Dodge Challenger Manual Transmission (Common Issues Solved)

What issues are most prevalent with the manual transmission of Dodge Challenger? Loud noises like banging, grinding, whipping, etc., are the first to be heard. Additionally, some individuals had transmission oil leaks and trouble shifting gears. You might find other widespread problems that could be like what you are facing.

As fewer models are available, dealing with the challenger manual transmission issue is challenging. Many people experience pain because they cannot identify the issue or understand the causes.

In this write-up, we will explore some transmission issues of dodge challenger and how you can handle them. You need to identify and understand the symptoms to solve any transmission problem.

Dodge Challenger manual transmission replacement does not have to be a complicated process. Nevertheless, it can be costly, depending on the option you decide to take. Before embarking on such a repair or replacement, you must consult a professional mechanic once you identify a problem.

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Are Any Dodge Challengers Manual transmission?

Yes, Dodge still sells vehicles with manual transmissions. Furthermore, the Challenger is the only vehicle available with a manual transmission.

However, a manual transmission is still available for the Dart and Viper. On the other hand, Dodge has discontinued manual transmission use in their other automobiles.

What Are The Dodge Challenger Manual Transmission Issues?

Many signs point to a malfunctioning manual transmission in a Challenger as the source of the issue. Nevertheless, finding the problem is a step towards the solution.

If you have had issues with your dodge challenger 6 speed manual transmission, you will find symptoms that can help you solve the problem.

01. Transmission sticks

In a manual transmission, the shifts can get stuck. You might experience this issue after driving for a while. Regrettably, the Dodge Challenger’s engine heats up a bit when running.

Then, around the shaft input splines become coated with excess grease. In addition, dirt is mixed with the grease, disrupting the brake disc’s smooth operation.

It is also common for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 manual transmission to suffer from heavy clutch and shifter attachment. Once this happens, you need to buy a new transmission or solve the issue immediately.

02. Makes a Lot of Noise

Another prevalent Dodge challenger transmission problem is emitting a loud noise. In most cases, it is commonly caused by a shortage of lubricant or oil.

Metallic particles or gears cause friction when oil levels are low. Nevertheless, the noise produced from the gear is due to a broken gear shift.

You will find this problem common in all 2019 Dodge Challenger transmissions. When driving, you will hear a grinding, thumping, whirring, and bumping sound.

In certain situations, the differential case, axle inner CV joint, and transmission mount can cause the cracking noise you hear.

Examine the oil to determine and fix the problem. If the problem persists, it is advisable to seek professional help.

03. Transmission Oil Leakage

Transmission oil leakage is another widespread issue with manual transmissions. Commonly, worn, or faulty gaskets cause this problem. Loose bolts and cracked cases may also be the culprits.

You do not need an expert as you can check for such leakage. After adding oil, check the transmission case and oil level. Avoid driving when you notice there is a leak. Only a specialist can give the best solution if the tank is damaged.

04. Makes Grinding Noise

A defective manual transmission may generate a grinding sound. When you hear such a noise, know that gears are colliding.

In addition, the twisting of the gear can contribute to this issue. Therefore, examine the clutch and gear linkage to prevent grinding sounds. You may find it challenging to solve this without the assistance of a mechanic.

05. Missed shift

A missed shift in the Dodge Challenger is a byproduct of transmission problems. To boost fuel economy, it usually comes with a 1–4 gear skip feature.

At times, this feature is the culprit behind the missed shift. Other manual transmission problems include fault bearings, loose linkages, and low oil levels. To rectify this issue, you must check all the shift parts.

06. Transmission Jumps Out

At times, the transmission can shift out of gear, putting the vehicle in neutral. A shift linkage is a primary cause of this.

Nevertheless, keep an eye out for a loose transmission, damaged gear teeth, a misaligned clutch, and a loose shifter cover. In most instances, the entire transmission must be changed or rebuilt to accommodate every component.

42RLE and W5A580 Transmissions Issues With Dodge Challenger

42RLE Transmission

The 42RLE transmission has a poor design, making it problematic. The key issues and the most probable reasons are listed below:

Use of Mercon or Dexron transmission fluid results in poor shifting. Only ATF+4 Synthetic Type 9602 automatic transmission fluid should be used in the 42RLE.

Being put into limp home mode for no apparent reason. Moreover, this indicates that the transmission cannot shift out of first or second gear. Brought on by a faulty sensor, which tricks the transmission into believing it is in danger when it is not.
Other causes of poor shifting besides transmission fluid include a stuck solenoid or valve, a computer issue, or a pump malfunction. A bad lower or higher speed sensor causes unpredictable downshifts in the transmission.
1-2 complex shifts are typically resolved by switching to the proper transmission fluid. To ensure that all the old fluid has been removed from the system, be careful to remove the filter.

Transmission slippage and rough shifts are present with the following ECU codes: P0750, P0755, P0846, P0871, P0760, P0765, and P0841. Usually, it can be caused by wiring problems between the transmission control module and the engine control unit or rust in the 10-pin solenoid harness connector. You must replace or rewire the solenoid to solve this issue.

