Dodge RAM Jeep A500 Transmissions FAQs

The Chrysler A500 4-speed automatic transmission was introduced in 1988. It was designed for use in light-duty SUVs and trucks with RWD. We cover all you need to know about this transmission in this article.

What Vehicles Are Compatible With The A500?

The A500 was used between 1988 and 2004 in a range of light-duty vehicles, including the Dodge Dakota and Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, as well as the Dodge Ram 1500. It was also called the 42RH/42RE in later years. Our remanufactured A500 units are available for the following vehicles:

Should I Buy A Used, New Or Remanufactured A500 Transmission?

New:
The priciest option – but not necessarily the most effective. Brand new transmissions from the manufacturer may come with a warranty, yet they often don’t address known design flaws. Without critical updates, you could find yourself facing the same problems again down the line.

Used:
The most budget-friendly choice, but it carries high risk. With no way to assess the internal condition and little to no warranty coverage, a used transmission could end up costing you more in repairs or replacement sooner than expected.

Remanufactured:
A smart middle ground offering both reliability and value. Remanufactured transmissions – especially from reputable brands like Powertrain Products – are rebuilt to surpass OEM standards, feature updated components, and also fix common issues. And you get a solid warranty.

Where Should I Buy An A500 Transmission?

Choosing a remanufactured transmission over a used or new one can save money and provide you with a longer service life and a better-than-OEM warranty. But only if you choose a reputable supplier like Powertrain Products.

We don’t just repair our transmissions; they undergo a comprehensive rebuilding regimen that includes new and updated parts. Additionally, we rectify all known OE design faults. We also offer an industry-beating 7-year Million Mile warranty. The Powertrain Products transmission remanufacturing process includes:

• Every transmission is disassembled, inspected and triple cleaned.
• Experienced technicians rebuild and thoroughly inspect each valve body.
• All threads are chased and every bushing replaced with brand-new parts.
• They are then tested on our C.A.R.S. system, which simulates real-world driving scenarios to ensure perfect functionality and reliability.
• The reassembly process includes the installation of new O-rings, gaskets, and seals. The transmissions are then put through an intensive spin and load test on our custom-built dyno machines.

How Much Does An A500 Transmission Cost?

A remanufactured Chrysler A500 transmission from Powertrain Products is typically under $2,500. This includes the core charge waiver.

Will A Replacement A500 Transmission Come With A Warranty?

From Powertrain products, most definitely. Aside from the standard 3-year warranty (If you’re using this transmission for a 1-ton and up application, our 18 month, 50k mile Commercial Warranty will be applied to your purchase instead), you can choose from a selection of extended warranty options for an additional charge:

• 5-year Extended Warranty
• 7-year Extended Warranty
• Pure Care No Fault Coverage

Can I Replace An A500 Transmission Myself?

Replacing a transmission is a complex job that demands specialized tools and a solid understanding of automotive mechanics. Unless you’re a seasoned mechanic, it’s usually best to leave this task to a professional to avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re set on tackling it yourself, be sure you’re fully equipped. At the very least you will need a torque wrench, breaker bar, a car lift, and a transmission stand.

Has Dodge Addressed The A500 Overdrive Problems?

Early A500 transmissions had a reputation for issues with the overdrive. Issues included a refusal to shift from 3^rd to 4^th, damage caused by the overdrive assembly to the reverse gear clutches, and laggy engagement due to transmission oil leaks.

Chrysler carried out several upgrades and fixes over the years to the planetary gears and other internal components that largely resolved those early issues. Our remanufactured A500 transmissions address all known issues and come with fully rebuilt internals as well as new seals, gaskets, bushings, and O-rings.

What Are The Common Issues With The A500 Transmission?

Aside from those early overdrive issues, the Chrysler A500 is known to be a reliable transmission overall, however there are some issues that can arise due to harsh use, general wear-and-tear as well as poor maintenance.

Delayed, slipping, or harsh shifts: the Transmission Control Module (TCM) may be faulty. Dirty or incorrect transmission fluid can also cause these symptoms

Refusal to change gears: Erratic gear changes or the inability to shift gears can often be traced down to solenoid problems and valve body wear.

Overheating: A failing torque converter, worn internals and low fluid levels can all result in overheating even during regular driving.

If you notice any of these issues, it is time to get your A500 transmission inspected by a professional.

What’s The Difference Between An A500 And A518 Transmission?

Both of these transmissions are part of Chrysler’s TorqueFlite range of automatics, with the A500 being designed for lighter duty work, while the A518 features reinforced internals to cater for more powerful variants of the Dodge RAM and Jeep Cherokee.

The A500 was based on the earlier A904 transmission, while the A518 was a development of the more rugged A727. The A500 has a lock-up torque converter, while the A518 was available with both a lock-up and non-lockup torque converter.

Does The A500 Hold Up Under Towing?

The A500 is a solid choice for towing. However, it is a light-duty unit and should not be used for heavy-duty work for extended periods. It is recommended to keep the transmission in 3rd gear and not engage the overdrive, as this will help keep the temps in check.

Additionally, keep in mind that our remanufactured transmissions are not intended for use on trucks with modified emissions systems, deleted emissions systems, or tuned vehicles. We do offer upgraded units for that purpose (contact us for more info) however, the warranty that comes with our stock units will be voided if used in this manner.

Is The A500 Worth It Over a Manual Swap?

A properly remanufactured A500 transmission will perform better than new and deliver a long service life.

A manual conversion can be costly and requires extensive knowledge to get right. It may reduce the parasitic losses of an automatic transmission, but the cost of the conversion will far outweigh any economy benefits. A manual transmission is also less suitable for city driving, and it may even use more fuel overall if the gearing is incorrect.

You may also struggle to get a decent warranty on a manual swap, whereas a Powertrain Products remanufactured A500 transmission comes with up to a 7 year, million mile warranty.

Online Transmission Resources From Powertrain Products

Get Better-Than-OEM Remanufactured A500 Transmissions From Powertrain Products

Powertrain Products stocks a full range of remanufactured transmissions for many makes of vehicles, including our better-than-OEM A500 transmissions. 

Ensure you get the right transmission by using your vehicle’s Transmission Tag Number, or our handy online VIN decoder. Every Powertrain Products transmission is remanufactured to be better than OEM with:

• Warranty coverage up to seven years or one million miles available
• Precision machining and new components used to ensure optimal performance
• Common issues rectified to enhance usability and reliability

We’re also the nation’s leading supplier of engines, differentials, and transfer cases. Call us at 888-842-0023 or contact us online today.