How to Identify Chrysler Transmissions

Byshadi rouan

Knowing how to identify the transmission in your Chrysler vehicle is important for proper maintenance and any needed repairs. This extensive guide will walk you through determining the transmission model in any Chrysler car, truck, or SUV.

Chrysler has installed over two dozen different transmission models in their vehicles since the 1950s. Identifying the specific transmission in your Chrysler helps ensure you get the right parts and service information.

This article covers everything you need to positively identify your Chrysler transmission by sight, by checking model codes, or by matching part numbers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chrysler has used transmissions from multiple manufacturers including Aisin, Getrag, Mercedes and ZF. Models include everything from 3-speed automatics to 6-speed manuals.
  • The fastest way to ID your Chrysler transmission is to check the code on the manufacturer’s tag, usually found on the rear of the transmission case.
  • Matching the transmission pan shape and bolt pattern is another quick way to narrow down possibilities.
  • Checking part numbers on the transmission case, bell housing and torque converter can conclusively identify the exact transmission model.

A Brief History of Chrysler Transmissions

Chrysler was an early pioneer of automatic transmission technology. They released their first auto-shifting transmission, the “Fluid Drive,” in 1939. It was a crash transmission that shifted between 2nd and 3rd gear automatically based on speed and throttle position.

True fully automatic Chrysler transmissions arrived in the 1950s. These early models were 3-speed automatics like the PowerFlite and TorqueFlite transmissions. They used a straight-drive gearset without overdrive.

Starting in the 1960s, Chrysler adopted some automatic transmissions from other manufacturers like the A904 and A727 from TorqueFlite. Manual transmissions were also available, like the A833 4-speed manual.

As technology improved, Chrysler began releasing longitudinal front-wheel drive models in the late 1970s. These required new transaxle-style transmissions. Chrysler partnered with manufacturers like Aisin and Getrag to design transmissions for their FWD vehicles.

In the 1990s, Chrysler introduced vehicles like the LH platform sedans that demanded more advanced transmissions. This included the debut of Chrysler’s first 4-speed automatics like the 40TE and 41TE.

Today’s Chrysler vehicles equipped with 6 or more speeds, along with dual clutch transmissions and 9-speed automatics. They continue using designs from Aisin, ZF and Mercedes.

Identifying By Transmission Pan

An easy way to start identifying an unknown Chrysler transmission is to examine the transmission pan. While not foolproof, the shape and bolt pattern can indicate the general transmission family:

Rear Wheel Drive Chrysler Transmissions:

  • Round pan with 12 bolts – Chrysler A833/A835 4-speed manual
  • Shallow rectangular pan with 10 bolts – Chrysler A470/A475 3-speed automatic
  • Deep rectangular pan with 10 bolts – Chrysler A727/A904 3-speed automatic
  • Square pan with 8 bolts – Chrysler A500/A518 4-speed manual

Front Wheel Drive Chrysler Transmissions

  • Round pan with 6 bolts – Chrysler A413/A470 2-speed transaxle
  • Shallow pan with 13 bolts – Chrysler A604 4-speed transaxle
  • Deep pan with 10 bolts – Chrysler A604 4-speed transaxle
  • Irregularly shaped pan with 8 bolts – Chrysler 41TE/42LE 4-speed transaxle

Of course, it’s still essential to check the manufacturer’s tag, ID tag or part numbers to positively confirm the transmission model. Some use non-standard pans that can be deceiving.

Reading Transmission Codes

The best way to ID any Chrysler transmission is to locate and decode the transcode that’s stamped on the manufacturer’s tag:

Where To Find Transmission Codes:

  • Rear wheel drive transmissions – Round metal tag attached to the rear of the case
  • Front-wheel drive transaxles – Rectangular plastic tag on top of the case
  • Dodge truck transmissions – Round metal tag attached to the underside of the case

The transmission code will be a series of numbers and letters. Older models just have a simple code like “A727.” Newer transmissions have a more complex code that breaks down as follows:

New Transmission Code Example:

AA525REB

  • AA = Manufacturer
  • 525 = Transmission model
  • R = RWD/FWD/AWD
  • E = Engine application
  • B = Calibration

So in this example, it’s an Aisin transmission, model 525, in an RWD application, for a V8 engine using calibration B.

Matching Transmission Part Numbers

Each transmission component will also have a manufacturer’s part number stamped or cast into it:

  • Transmission case
  • Bell housing
  • Torque converter
  • Valve body
  • Transmission pan

With the part numbers, you can conclusively identify the transmission by cross-referencing them with Chrysler parts manuals. Online parts sites are also handy for searching and matching part numbers.

Some of the key part numbers to check include:

  • Main case serial number
  • Bell housing number
  • Torque converter part number

Examples:

Main Case 56043412 = A604 Transaxle

Bell Housing 12676380 = A727 TorqueFlite

Torque Converter 04874466AB = 68RFE Automatic

Researching Transmission Specs

Once you’ve positively identified the transmission model, you can look up detailed specifications and parts info in service manuals and parts catalogs. Resources include:

  • Print/Online Chrysler service manuals
  • AllData DIY Repair manuals
  • Online parts sites like MoparPartsGiant
  • Forums focusing on specific transmission families

Having the transmission details allows you to purchase correctly matched components when servicing or repairing the transmission. It also provides insight into common failure points and issues to look out for.

