My 2004 crossfire w/ 125K miles leaked a LOT of transmission fluid onto the garage floor while I was away for 2 weeks.

The AAA approved transmission repair shop said I need to have parts replaced for $510!!!

He explained to the foolish woman that the plate under the transmission box needs to be replaced because the leak goes through it to the rings. He said he won't charge me for labor, but the part is expensive. He ordered the part Friday and I am supposed to go in Monday morning to have the work done.

Please advise me - is this a possibility or do I really only need a $9 O-ring replaced?

Kristinjsharpe@gmail.com

 

We do not know really what your problem is, but most problems of this sort are fixable with the $20 part and a little labor $.
Changing the item this fits inside the transmission would be way over the top.
My guess is that you are being taken for a sucker or they do not know what they are doing or likely both.

 

Not sure it is possible for you Canadablue, but if you can jack and get under the car to have a look.
If you can clean up under there (allow a half an hour) you can give your self a better chance of seeing the origin of the leak on a later inspection the next day (if not right away).
Then someone here can possibly help....+ you can find out if your mech cuts the mustard....

Otherwise you may choose to pay the money ad infinitum for this and many other issues as they arise.

 

It is completely possible you may need to change out all the parts. The issue with mine necessitated these replacements. It wasn't because all the parts were bad it was because they couldn't get the $20 connector out and had to break the entire unit and replace it. They quoted me 2400 dollars. Luckily mine was covered under warranty. The key for you is if you will be able to get the connector out (if indeed it is the connector) you should be able to just put the new one in and drive. Good luck

 

Being quite cynical in my old age I have to consider the possibility that the mechanic while appearing to be generous in not charging for labor to replace the parts, may in fact not be replacing any parts except the leaky$20 plug insert. Or he actually may be charging you for labor as the parts he is replacing costs a $150 or so.
I think it sounds to good to be true.

 

This is based upon the assumpton that it is the o-rings in the plug.
I understand it could be the shifter arm seal which I've read about several times...or something else....?

 

The leak is in the shell to transmission interface as per Woody's write up, not the connector to shell interface. It's the shell that's replaced because its O-rings fail, the way I see it anyway.

 

yes - I had the same problem.
Had to buy the $10 connector to get the rings...could have reused the connector and just put the new rings on the old connector - but caution and PITA under the car job rendered my conscience to go the whole hog and use the new connector.
Problem solved.
Did I say already what a PITA that job was (without a hoist) - espesh getting the thing seated correctly.

But I dont read anywhere that this was the original post diagnosis - simply "leaked a LOT of transmission fluid onto the garage floor while I was away for 2 weeks".
It may now be fixed as CanadaB hasnt returned since the original post.

 

any one know what the Mopar or MB part number is for the harness connector plug?

 

I think this is the new part# 68021352AA

 

thanks, need to reolace the conductor plate in the tranny so I thought I would replace the connector also

 

I have a 2007 but seem to have this same leak. The original TSB came out January 14, 2005 NUMBER: 21-002-05 so I am surprised that this was not fixed by when my 2007 was made. Do you think my leak would still be from the 13-pin connector plug guide bushing?

 

I tried to follow the thread from woodie but I could not get the outside ring to turn the 120 degrees. Is it a little sticky. I was scared of breaking something.

 

Had the leak repaired under the Chrysler 5 year powertrain warranty by the dealership today with no hassle or questions asked. My car was not bought and put into service until April 2009 so powertrain is still good until April 2014. It only has 15,600 km. on it. Part is 68021352-AA Description 21-003-015. Hats off to Chrysler and the dealership. It is rare to not have to fight to have a known issue fixed even when it should be.

 

yes - just persist its a PITA job
took me best part of an hour just to get it apart - crawling under the car
then getting it back together with assurity is another PITA - but with hindsight - maybe only 20mins.

b22b

 

Thanks for this awesome guide wood. I had the hardest time getting the new connector and rings back in. I saw a post to be careful not to force it in and not a lot of force is needed. After an hour of being gentle and frustrated I just push hard as possible and job done. It can only go in one way once aligned.

 

Thanks Woody! M XFire is a 6 speed, but the E320 is the same 722.6. This video was very helpful as well...

 

thanks for taking the time and preparing this.

 

Without removing the trans. pan, I replaced my connector to the transmission than added the needed fluid. when I started the car it was now in limp mode. could it be the connection is bad or does the computer need something reset. Any help on what to do next will be appreciated

 

My SRT6 has just over 10,000 miles and developed this leak at the electrical connector. Using Mercedes part number 2035400253 (which is a new updated number) I could not get the new pilot bushing to insert into the socket. The white ring which rotates was in the wrong position to allow insertion when the rear notches were aligned with the fingers in the socket on the transmission. I removed the O rings from the new pilot bushing I purchased from FCP Euro, installed them on the original pilot bushing and inserted that into the socket on the transmission. So far so good, but haven't put any miles on it, just test ran it after topping off the fluid in my shop. Following is an email I sent to FCP Euro:

Concerning Mercedes Transmission connector part number 203540023. This is a pilot bushing for electric connector on the 722.6 transmission on my 2005 SRT6 Chrysler Crossfire = 2004 SLK 32 AMG. The part you sent me in the mail would not insert into the transmission socket. On the back of the pilot bushing there are three cuts which must line up with fingers in the socket; This alignment allows the pilot bushing to fully seat in the socket. When I aligned the bushing to the socket the white ring on the pilot bushing was in the five o'clock position. On the original connector which was leaking that white ring was at the eight o'clock position after it was rotated to release the pilot bushing from the socket (In the locked position it is at one o'clock). I could not get the part you sent me to fully insert into the socket because the white ring at the five o'clock position prevented insertion. I removed the O-rings from the new part you sent me, placed them on the original pilot bushing and inserted that into the transmission socket. That seems to work. Time will tell. The part number 203540023 has replaced 9 previous Mercedes part numbers for a multitude of years/models. It appears something has been lost in the process of adaptation. Hope that makes sense.

Their response was can't be sure of my problem without a Mercedes VIN number to cross check their data.

I realize most people have long ago corrected this problem on their cars, but should it reoccur as the poster above, I hope this info will be helpful.