Chrysler A500 4-Speed Overdrive Automatic · Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM · Expert rebuild service since 1987. Lifetime warranty. Free diagnostic.
1988–2004 Dodge Dakota, Ram Pickup (light duty), Jeep Grand Cherokee (6-cyl); 1988–2004 Chrysler products with light-duty 4-speed overdrive need; behind 3.9L V6 and 5.2L V8
| Configuration | 4-speed automatic with overdrive (lockup in 3rd and 4th) |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratios | 1st 2.74:1 · 2nd 1.54:1 · 3rd 1.00:1 · 4th 0.69:1 · Rev 2.21:1 |
| Fluid Type | Mopar ATF+4 |
| Fluid Capacity | 9.0 qts total, 4.5 qts service refill |
The A500 adds an overdrive unit to the A904 base. The OD band in the overdrive unit wears and glazes, causing 4th-gear dropout and eventual OD failure.
Symptoms: Slip or no 4th gear OD; drops from OD on hills; 1-3 work normally
The overdrive solenoid controls engagement of the OD unit. Solenoid failure causes inability to engage or disengage overdrive.
Symptoms: Stuck in OD or stuck out of OD; P0731 or P0732 codes; trans overheat if stuck in OD under load
Same front band adjustment requirement as A904 base unit.
Symptoms: 2nd-gear slip; band adjustment has no effect when glazed
Full disassembly of both A904 base and OD unit. OD band replaced. OD solenoid replaced. All clutch packs replaced. Valve body rebuilt. Full ATF+4 compliant soft parts kit. Converter flushed.
ATF+4 every 30,000 miles. Check OD solenoid operation — engage and disengage at 45+ mph to verify. OD solenoid failure caught early is a minor repair; ignored, it causes band and clutch damage.
The A500 is a A904 base unit with an overdrive unit bolted to the rear. Same 3-speed core, just with an extra overdrive gearset added.
The A500 is also called the 42RH (regular lock-up version) or 42RE (electronic version). All refer to the same basic unit.
Both are common. We test the solenoid electrically first — if it's functioning, the band is worn. Both are repairable without full rebuild if caught early.
Mopar ATF+4. This is the correct modern spec for all Chrysler TorqueFlite-family transmissions.
$1,300–1,900. 2-day turnaround.
Free diagnostic, written estimate, lifetime warranty. Chicago's A500 rebuild specialists since 1987.
