1998 Chrysler T&C Transmission Solenoid

Is it possible to get an entire transmission from the wreckers (with a warranty)?

Having done the solenoid pack in a full sized van, I know that the job is simple enough to do. But I have to assume that on the FWD trans the solenoids are mounted externally for them to show a leak. That being said, there should be a foolproof system to prevent leaks. And applying silicone rubber was not the factory plan. Is there a gasket between the case and the solenoid pack? Are the three pins too long? Compare the extended length of the defective solenoid to the replacement solenoid. Did the tranny shop grind the length of the pins to get it to fit? Does the new solenoid match the old one exactly?

Almost all auto parts stores will have an assortment of gasket materials available. It may be a pain to cut a new gasket but, unless it has a metal component all you need is an exacto knife. A dull chisel will take the old gasket off without damaging the trans body.If you need a sealer, use gasket shellac.

Those pins on the bottom of the solenoid valve are to locate the valve on the transmission so that the ports line up correctly. If they do not fit into the holes, it is most likely because there is something in the corresponding holes in the transmission or YOU HAVE THE WRONG SOLENOID!

If you still have the old one, compare the locating pin locations and ports on the old one with the pin locations and ports on the new one. If the locations are different, YOU HAVE THE WRONG SOLENOID.

If the pin locations, diameter and so on are the same on both the old and new solenoids, check the protrusion of the pins to see if they are about the same. If the new solenoid has pins that stick out farther than the ones on the old solenoid. The new solenoid may be defective in that the pins stick out too far and bottom out in the holes in the transmission. This should be easy enough to check.

Also, if there is any trash in the index or attaching screw holes, clean it out. That could also be your problem. If the previous shop glued the gasket to the transmission, the locating pin holes may have gasket sealer in them causing the new solenoid to bottom out before sealing fully.

Try taking an appropriately sized drill bit and by hand, not with an electric, hand or air drill, clean out the locating pin holes and screw holes. The idea is to remove the trash, not make the hole deeper or larger.

It is quite easy to make your own gasket, if a little tedious.

The key things to remember are:

Make sure all of the places that need holes have them.

Make sure that all of the places that do not need holes do not have them.

Make sure that the gasket is not way too thick or too thin.

Make sure the gasket material you choose is appropriate for use with ATF as the detergents/solvents in ATF can dissolve some types of gasket paper.

Remember, its all small stuff. Unfortunately, the big stuff often doesn't work if the small stuff is neglected.

Have FUN!
TT3

Exactly right. GA