Crewzin or other knowledgable ones!

[sknight88]

As many of you know, I'm still fighting my transmission issue! Replaced the solenoid pack to no avail.

Went to a local reputable shop who said they could pull the trans codes for free, verses the 120.00 the dealer wants. They did get more codes than just the key on key off trick, but it still was a OBDII plug in system thru the underpart of the dash. Is this where the dealer does it as well?

Since it wasnt the solenoid pack, and it does still shift ok for a spell after a reset etc, I assume that my next 2 suspects are the speed sensor and the TCM?

Of course, the TCM is intergrated into the main brain box, so do I hit the salvage yards, a reputable online Ebay seller than programs it to the vin or buy a stage one?

Any thoughts or tips, much appreciated. Oh, all fuses checked, rechecked as are the wires, connections etc.!

[CREWZIN]

The scanner under the dash is the same as the dealer. You say there were more codes/information from it, so what did it say to do?

[sknight88]

Hey buddy, they were all just more generic p0700 series codes like 2nd gear upshift fault, 3rd gear upshift fault, reverse gear upshift fault etc at which point they recomended a transmission shop! Lol great, thanks!

[CREWZIN]

You say the TCM is integrated into the brain box. Now my manual is only for the 01-03 including Turbo PT but it shows the TCM as a separate unit attached to the transaxle. You access it by taking off left front fenderwell splash shield.

It also warns: Do not interchange TCM's from different year vehicles. After replacing, take it to the dealer and have the new TCM calibrated for your vehicle.

Can't find anything about the speed sensor.

[CYCLONE_06]

This might sound retarded, but, when was the last time you changed the tranny fluid ? These mopars are weird. If they do not have clean or the correct tranny fluid, ATF + 4 then they just dont shift correctly.

~CYCLONE_06

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by CYCLONE_06

This might sound retarded, but, when was the last time you changed the tranny fluid ? These mopars are weird. If they do not have clean or the correct tranny fluid, ATF + 4 then they just dont shift correctly.

~CYCLONE_06

Good advice. If you have over 50,000 miles, that might be it. Be sure it's ATF + 4.
Since it shifts okay after a reset, TCM does seem more likely.

[sknight88]

Yeah, been a slacker on the fluid cause it looks/smells clean and is right on the mark. Hate to drop 50 bucks for nothing, but at this point.....what the heck!

Crewzin, was going on what Ive read, though dont have first hand knowledge, heres some excerpts:

1727. We have a 2001 TE PT with 82k miles. My wife got home from work and stated that the car was not running right. I test drove it and found that it seemed to be stuck in 1st or 2nd gear. I had my brother-in-law, who is a certified Ford mechanic, look at it. He ran the self tests and came up with a P0605 code, stating TCM ROM failure. My question is, are they user replaceable, and what is the approximate cost of a new TCM? – Kelly, from Tennessee.

PT's utilize an integrated Transmission Control Module and Powertrain Control Module. They are combined into a single control module called the Next Generation Controller (NGC) and referred to as the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The Transmission Control System is part of the Powertrain Control Module.

P0605 - Internal Transmission Controller - Transmission control module ROM self-test fault detected.

Possible causes include: PCM- Internal Error

Inspect the wiring and connectors. Pay particular attention to all power and ground circuits. If there are no possible causes remaining replace the Powertrain Control Module. This is not a DIY repair; see your dealer for associated costs.

And this from a Ebay seller of PCM's:

Dear thunderbay88,

We have the PT cruiser Turbo Modules, but the cost is $285. The listing is for regular models. If you would like to keep your core its an additional $75 to keep the warranty, or it will forfit the warranty if no core is returned and no core charge was paid. I double checked, and indeed the Transmission module is integrated in the PCM. As far as removing the PCM, I would first disconnect the battery. The red tabs slide up, then there are pressure release buttons on the plugs. If you squeeze them and pull, the plug should slide right out. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks RyanD 1-866-699-5230

- allcomputerresources

[BLUEH20]

The new ATF 4 fluids no longer give the ordor and color clues we old timers are used to.

Your are deliquent in you fluid change--it will not be a waste of you hard earned $$$ and could save lots of hard earned $$$$.

I like the Kidney machines that flush all the fluid from the torque converter and the transmission case and cooler. It will run about $100 depending on your location.

[CREWZIN]

I don't know what to say about the TCM and PCM. Looked at the manual again and they are different and in different places. As I said, the book is for the 01-03 including Turbo. Maybe they changed things around after that.

[garyerrol]

Originally Posted by BLUEH20

I like the Kidney machines that flush all the fluid from the torque converter and the transmission case and cooler. It will run about $100 depending on your location.

I inquired about doing that with my 2001 at my local transmission shop. He said the don't recommend the full flush on older high mileage vehicles. Sometimes it causes other problems.