Avoid 1st Year Problems

[Cuda340]

I have been noticing problems that 1st year owners have had with their SRT Chargers- namely leaking transmissions (O-ring adapters) and 1-2 shift lags.
Both of these problems are fixed under the warranty, but it makes you think about waiting for the 2009 Challenger model (less problems and, hopefully, cheaper price).

Regarding the shifting problem, here is what the service bulletin says:

Flash: SRT8 - Delayed Or Rough 1-2 shift at Wide Open Throttle After Kickdown

Overview: This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with new software.

Models: ALL 2005-2006 SRT8 models of the 300C, Charger, Magnum and Grand Cherokee (North America and International Markets).

Symptom/Condition: The customer may experience a delayed 1-2 shift at wide open throttle after a kickdown. This is often referred to as a harsh or jerky shift which is the result of the engine reaching the maximum engine speed fuel cut off prior to the transmission shifting.

[Apro4x4]

I plan on waiting till at least year three of production...maybe four. If Chrysler is planning a Cuda, I might consider waiting for that.

[sniper226]

I can't wait. It is a stretch to wait till 2008 as it is.
I too have been following the SRT Chargers. So far, those two items are not enough to keep me from buying.

Don't forget to add the trunk lid scraping the rear bumper to the list.

[Greengoat42]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

I have been noticing problems that 1st year owners have had with their SRT Chargers- namely leaking transmissions (O-ring adapters)

Ran into the same problem with my '03 Ram. Probably designed into the cars to give their warranty repair guys something to do.

[Ragamuffin]

Originally Posted by Greengoat42

Ran into the same problem with my '03 Ram. Probably designed into the cars to give their warranty repair guys something to do.

Yep-yip-- I can believe that...very cunning are these Automakers ; just to the delight of the dealerships' /service depts. most of witch are vultures ! !! ...Incidently, welcome to Challengertalk.com !! !

[Jimbo]

I never buy 1st year cars. I'm looking to get a 3rd year. Less problems. I don't need the "hey look at me" appeal of being the 1st on my block. I'd rather buy for MSRP when the bugs are worked out. I've been waiting 30 years to own a car I can get truly excited about. I'm pretty sure another 2 years won't kill me.

[Greengoat42]

Originally Posted by Ragamuffin

...Incidently, welcome to Challengertalk.com !! !

Thanks. I'll probably be mostly a lurker here. Coming and going looking for all the info possible on Challenger status. And I'm positive I won't have to worry about first year problems with a Challenger since I don't see myself getting one for at least a couple years.

Nice place, BTW.

[NOTSURE]

bump..........................

[425hpChargerSRT8]

Dont forget about the coolant gunk issue. That was a total disaster. Supposedly it is solved now. My concern is although we are no longer the first model year, we will be the first to have the 6 speed and LSD. Hopefully nothing goes wrong with that.

Originally Posted by Cuda340

I have been noticing problems that 1st year owners have had with their SRT Chargers- namely leaking transmissions (O-ring adapters) and 1-2 shift lags.
Both of these problems are fixed under the warranty, but it makes you think about waiting for the 2009 Challenger model (less problems and, hopefully, cheaper price).

Regarding the shifting problem, here is what the service bulletin says:

Flash: SRT8 - Delayed Or Rough 1-2 shift at Wide Open Throttle After Kickdown

Overview: This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with new software.

Models: ALL 2005-2006 SRT8 models of the 300C, Charger, Magnum and Grand Cherokee (North America and International Markets).

Symptom/Condition: The customer may experience a delayed 1-2 shift at wide open throttle after a kickdown. This is often referred to as a harsh or jerky shift which is the result of the engine reaching the maximum engine speed fuel cut off prior to the transmission shifting.

[JS29R0B]

...all cars have certain quirks...thinking they let all the bugs stay there until model year change over is silly(sometimes they develope NEW bugs).....manufacturers make running changes all the time...I hope to be on my 3rd or 4th Challenger while you are waiting for Chrysler to work out the bugs and make a PERFECT one...hey, I'll take one right now

...mine should be here in less than 100 hours


ps.....the absolute worst new car I ever owned was a 73 CUDA...it never did run right during the 3 years I owned it....no one could repair it correctly....that was the 4th year for the CUDA....I traded it for a 61 Vette with a blown engine...that CUDA should have been "lemoned"