Technical Bulletin #001

Transmission: Chrysler A-604

Subject: Electrical diagnosis
Issue Date: January, 1990

Chrysler A-604
Electrical Diagnosis
Solenoid Assembly
The solenoid assembly (figure 1) for the Chrysler A-604 consists of 4
solenoids, 4 ball valves, 3 pressure switches and 3 resistors. The ball
valves are operated by the solenoids and together they shift the
transmission through the various gears and control lock up. The 3
pressure switches and resistors are used to signal the
computer that a shift has occurred. Figure 1

During rebuild or repair, the solenoid assembly should be checked for proper operation. This can be done
through the 8 pin connector (figure 2). Refer to figure 3 for the function of each of the 8 pins.

Figure 2

Pin# Function
1 2-4 Pressure Switch
2 Low-Reverse Pressure Switch
3 Overdrive Pressure Switch
4 12 Volt Input
5 Underdrive Solenoid
6 Overdrive Solenoid
7 Low-Reverse/Lock-Up Solenoid
8 2-4/Low-Reverse Solenoid Figure 3

Copyright © 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved. ! Page 1 of 3

Technical Bulletin #001
Checking the Switches and Resistors
To check the 3 switches and resistors use an ohmmeter set at ohms x 1 (RX1). Connect a lead from pin 4 to the
solenoid housing (ground) then connect the two leads of the ohmmeter to pins 1 and 4 (see figure 2). The resist-
ance should be 270-330 ohms. You have just checked the resistor for the 2-4 pressure switch.

To check the switch, leave the ohmmeter connected and apply compressed air to the 2-4 pressure switch feed
hold (see figure 4). The ohmmeter should read zero ohms resistance.

Now perform the same procedure at pins 2 and 4 for the low-reverse resistor and switch. Once again resistance
should be 270-330 ohms (300 ohms = or -30) and go to zero ohms when the switch is pressurized. Use pins 3
and 4 to check the overdrive pressure switch.

Now perform the same procedure at pins 2 and 4 for the low-reverse resistor and switch. Once again resistance
should be 270-330 ohms (300 ohms + or - 30) and go to zero ohms when the switch is pressurized. Use pins 3
and 4 to check the overdrive pressure swtich.

View of the Bottom of the Solenoid Assembly

Figure 4

! Page 2 of 3 Copyright © 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.

 Technical Bulletin #001
Checking the Solenoids
Each of the 4 solenoids should be checked next. Connect the ohmmeter leads to pins 4 and 5 to check the resist-
ance of the underdrive solenoid. The resistance should be 1.5 ohms. (A digital ohmmeter works best for this
test). The other solenoids are checked in the same manner using pins 4 and 6, 4 and 7, and 4 and 8.

Shifting the Transaxle

Many times it is necessary to shift a transmission with jumper leads to determine if a problem is in the transmis-
sion or in the computer system. On the A-604 this can be done by providing 12 volts through a fused (20 amp)
jumper wire to pin 4 (12 volt input) and grounding pins 6, 7, and 8 in the proper sequence. (See the chart below)

Range Ground These Pins

First Gear 7 and 8
Second Gear 0
Third Gear 6 and 8
Fourth Gear 5 and 6
Lock-Up 7

If you supply 12 volts to pin 4 and then ground pins 7 and 8 the transaxle should be in 1st gear. Remove the
grounds to shift to 2nd. Connect the grounds to pins 6 and 8 for 3rd gear. Grounding 5 and 6 will give you 4th
gear. Anytime you're in 2nd, 3rd or 4th you can ground pin 7 for lock-up (TCC).

Copyright © 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved. ! Page 3 of 3