P0731 on Chrysler
Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0731 on Chrysler vehicles indicates gear 1 incorrect ratio. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Chrysler models — most commonly on Fifth Avenue, Town & Country. This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 1st gear. The module compares input (engine/turbine) speed to output shaft speed; when the car is commanded into 1st but the calculated ratio doesn't match the expected value, P0731 sets. This points to slipping, an incorrect shift, or a hydraulic/mechanical problem rather than just an electrical fault. You may feel slipping, harsh or delayed engagement, or the transmission may go into a limited 'limp' mode. Typical repair costs on Chrysler range from $300 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0731
- •Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid
- •Slipping clutch packs or worn friction components
- •Stuck or faulty shift solenoid affecting 1st gear
- •Internal hydraulic leak / valve body fault
- •Worn or failing torque converter
- •Faulty input or output speed sensor
- •Mechanical wear (planetary gears, bands) inside the transmission
P0731 on Chrysler by Model
Chrysler Fifth Avenue(1 issue)
- A604 (41TE) Transaxle Premature Failure1990-1993
The Fifth Avenue uses the Chrysler A604 (41TE) fully electronic 4-speed transaxle, which was notorious for reliability issues in its early years. The solenoid pack and valve body suffer from design limitations that cause erratic shifting and limp mode. The transmission goes into "limp home" mode (locked in 2nd gear) as a protective measure when it detects solenoid or pressure errors. The Fifth Avenue's heavier curb weight compared to other A604-equipped vehicles accelerates wear.
Chrysler Town & Country(1 issue)
- 41TE/A604 Four-Speed Automatic Transmission Hard-Part Failure (Planetary/Clutch Pack Burnout)1996-2007
The 41TE (A604 Ultradrive) four-speed automatic used behind the 3.3L and 3.8L V6 in 1996-2007 Town & Country vans is the single most-reported failure on the nameplate. Clutch material and worn friction debris circulate in the fluid, plug the small feed passages in the valve body and pump, and starve the planetary gearsets of lubrication. The result is a burned front/rear clutch pack or a shattered planetary carrier. Owners commonly report the failure preceded by a stuttering or repeated 1-2 shift, delayed forward/reverse engagement with a double bump, and limp-in (second gear only). Aggravating factors documented on the owner forums include use of generic ATF instead of Chrysler ATF+4, a missed 30k-mile fluid service, and a weak/AC-ripple-producing alternator or a bad output shaft speed sensor signal confusing the TCM. This is the 4-speed unit and is a separate story from the later 62TE 6-speed used from 2007 on.
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View P0731 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0731 mean on Chrysler?▼
P0731 stands for "Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio." This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 1st gear. The module compares input (engine/turbine) speed to output shaft speed; when the car is commanded into 1st but the calculated ratio doesn't match the expected value, P0731 sets. This points to slipping, an incorrect shift, or a hydraulic/mechanical problem rather than just an electrical fault. You may feel slipping, harsh or delayed engagement, or the transmission may go into a limited 'limp' mode. On Chrysler specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0731 on Chrysler vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chrysler: Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid, Slipping clutch packs or worn friction components, Stuck or faulty shift solenoid affecting 1st gear, Internal hydraulic leak / valve body fault, Worn or failing torque converter. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0731 on a Chrysler?▼
Repair costs on Chrysler range from $300 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chrysler models have P0731 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0731 on 2 Chrysler models: Fifth Avenue, Town & Country.