W5A580 Transmission

At times, the transmission jerks in third, fourth, and fifth gear because water enters it through the dipstick tube. A faulty O-ring can cause this and changing it will solve the problem.
Use of Mercon or Dexron transmission fluid results in poor shifting. Only ATF+4 Synthetic Type 9602 automatic transmission fluid should be used in the W5A580.

Furthermore, another reason is delayed shifting or abrupt selection of the Drive or Reverse option. The engine’s design defects are to blame, and a mechanic must identify the main issue.

General Solution to Dodge Challenger Transmission Problems

01. Buying a used transmission

Buying a used transmission is the easiest way to solve your transmission difficulties. These are typically available in junkyards and frequently come with a 30 to 90-day warranty.

However, there is no way to know what condition the internal parts are in, so you can spend a lot of money on the same issues. Additionally, that guarantee does not cover the labor expenses you will incur if the transmission turns out to be defective.

02. Purchase a remanufactured transmission

Many owners rely on their cars for transportation and getting things done. Interestingly, spending money on a remanufactured transmission makes sense because their gasoline engines are built to last hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

03. Purchase an upgraded Dodge Challenger transmission

A rebuilt transmission would be an additional alternative to deal with the Dodge Challenger transmission problem. A local repair shop will take your transmission out of service and rebuild it using many new components.

However, the issue is that each transmission rebuilder’s expertise and experience will differ significantly from each shop. Therefore, you can suffer issues from anything that was not adjusted correctly. Additionally, you might only get a 1–2-year warranty at selected transmission repair facilities.

04. Rebuilt Transmissions vs. Remanufactured Transmissions

While there are many ways to replace a damaged transmission, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this regard, buying a used transmission is no different.

Used transmissions are characterized as whole units removed from a source vehicle. However, whether you opt for a used or remanufactured transmission, there are benefits and drawbacks.

05. Rebuilt Transmission

It takes a lot of work and a detailed process to rebuild a transmission. It is a process that entails dismantling the transmission, inspecting it, cleaning it out, and replacing any “hard” parts before putting it back together with all the soft parts.

06. Remanufactured transmissions

Sometimes known as “reman,” it is equivalent to a rebuild in that the work has already been done to factory or “OEM” standards.

Usually, a group of experts completes this task. They disassemble the transmission, examine each component, swap out the hard and soft pieces, and then put it back together again.

Rebuilt vs. Remanufactured Transmissions—Which is Better?

A remanufactured transmission saves you and the technician time. When a transmission needs to be rebuilt, it must be taken out of your car, disassembled, fixed, coupled, and installed.

That process can take three to five days. Remanufacturing entails thoroughly bringing a transmission back to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.

There is no need to spend time rebuilding a remanufactured transmission because it is already finished and supplied directly from the remanufacturer. If the type of transmission in your car is common, a wholesale store has a fully remanufactured unit on hand and ready to go.

Issues with Dodge Challenger 6-speed Manual Transmission

Many Dodge owners who drive vehicles with 6-speed manual transmissions commonly have transmission problems such as synchronizer failures, fractured transmission cases, joint breakdowns, and gear shifting problems.

These issues frequently develop for several reasons. Riders have similar problems with the 6-speed manual transmission, for instance, when gear wheels, pilot bearings, or other internal transmission components are damaged or worn out.

A worn-out bearing is one of the most common issues with the Dodge Challenger’s 6-speed manual transmission. When accelerating or decelerating, you will hear a noise when the shaft or pocket bearing is faulty. Once more, the faulty synchronizer may be the cause of the noise.

Overall, the Dodge Challenger 6-speed manual transmission is not different from the manual transmission problems you might encounter with your car. In addition, you can apply a similar solution to rectify the issue.

How much Dodge Challenger Transmission Repair Cost

Transmission repairs can cost around $900 on average, with prices ranging from $300 to $1,500 based on the type of repair required. New transmission clutches, for example, will cost $1,150, with average costs ranging from $800 to $1,500.

Major transmission repairs can easily cost $1,000 to $2,000 in labor alone and can take months to complete if components are unavailable.

Replacement costs typically vary between $2500 and $3000. If the damage is considerable, there is no significant disparity between repairing and replacing transmissions.

Dodge Challenger RT Manual Transmission

Even though the regular trims lack several upgraded performance specs and amenities, they still have a bit less power than the SRT, another performance trim.

In exchange, R/T models are less expensive, making them a fantastic place to start if you are searching for a performance vehicle on a tight budget.

My Final Thoughts

In summary, the 2022 dodge challenger 6 speed manual transmission issues are not particularly difficult to identify. However, before you hand the vehicle over to a mechanic, you must recognize the problem and its underlying causes.

With this, you can avoid any unnecessary expenses. Do not attempt to disassemble the manual transmission, as this could cause extra damage. Attempt to fix the issue as soon as possible.

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Dodge Challenger Manual Transmission (Common Issues Solved)

Are Any Dodge Challengers Manual transmission?