Quick ID Tips By Transmission Type

Here are some quick tips for identifying common Chrysler transmission models by type:

Rear Wheel Drive Automatics

TorqueFlite A488/A727/A904 – Round pan, 10 bolts, tag with “A488” or “A727” code

A500/A518 – Square pan, 8 bolts, “A500” or “A518” stamped on case

A999/A904 – Round deep pan, 10 bolts, tag with “A999” or “A904” code

UltraDrive 40TE/41TE – Irregular shaped pan, 8 bolts, “40TE” or “41TE” on tag

45RFE/545RFE – Square pan, 8 bolts, “45RFE” or “545RFE” stamped on case

68RFE – Cast aluminum pan, tag with “68RFE” code

Front Wheel Drive Transaxles

A413 – Round pan, 6 bolts, “A413” stamped on case

A470 – Shallow pan, 13 bolts, “A470” on tag

A604 – Shallow or deep pan, 13 bolts, “A604” on tag

41TE/42LE – Irregular pan, 8 bolts, “41TE” or “42LE” on tag

62TE – Cast aluminum pan, “62TE” on tag

Manual Transmissions

A833 – Round pan, 12 bolts, “A833” stamped on case

A525/A535 – Square pan, 8 bolts, “A525” or “A535” stamped on case

A465/A560 – Square pan, 7 bolts, “A465” or “A560” stamped on case

Chrysler Transmission Guides By Model

Digging deeper, transmission choices vary widely across Chrysler’s model lineup over the decades:

Chrysler 300:

  • 2005-2010 – 5-speed automatic (W5A580 or WA580)
  • 2011-2018 – 8-speed automatic (8HP70)
  • 2019-present – ZF 9-speed automatic (9HP48)

Chrysler Pacifica:

  • 2004-2008 – 4-speed automatic (62TE)
  • 2017-present – ZF 9-speed automatic (9HP48)

Chrysler PT Cruiser:

  • 2001-2010 – T350 4-speed automatic
  • 2001-2005 – Getrag 5-speed manual (G285)
  • 2006-2010 – A578 6-speed manual

Chrysler Sebring:

  • 1996-2010 – 41TE 4-speed automatic
  • 1996-2006 – MK 3-speed automatic
  • 2001-2006 – Getrag 5-speed manual

Dodge Avenger:

  • 2008-2014 – 6F50/6F55 6-speed automatic

Dodge Caliber:

  • 2007-2012 – CVT (CVT2)
  • 2007-2009 – Getrag 6-speed manual (MT82)
  • 2009-2012 – Aisin 6-speed manual (AX-15)

Dodge Caravan:

  • 2001-2003 – A604 4-speed automatic
  • 2004-2013 – 62TE 6-speed automatic
  • 2014-2020 – 6F55 6-speed automatic
  • 2020-present – ZF 9-speed automatic (9HP48)

Dodge Challenger:

  • 2008-2014 – 5-speed automatic (W5A580 / NAG1)
  • 2015-present – ZF 8-speed automatic (8HP70/8HP90)
  • 2008-2019 – Tremec 6-speed manual (TR-6060)
  • 2020-present – Tremec 6-speed manual (MT82)

Dodge Charger:

  • 2005-2010 – W5A580 5-speed automatic
  • 2011-present – ZF 8-speed automatic (8HP70/8HP90)

Dodge Dart:

  • 2013-2016 – 6F24 6-speed automatic
  • 2013-2016 – FCA 6-speed manual (MT82)

Dodge Durango:

  • 1998-2003 – 42LE 4-speed automatic
  • 2004-2009 – 545RFE 5-speed automatic
  • 2011-present – ZF 8-speed automatic (8HP70)

Dodge Journey:

  • 2009-present – 6F24 6-speed automatic
  • 2011-present – Aisin 6-speed automatic (AF40)

Dodge Neon:

  • 1995-1999 – Mitsubishi 3-speed automatic
  • 2000-2005 – T350 4-speed automatic
  • 1995-1999 – Chrysler 5-speed manual (MTX)
  • 2000-2005 – Getrag 5-speed manual

Dodge Ram Truck:

  • 1994-2002 – 47RE 4-speed automatic
  • 2003-2007 – 48RE 4-speed automatic
  • 2008-2012 – 68RFE 6-speed automatic
  • 2013-present – ZF 8-speed automatic (8HP75)

Jeep Cherokee:

  • 2001-2013 – 45RFE 4-speed automatic
  • 2014-present – ZF 9-speed automatic (9HP48)

Jeep Grand Cherokee:

  • 1993-2004 – 42RE/42LE/45RFE 4-speed automatic
  • 2005-2010 – W5A580/WG580 5-speed automatic
  • 2011-present – ZF 8-speed automatic (8HP70/8HP75)

Jeep Liberty:

  • 2002-2012 – 42RLE 4-speed automatic
  • 2002-2006 – NV3550 5-speed manual
  • 2007-2012 – Getrag 6-speed manual (MT82)

Jeep Patriot/Compass:

  • 2007-2017 – CVT (CVT2)
  • 2007-2010 – GMPT 5-speed manual
  • 2011-2017 – Getrag 6-speed manual (MT82)

Jeep Renegade:

  • 2015-present – ZF 9-speed automatic (9HP48)

Jeep Wrangler:

  • 1987-2006 – AX15 5-speed manual
  • 2007-2018 – NSG370 6-speed manual
  • 2012-present – Mercedes 5-speed auto (W5A580)

This covers most of the major Chrysler transmission families and applications. Always verify by checking the transmission tag code and part numbers. Contact a local Chrysler expert if you need help identifying an unknown transmission.

Wrapping Up

Identifying the transmission in your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Plymouth is key to proper service and keeping your vehicle running strong. This guide covers the main identification methods including reading transmission codes, matching part numbers, and comparing transmission pans.

While Chrysler has used many transmission models, the ID tag, case stamping, and part numbers make it possible to conclusively identify the specific transmission in your vehicle. With the transmission positively identified, you can then find the detailed specifications and part info needed for reliable maintenance and repairs.

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