04 an up transmission dependability

**sheltonb13** · 11-20-2013

I owned a 2006 GP base. It had 130000 miles when i had an accident that totaled it. I put 20k miles on it in the time that i owned it. Shortly after i purchased it the transmission began to have problems. By the time i had put 10k miles on it the transmission would at randomly seem as if it would go into neutral. Like you could push the gas pedal and it would rev without actually pulling the car. Wasn't temperature dependent. I would have to just let it idle and continue to role until it decided to grab a gear and go. If you were at highway speeds cruising you would never have a problem with it. If you took off quick it would pull all the way threw the first gear and then it seemed as if it went into neutral and wouldn't shift into 2nd you had to once again just coast until it decided to go into gear. It did this until the wreck. The fluid was a little darker than it should be but didn't smell burnt. Even when i had it changed it still did this. The code it threw was max adapt. BUT if i reset the ECU so that it had to relearn it shifted as if it were perfect.

I have had 2 other friends that also had base GP's (05, and 08) they both had transmission problems with theirs as well but none of the 3 of us had the same problem.

My question is.....are the base transmissions in the 04 and up GP's lemons or is it just a matter of the care level?

I am looking into buying an 07 base with 130k miles that has had one owner and is immaculate condition. It drives great and shifts perfect. You can put your foot to the floor from a stop and it will shift threw every gear perfect.

Any logical opinions would be greatly appreciated.

**02NavyBlue** · 11-20-2013

03-04 and up are better. Newer style pcs, and 4th clutch hub prevent 2 common issues with earlier years. Still same issues with the input clutch piston I believe. I don't know of any other changes. All you can do is take it for a long test drive and check the fluid condition.

**sheltonb13** · 11-21-2013

After i test drove it (approx. 20 miles) with my foot in it most of the time the HUD said trans temp was 190 when i parked and it had never exceeded that. Popped the hood and checked the fluid its bright red and looks great. Everything seem good? I dont want to end up with the same headache as the last one.

**dsmuts** · 11-21-2013

Are you sure it's full? Checking it with the car warmed up and running?

**BillBoost37** · 11-21-2013

Only getting to 190 is pretty good, although I'd want more like an hour ride to get an honest temp from it. If I hop on the highway and drive 70mph for 30min, my trans temp can be right in that area. Drive an hour and that'll let it get good and heat soaked. Plus hit some city driving etc.

The transmissions can have their weak spots. I've had many over 170K miles and no problems. I've also seen a lot of people have issues at 100Kish.

**sheltonb13** · 11-21-2013

Well I bought it. She did great on the 40 mile drive home. But i really want to do a little preventative maintenance. What would be good to help keep her going and make sure that i won't have any tranny problems down the road.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

**MrPoopyButthole** · 11-21-2013

Shift kits are recommended by most, which will give you a chance to drop in fresh fluid and change the filter.

I also drop in a bottle of Lucas Trans fix too.