Technical Bulletin #1552

Transmission: 41TE/41LE/42RLE
Subject: 1-2 Shift Shudder/Bang/Bind or Rough Shift
Coast 3-1/2-1 Downshift Complaints
Application: Chrysler
Issue Date: August, 2013

41TE/41LE/42RLE
1-2 Shift Shudder/Bang/Bind or Rough Shift Coast 3-1
The smallest things can make transmissions malfunction. A good example is a missing .030” bleed
orifice in a clutch circuit.

Most clutch circuits incorporate a bleed orifice. The bleed orifice is where the air purges out during
clutch apply for consistent shift quality. More importantly, the bleed orifice also allows atmospheric
pressure into the circuit to aid in exhausting the circuit during clutch release.

Changes in 41TE the low/reverse bleed circuit:

The 41TE has two different generations of low/reverse clutch piston retainers, pistons, return springs
and gaskets. The 1st generation has the bleed orifice/screen in the aluminum low/reverse piston. The
2nd generation orifice has been moved to the low/reverse piston retainer. The aluminum L/R piston
has been replaced with a stamped molded piston.

Without a bleed orifice in the L/R circuit, the L/R clutch will drain off too slowly during the 1-2 shift.
This can cause rough or bindy 1-2 shift complaints and 2-1 coast down shift complaints.

The piston or the retainer must have a functional bleed orifice.

Other things to consider for good 1-2 shift quality:

1. If the aluminum piston is replaced with molded piston make sure to install the return spring for a
stamped piston and the correct gasket and retainer.
2. Keep the L/R clutch clearance towards the high side of the specifications .042- .065”.
3. Always replace the valve body reducer bushing on all models prior to 2007.
4. Only use 4 friction plates in the 2-4 clutch.

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41TE/41LE/42RLE #1552
1-2 Shift Shudder/Bang/Rough Shift Coast 3-1
The reducing bushing is utilized for pressure regulator valve balance oil. When the bushing wears it
causes a loss of balance oil. This causes the line pressure to run high when hot. This being a synchro-
nus transmission, elevated line pressure has a dramatic effect on the timing of clutch apply and re-
lease. The bottom line is a worn bushing will cause shift complaints.

Reducing Bushing
1989-2006

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 #1552 41TE/41LE/42RLE
1-2 Shift Shudder/Bang/Rough Shift Coast 3-1
2nd Generation Gasket with Bleed Orifice 2nd Generation Gasket with Bleed Orifice

1st Generation Retainer without Bleed Orifice 1st Generation Gasket with no Cut Out

L/R Return Spring

8 Fingers 10 Fingers

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