2013 Journey crew 3.6L with 62TE transmission that I had the fluid and filter replaced at 205000 miles two weeks later I received the P0740 code

[smfabac]

I need some advice on what to do next.  On 6/23/2025 at 205,508 I asked the CJDR dealer service department to change the fluid and filter in the 62TE transmission on my 2013 Journey crew. Ten days later (7/3/2025) the check engine light came on and I found code P0740. I took it into the dealer to have it looked at but was told the transmission tech is gone for the day and I'd have to make an appointment for the following Monday. I made the appointment and then spent the 4th of July week end googling the parts and fluids used for the 6/23 service. My research shows that the trans flush and trans fluid used is incompatible with the 62TE transmission in my Journey. On Monday 7/7/2025, I discussed my concerns with the service manager and he convinced me to leave it with them for diagnostics (to be performed for a flat $200 fee), agreeing to replace the trans fluid with any I purchased at no additional charge. The images I uploaded are screen shots of my scanned service tickets showing the part numbers used in the 6/23 service and the analysis provided on the 7/7 service.  The part numbers for the 6/23 service suggest  10210 is Wynn's   WW 10210 two part transmission flush and A5303 is Wynn's A5303 variable viscosity  transmission fluid. I could find no information on the Wynn's  web site on how to use the WW 10210 flush. Searching further I  found WN-TRANS-A53-_A54-REV.-05-ATF-LO-HI-APP-CHART-ENG.pdf that lists ATF+4 for FCA as H S (high viscosity suitable), but further down lists 68157995AA as L S.  Searching Mopar for 68157995AA Brings up   68218925AB as replacement for 68157995AA checking compatibility with my Journey says it is incompatible (does not fit your vehicle) and suggests 68218057AC. And  68218057AC is not listed in Wynn's PDF.

 

I had previously had the transmission flushed, filter and fluid replaced at 61,000 miles using 68018555AA Filter Pkg, 5010884AD *Sealer-None, NPN 01031 ATF Conditioner, and 68055894AA *Fluid ATF 4

 

6/23 service:

:

 

 

7/7 service:

 

It is odd to me that on 6/23 the service ticket makes no mention of the existing trans fluid as burnt and contaminated. Yet on 7/7 says (fluid that was just replaced on 6/23): "fluid is full and burnt" and recommends replacing transmission due to "fluid condition and contamination."

 

Does anyone else share my skepticism that a filter change and fluid flush and refill with non Mopar trans fluid  is to blame for having burnt fluid with contamination 10 days there after with the contamination possibly affecting the TCC solenoid (P0740)?

 

I'd welcome comments as I plan to take the vehicle to a local Certified Transmission shop for evaluation and possibly having them perform a flush and filter replacement and new ATF-4 trans fluid and/or repair (if needed). There is no way in hell that I'll let the dealer sell me a new transmission for $8355 in a 200,000+ miles Journey as they have lost my confidence.

 

I've entered the details in Grok 3 and it came up with some recommendations but the TSB 21-013-19 (Dodge/Chrysler) it cited as: "Mentions P0740 on 62TE-equipped vehicles, recommending a software update or solenoid pack inspection before major repairs."

 

The TSB 21-013-19 printed for me by the dealer's service department does not cover the 62TE or 2013 Dodge Journey.

 

Edited July 15, 2025 by smfabac
Delete duplicatge images inserted in to post

[larryl]

For one thing you don't have a CVT in that vehicle ad yes they probably messed it up by using wrong or incompatible fluids

I only use MOPAR fluids and filters in the transmission and I have 220000 miles on mine and 4 drain and fills have been done on mine...every 50000 miles

Good luck

[2late4u]

I have a 2014 with around 172k on it had the trans fuild changed along with the filter at around 60k and then again at around 120k..knock on wood but still shifting good

[smfabac]

Just to update my post. I took it to Certified Transmission and the performed a diagnosis and and agreed that the transmission needs to be replaced (like that is a surprise): "CT Found: Transmission fluid-correct, old/degraded Codes present. No RPM drop when transmission commanded on. Setting transmission performance code. Did not duplicate shudder concern. Internal transmission failure. Transmission service not recommended at this time Evaluation labor $110.00."

 

CF quoted $3454 for a "Reman Transmission 62TE" with $1185.00 labor to remove and replace Transmission. I dropped it off at CT at 08:00 Thursday  7/17 and ready for pickup by 17:30  on 7/18.  By the time they finished,  the job included new transmission cooler lines, a front engine mount, a rear transmission mount, 10 qts of Mobile Sn Blend Transmission Fluid.. The total invoice was $5881.64 (includes the $110 initial evaluation fee) and the three year 100,000 mile warranty and credit for the $500 deposit .

 

The new unit shifts smoothly without the clunk I experienced up and down shifting at speeds changing from 45mph to 50 mph on cruse control. All operation of the CT Re manufactured transmission has been smooth.

 

Back on 12/23/24 I had taken the Journey in for an oil change and tire rotation and requested evaluation of the transmission as the week before the engine died when braking to a stop (torque converter locked up? this is the first time in 10 years the car died coming to a stop.): "Customer states the engine is not running right, stated the vehicle died on them Friday when coming to a stop, However it restarted. No sure if [problem is] transmission related as when getting up to highway speeds, they hear a noise sometimes, check and advise. Test drove vehicle for 20 miles and could not duplicate concern at this time. No codes active or stored in system."   After picking up the Journey, I noticed that shifts were smoother and I suspected some unspecified adjustments were performed (battery disconnected, TCM quick learn?).

 

However, The next morning after picking up the Journey from CT I noticed a new vibration at idle. This is a new sensation as I did not remember the vibration with the failed transmission. I suspected the torque converter in the new transmission as it rotates at engine RPM and if out of balance will result in a vibration. I called CT and reported my concern and was advised to drive it for a week and bring it back for the required 15 day inspection (the inspection is required to keep the warranty in force)

 

CT required an appointment for the inspection and I took it in 7/30 (early for the 15 day inspection). The CT technician did not seem to feel the vibration and I was asked to leave the vehicle over night so that they can start it up cold to duplicate what I was feeling.  Due to scheduling conflicts I was unable to leave the vehicle until the next week. Next week when I went to pick it up, the service manager and the technician both agreed that the vibration is real (felt in the drivers door standing open and when shifted into reverse vehicle held with the breaks on)  and wanted me to leave it with them for further diagnostics. I had to delay letting them keep it until the next Monday.

 

Finally, on 8/18, CT decided that the top (passenger side) engine mount needed to be replaced. I OKed the replacement and when I picked up the Journey the next morning the vibration was (not gone, not smooth as a sewing machine) but greatly reduced and I judged it acceptable. The top side engine mount set me back another $233 parts and labor.  Was that the problem? Is there anything wrong with the reman transmission?  I don't know.  but found a YouTube video where they replaced the top side engine mount due to its failure causing vibration. https://tinyurl.com/3pskx56f

 

Perhaps the failed mounts replaced by CT on 7/18 caused the (new to me) vibration that I assigned to an out of balance torque converter in the new transmission and did not feel with the old transmission with bad engine mounts all around. The pictures are of the mounts replaced on 7/18. I did not ask for the one replaced on 8/18.