Thanks. Apparently the 04 models all came in one piece. Just my luck of course. The 05 and newers apparently came in 2 pieces. I asked if I was to change it out, could I change over to the two piece part and the parts guy said they don't appear to be interchangable. Great design efforts on their part. At this point, I'm going to need to try to find a valve body for an 04 somewhere else (cheaper I hope) and then I'll just take it up and have them install it. You've been very helpful. If you know of any good on-line options or places to get one of these **** things, please let me know. Thus far, no luck in my searches.

 

This is the top part of the valve body that the connector bolts into. I guess the brass piece in the center comes loose so the bolt on the connector plug can't be removed.

 

I would find another dealer. The 04 parts catalog list as a separate replaceable piece.

 

Thanks. I will call some other dealers!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Found another dealer. Parts and service seemed way more familiar with the issue and the actual parts necessary, noting that indeed there are two parts with hopefully only the valve body connector necessary for replacement and not the entire valve body. Also, they said they hoped to be able to do the fix without having to break it (that would be nice).

Called Chrysler and some other MOPAR parts suppliers. The entire valve body was $950 direct through them -- not the $1400 the dealer quoted me.

I'm done with this dealer for both my Xfire and my new Town and Country. They seem to be pretty inept............

Thanks again for your responses yesterday. Very helpful.

 

Just got mine fixed. The tranny connector leaked, screw was stripped, couldn't get it out without dropping the pan and replacing the valve body connector as well. They put in a new one, put it back together and then the valves ended up sticking so the car stayed in limp mode. I had to leave it until they got an entirely new valve body kit and replaced it. Luckily it was all still under warranty so zero cost. All is well and working properly now and boy am I happy to have my car back.

My follow-up question to the Forum is: Following replacement of the tranny connector with the new ones (which have better O rings now), has anyone whose had this fixed had the leak occur again later (months or years) and had the same issue? I'm hoping the response will be no, once they replace it with the new version the issue doesn't return. Your input / feedback is appreciated.

Happy Holidays!