Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Vehicles With A-604 Transaxle
This procedure should be used on any Chrysler vehicle equipped with an A-604 transaxle. It will quickly optimize shift quality after disconnecting battery or loss of voltage supply to the transaxle controller.
- Warm transaxle to normal operating temperature by allowing engine to idle for proper time depending on ambient temperature. See TRANSAXLE FLUID WARM-UP TIME table.TRANSAXLE FLUID WARM-UP TIME
Ambient Temperature Engine Idle Time (Minutes) 0°F (-18°C) 8 20°F (-7°C) 6 40°F (4°C) 4 60°F (16°C) 2 80°F (27°C) 0 - To set transaxle upshift learn procedure, operate vehicle and maintain constant throttle opening during shifts.CAUTION: DO NOT move accelerator pedal during transaxle upshifts.
- Accelerate vehicle with throttle opening angle in range of 10 to 50 degrees. Operate vehicle until transaxle performs 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 upshifts at least 15-20 times.NOTE: Accelerating vehicle from stop to approximately 45 MPH at moderate throttle angle (20-25 degrees) is sufficient.
- To set transaxle kickdown learn procedure, operate vehicle with vehicle speed less than 25 MPH, making 5-8 wide-open throttle kickdowns to 1st gear from either 2nd or 3rd gear.CAUTION: Allow transaxle to operate in 2nd or 3rd gear at least 5 seconds before performing kickdown.
- With vehicle speed greater than 25 MPH, make 5-8 part throttle to wide-open throttle kickdowns to either 3rd or 2nd gear from 4th gear (for example, 4-3 or 4-2 kickdowns).
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
Rather have a pro handle this?
A certified mobile mechanic comes to your home or office. They bring the tools, you stay comfortable. No tow truck, no waiting room, no surprises.
No obligation. See pricing before you book.
