Autostick, what is it?

[THier]

I got into a discussion today and had to pause, the automatic in my 02 was the same as they used in the mini vans, how about the auto stick?[8)] is it the same tranny with the autostick feature built into the computer? This came up in a discussion on performance mods and the weak link.
Thanks,
Tom

[COP TZER]

i think it is the same as that used in the Sebrings but i'm not sure

[Turbo Tommy]

Yes it is used in the minivan.

The autostick trans is an 41TE. Break it down and 4 is for number of speeds, 1 is torque rating, t is transverse, and e is electronic. That trans is used on all fwd mopars, other than sebring coupes, they may use a mitsibshi trans. Since it is a stretched eclipse. The 41TE is used in the minivan, in fact that is were it made it's debut in 1989, but then it was called an A604. Over the years the trans has been improved and worked over, but it is pretty much the same trans as 1989. The name was changed from A604 "ultradrive" to 41TE because at first they were very trouble prone, so chrysler didn't want any media relations issues with consumers, so they switched the names. It has been used and is still used in all fwd chrysler products since. The trans on the lh cars, the A606 now known as 42LE is basically a 41TE (A604) internally with a different case and differential.

This trans was state of the art in 89' fully electronically shifted, no governor or hydraulic shift controls like a normal older trans. All shifts were done via solinoides, which were controled by computer. The transmission is addaptive, meaning it can learn your driving style and shift accordingly. If you are a sportier driver, it will time shifts later, and make them more firm. If you drive like grandma, it will shift sooner and very soft. It can addapt for wear by the amount of pressure it applys to bands and such. When it is new it doesn't require as much pressure to hold a band, but in time as things were it puts more pressure to the bands, and other parts to keep from having any slippiage. It will do this until it can't anymore. then you start to have slippage and other problems

You can train it to shift firm, by disconnecting the battery, and when you reconnect it, go out and pound on it, and it will shift firm and hard for a few days. (don't hold me liable if you have a problem)

The biggest problems originally was that the computer would try to make shifts imperceptible, and it did this by trying to hold one gear while engageig the next, basically the oposite of a shift flare, this put so much stress on internall componets, that is why early ones failed so often. Also early ones had problems with clogged coolers.

From what I have read forcing firmer shifts is acctually better for it, because it doesn't try to hold one gear and engage the next as severly, it is forced to make a quicker shift with less gear holding overlap. The trans will post codes that the scan computer at say a dealer can pull, you can't get them with the check light on the dash.

Also you can only use mopar ATF+4 fluid, anything else will ruin the trans, don't believe anyone that tells you differenty.

As for autostck you just give the computer a signal for up or down shift, it then looks at all the sensor date and decides to allow or deny it, that is why the slight delay. Then dased on driving style, and lots of factors it shifts hard or soft. Also I think the autostick shifts are more firm, because the engineers feel it is suposed to be more manual like and they want you to feel a distinct shift, so it is programmed that way.

[THier]

Turbo Tommy,
Thanks, I pretty much figured as it was the same, it wouldn't make sense to change it, UHHH DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE WHOLE SWAY BAR ISSUE, that didn't make sense.
So, how strong is the tranny? V6 minivan loaded with kids ect is pretty heavy, would seem to put alot of stress on it.
Thanks,
Tom

[Turbo Tommy]

Well, I have heard it is very strong for it's size, and considering that it has been around 14 years or so now, I think all the bugs are probably worked out. Alot of programming was modified, updated, in the mid 90's. Less of the gear holding stress I mentioned, I have read alot of the people use the wrong fluid, that didn't help any. Also It is used with some pretty strong motors, like the 3.5 V-6 in the pacifica, it practically uses the awd from the minivan drivetrain. It is probably pretty strong now.

The older ones were questionable with just the 3.0l V-6 in the minivans.

Be glad it's not the fwd ford trans.

And why did the list that sway bar, and not put it on? If I had known, I would have looked under the car, before buying it. I think that is pretty questionable. Federal Law requires the car manufactures to have an accurate sticker ???????????????? Sounds like false advertising too, since so many chrysler literature books, and web sites indicated it when the GT was released.

[THier]

According to those who have asked, I haven't yet, the response is it is now built into the rear axle assembly. or something like that. I talked to a tech last week, at a social event, who told me they just decided not to install from the factory. He new of no "real" reason. I traded in my 2002 TE to get the GT, and I feel a difference in body roll, I feel it on on ramps that I drive everyday. Could it be that the bigger tires allow me to take the ramps faster? not really. I have a couple of spots the dealer needs to touch up, so I will bring it up then. My sticker clearly states it should be there. My dealer has been pretty good so far so this will be the test. All I really want is the mounting hardware.
Tom

[twallyf]

What torque does a torque rating of 1 represent?

[hharper1321]

Being that the 41te is the same tranny as the A604 in my LeBaron, do you think it would be possible to install Autostick into the LeBaron? And on the same note, could I use the same tricks on the PT I used on the LeBaron, ie extra clutch pack, Transgo Shift Kit, and 46/50 tooth transfer gears. Hmmmmm, interesting. My 92 trans (A604) has had a new TCM and been flashed up to the 2000 model year specs, wonder if I could flash it higher to take care of any programming changes....Not to mention switch out the solenoid packs for the quieter ones in the PT. By the way, does anyone know which transfer gears we have in the PT's . Might have the right gears anyway.....Just thinking out loud....

Harry