Transmission History by Year - Dodge Nitro
2007 - 2011: 4-speed automatic (42RLE) on 3.7L V6; rear-wheel drive or 4WD 2007 - 2011 R/T: 5-speed automatic (W5A580 / NAG1) on 4.0L V6 R/T; 4WD Production ended 2011
Expert Dodge Nitro transmission service in Chicago. Free computer diagnostic, 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty on rebuilds, all years.
We will contact you as soon as a service member is available by call, text, or email.
2007 - 2011: 4-speed automatic (42RLE) on 3.7L V6; rear-wheel drive or 4WD 2007 - 2011 R/T: 5-speed automatic (W5A580 / NAG1) on 4.0L V6 R/T; 4WD Production ended 2011
Nitro 42RLE is one of the most common Chrysler transmission repairs - solenoid pack is the definitive weak point. ATF+4 fluid condition check. Full solenoid pack replacement with fresh ATF+4. Torque converter shudder test. NAG1 on R/T models: valve body solenoid replacement covers most shift complaints - the NAG1 (Mercedes-derived) is more robust but requires its own solenoid procedure. Transfer case actuator diagnosis is separate. 42RLE rebuild is straightforward with excellent parts availability.
42RLE: Chrysler ATF+4; NAG1/W5A580: Mercedes-Benz 236.14 ATF or approved equivalent; do not cross-use
42RLE solenoid: 1 - 2 days; fluid service: same day; NAG1 valve body: 1 - 2 days; transfer case actuator: 1 day; full rebuild: 3 - 5 days
Every vehicle needs diagnosis before anyone can promise a repair path. These are the situations we help organize before you decide what to do next.
Tell us when it happens, whether reverse still works, and if warning lights are on. A scan and fluid check come before guessing at a rebuild.
Fluid condition, leak location, and driving distance matter. If the vehicle is slipping badly or overheating, towing may be the safer next step.
A failed solenoid, valve body, converter, or internal clutch problem can lead to very different repair paths. The goal is a clear diagnosis and written estimate.
Chrysler's 4-speed automatic used in the Nitro 3.7L, Jeep Liberty, and Jeep Wrangler. It has a well-documented solenoid pack failure mode - replacement is the single most common repair on this unit.
Generally yes - the NAG1 (W5A580) is a Mercedes-Benz-derived transmission with stronger construction. Its main failure mode is valve body solenoid wear, which is a less catastrophic failure than the 42RLE solenoid pack. The NAG1 uses different ATF - Mercedes 236.14 - not ATF+4.
The transmission will lock in 3rd gear (42RLE) and won't upshift or downshift normally. The transmission warning light will be on. The vehicle will drive but acceleration and fuel economy are limited. Get diagnosis done before driving further.
Yes - the 42RLE is one of the most commonly rebuilt transmissions we handle. Parts are widely available and the rebuild procedure is well-established. We include an upgraded solenoid pack in every rebuild.
42RLE solenoid pack: $550 - 950. Full 42RLE rebuild: $2,000 - 2,900. NAG1 valve body solenoid: $700 - 1,200. NAG1 full rebuild: $2,400 - 3,400.
Same-day appointments available. Honest estimates, no surprises. We've been doing this since 1987.
