I have what a think is a factory rebuilt A604/41TE transmission/transaxle out of a 3.8L
'98. (it's beige w/ blue primer underneath, and a mopar parts tag).

I just noticed there is a rubber plug near the bottom on the differential cover plate,
because it is leaking. The plug is just to the right of the bulge for the differential gear.

Anyone know what this plug or hole was intended for? and if a rubber plug is supposed to
be there, or some other fitting or bolt? It seems the hole was designed that way as
hole is flanged up to the opening instead of a hole drilled into the sheet metal.

or perhaps the hole has a purpose for fitment in another chrysler/dodge vehicle?

I just put in new fluid, and don't want to waste or lose all of it pulling out
the existing plug, without the correct replacement to put in quickly.


My original transmission and one other I've seen (3.8L engine) both do not have this
hole/plug.

Thanks.

ps. Also can anyone tell me how to decipher the manufacturing date code for the mopar
parts on the transaxle?

 

a picture sure would help a lot.

there are no factory rubber plugs on these transmissions ever so I really need to see what you are talking about.

 

I hope this will help.


41TE TRANSAXLE
DESCRIPTION
The 41TE
41TE Transaxle is a four-speed transaxle that is a conventional hydraulic/mechanical assembly with an integral differential, and is controlled with adaptive electronic controls and monitors. The hydraulic system of the transaxle consists of the transaxle fluid, fluid passages, hydraulic valves, and various line pressure control components. An input clutch assembly which houses the underdrive, overdrive, and reverse clutches is used. It also utilizes separate holding clutches: 2nd/4th gear and Low/Reverse. The primary mechanical components of the transaxle consist of the following:

•Three multiple disc input clutches
•Two multiple disc holding clutches
•Four hydraulic accumulators
•Two planetary gear sets
•Hydraulic oil pump
•Valve body
•Solenoid/Pressure switch assembly
•Integral differential assembly
Control of the transaxle is accomplished by fully adaptive electronics. Optimum shift scheduling is accomplished through continuous real-time sensor feedback information provided to the Transmission Control Module (TCM)

The TCM is the heart of the electronic control system and relies on information from various direct and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc.) to determine driver demand and vehicle operating conditions. With this information, the TCM can calculate and perform timely and quality shifts through various output or control devices (solenoid pack, transmission control relay, etc.)

The TCM also performs certain self-diagnostic functions and provides comprehensive information (sensor data, DTC's, etc.) which is helpful in proper diagnosis and repair. This information can be viewed with the DRB scan tool.

TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION
The 41TE transaxle identification code is a series of digits printed on a bar-code label that is fixed to the transaxle case as shown in Transaxle Identification Label

For example, the identification code K 821 1125 1316 can be broken down as follows:

•K = Kokomo Transmission Plant
•821 = Last three digits of the transaxle part number
•1125 = Build date
•1316 = Build sequence number.
If the tag is not legible or missing, the "PK" number, which is stamped into the transaxle case behind the transfer gear cover, can be referred to for identification. This number differs slightly in that it contains the entire transaxle part number, rather than the last three digits.

OPERATION
Transmission output is directed to an integral differential by a transfer gear system in the following input-to-output ratios:

First 2.84 : 1
Second 1.57 : 1
Third 1.00 : 1
Overdrive 0.69 : 1
Reverse 2.21 : 1

 

I'd still like to see this rubber plug thing.

 

The rubber plug may have been on the transmission during the assembly line, and was just left there. It may have been for the dip stick tube. I see this a lot with FORD transmissions.

 

yes on fords we all found that thing in the pan. when i was a ford tech 1981-1990, I probably accumulated 150 of them. now, go back and read the man's statement

"I just noticed there is a rubber plug near the bottom on the differential cover plate,
because it is leaking. The plug is just to the right of the bulge for the differential gear."

sounds like the old 413's back when they had gear lube in the diff and trans fluid on the other side. remember them screwed in plugs on the diff cover... same for the original 460 4speeds. and I so much hated having to pull the diff cover to get the axle shaft clips released.

 

That was way back went. I do remember those days. That was when I was repairing C4,C6 ,AOD, 4EAT,ATX,AXOD and AODE transmissions. As well as all the plymouth transmissions.

 

I did a lot of them c-3's and FMX transmisions were my specialty. hardly ever saw a c-6 come in bad. The a4ld had to be the biggest POS ford put out in the mid 80's. the genious was to turn off cooler flow when the trans was in 4th and lockup.