. If one or more of these shift characteristics is noted by the customer at relatively low mileage, the TCM should be
updated with the latest software and the transaxle fluid must be changed. See Repair Procedure No. 1.
2.
If vehicle shudder, engine surge or excessive engine torsional vibration while operating in EMCC (vehicle speeds between 34-41 MPH),
transmission operation seems normal, and the transaxle fluid color is normal, the TCM should be updated with the latest software. See Repair
Procedure No. 2.
Eliminating EMCC will resolve this symptom/condition. However, if an impending overheat condition is identified by the vehicle PCM or TCM,
EMCC operation, as well as shift schedule changes, will be temporarily enabled until the overheat situation is over.
The software calibration used in the 1995 model year 41TE and 42LE TCM is being made available for all vehicles dating back to 1989 MY.
Several shift quality improvements, as well as default issues, have been included that will further improve customer satisfaction with prior model
vehicles. Some of the more common issues are listed below and are resolved with the new TCM software.
1.
Coastdown Tip-In Bump: Vehicle is decelerated to nearly a stop (less than 5 MPH), the driver tips back into the throttle to accelerate, a noticeable
bump may be felt.
2.
Coastdown Shift Harness: Harsh coastdown shifts on some 4-3, 3-2 and 2-1 downshifts.
3.
1995 LH with the 42LE Transaxle - Sluggishness/Lack of Response: On some early 1995 LH vehicles built prior to October 24, 1994, a perceived
lack of power or transmission responsiveness may be encountered under normal operating conditions. The transmission may not release the
converter clutch as desired with increased throttle. This occurs in 4th gear from 35 MPH to 50 MPH.
4.
1989-1994 all with 41TE or 42LE: Harsh and/or vehicle shudder at low speeds 3-2 and 2-1 kickdowns at speeds less than 25 MPH.
5.
1993 with 41TE: Poor 3-4 upshifts may occur especially at highway speeds in speed control mode.
6.
1989-1994 with 41TE - Harsh or Slightly Delayed Garage Shifts: Delay is less than 2 seconds and the shift is harsh after the brief delay. NOTE:
Delays greater than 2 seconds are caused by transmission hardware malfunction, i.e., valve body, pump, failed lip seals or malfunctioning PRNDL
or neutral start switch.
