Chrysler Ultradrive Transmission Has a History of Problems
Question: My 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue has a whine in the transmission. At first, it was just in first gear. The Chrysler people told me this was normal.
Now, after 15,000 miles, it is an almost continuous whine all the way through 35 m.p.h. Is this normal?--R. M. K.
Answer: The problem you are experiencing with your Chrysler is perhaps normal in the sense that it is commonplace.
Your Fifth Avenue is equipped with a new electronically controlled Chrysler transmission, known as an Ultradrive, that has quickly established a record as a major technical embarrassment to Chrysler.
The Detroit auto maker has issued 16 technical service bulletins to alert mechanics to the problems inherent in the transmissions. The most significant failures include instances in which the transmission locks up in second gear, sticks between gears, suddenly loses power or abruptly shifts into the incorrect gears.
The fixes outlined in these bulletins range from checking the wiring to flushing the transmission oil cooler. Trade journals have reported that the firm has spent $250 million on fixes.
Clutches have burned out, computers have failed and internal transmission parts have been damaged.
The Center for Auto Safety, a Ralph Nader organization that frequently criticizes the auto industry, said the transmission’s dismal performance “earns it the dubious distinction of the world’s most defective transmission.”
The safety center alleges that Chrysler’s Ultradrive transmission is used in 2.4% of the cars sold in the United States but accounts for 23.3% of the complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and to the center.
Moreover, there appears to be a pattern of repeated transmission failures at relatively low mileages. In one case a customer reported a transmission failure after just 500 miles. Another customer had had 47 failures.
The reports of these failures were a key reason why Consumer Reports magazine, which is not associated with the safety center, has downgraded certain Chryslers in its car ratings.
The magazine cited a survey of its subscribers that found that 14% of the 1989 Ultradrive customers and 7% of the 1990 model customers experienced problems.
For its part, Chrysler has strongly objected to the criticisms of the Ultradrive transmission. Chrysler has said the Consumer Reports surveys are based on older models and do not reflect changes in the transmissions.
The company has replaced 19,000 transmissions. And company chairman Lee Iacocca acknowledged that the problem threatens “the crown jewels of the company.”
The Ultradrive, which uses a computer to decide when to correctly shift, can theoretically improve fuel economy, reduce pollution and provide a more comfortable ride.
In the past, transmissions were designed to shift based on engine speed and engine load. The engine load was based on readings of the vacuum level inside the intake manifold or on the position of the accelerator pedal.
Although these worked adequately for decades, the electronic systems provide more precise control.
It is impossible to know whether your whining noise is a prelude to a significant transmission failure or simply a quirk. Typically, a whining noise is a significant indication of a transmission malfunction.
It is important to get your car to the dealer for a check before your warranty expires and leaves you unprotected. As a result of the negative publicity, Chrysler is reimbursing dealers to perform free diagnostic checks on Ultradrive vehicles.
Vartabedian cannot answer mail personally but will attempt to respond in this column to automotive questions of general interest. Do not telephone. Write to Your Wheels, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.
