🚨 Diagnostic Profile
Vehicle Make: Chrysler
Description: Skip Shift Solenoid Circuit Open Or Shorted. The skip shift solenoid is an electrically controlled valve in the transmission solenoid assembly that allows direct shifts past intermediate gears (commonly 1-4 skip shift on manual transmissions, or a specific shift solenoid on automatic units). This fault indicates an open or shorted circuit between the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and the solenoid.
🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier
Tier: [Intermediate]
This repair requires electrical circuit testing and access to the transmission solenoid assembly. Access requirements vary by transmission model: manual transmission skip shift solenoids are typically mounted externally on the shift tower/linkage and are accessible without fluid loss, while automatic transmission shift solenoids are internal to the valve body and require pan removal and fluid drainage for access.
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
- Verify transmission fluid level, condition, and fluid type per the OEM fluid specification listed on the transmission fluid fill cap, dipstick (if equipped), or the vehicle’s underhood emissions/fluid label.
- Inspect the TCM and transmission harness connectors for corrosion, spread pins, or water intrusion at the transmission case connector and the TCM harness connector (location varies by platform; consult the factory service manual connector view for this specific model and model year).
- Check battery voltage and ground circuits: confirm battery voltage is above 12.4V at rest and verify a solid chassis/engine ground connection using a digital multimeter referenced to battery negative, checking for less than 0.2V drop across any ground point under load.
- Record freeze frame data and all pending and stored DTCs before clearing any codes.
- Check for applicable technical service bulletins and TCM software updates through the manufacturer’s service information system for this specific VIN.
Step 2: Diagnostic Verification
- Perform a continuity test on the skip shift solenoid circuit from the TCM connector to the solenoid connector with the key off and the harness disconnected at both ends, confirming less than 5 ohms of resistance end-to-end on each circuit wire.
- Test for shorts to ground and shorts to voltage by probing each solenoid circuit wire with the key on, engine off, and comparing readings against a known good chassis ground; a short to ground will read near 0V and a short to power will read near battery voltage when the circuit should otherwise be open or at a controlled reference level.
- Measure solenoid coil resistance at the solenoid connector (harness disconnected) and compare it to the OEM specification found in the factory service manual for this specific solenoid part number; typical transmission shift solenoids fall in the 20-80 ohm range, but the exact value must be confirmed against the OEM spec for this component.
- If supported, run an active solenoid test with a scan tool and compare commanded and actual shift behavior, watching for the TCM reporting an open or shorted circuit fault code in real time during the test.
- Flex and wiggle-test the harness near the transmission case connector and along any harness routing points subject to heat, vibration, or chafing, with the circuit monitored on a scan tool or multimeter to check for intermittent faults.
Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process
- Repair the open or short in the harness or connector using OEM-spec wire, proper gauge, and heat-shrink soldered or crimped terminals, or replace the faulty connector at the transmission case or TCM.
- If the solenoid has failed, replace the solenoid assembly and refill fluid to the correct level using the OEM-specified fluid type and quantity, checking the level per the manufacturer’s procedure (typically with the vehicle level and at operating temperature).
- Clear DTCs with a scan tool and complete any required TCM quick-learn or adaptive shift relearn procedure per the factory service information for this platform; this often involves a drive cycle at varying throttle positions to allow the TCM to relearn shift adaptives.
- Road test the vehicle to confirm proper shift quality, verify that no codes return, and confirm the skip shift function engages and disengages as designed under the applicable speed and load conditions.
📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates
Required Components/Software:
- Skip shift solenoid assembly: part number is model/year/transmission-specific — verify against VIN through dealer parts lookup or OEM parts catalog
- Transmission fluid: quantity varies by transmission model, typically 4-12 quarts depending on whether a full service or pan drop is performed
- Pan gasket and filter (if the pan is opened, automatic transmissions only): OEM or quality aftermarket kit matched to transmission model
- Harness repair kit or replacement connector (if needed): OEM pigtail/connector kit or quality automotive-grade splice kit with adhesive-lined heat shrink
- TCM software update (if applicable): requires dealer-level or OEM-licensed diagnostic software such as Chrysler’s wiTECH system
Average Component Price:
Skip shift/shift solenoid assembly: approximately $60-$250 depending on transmission type and whether sold individually or as part of a solenoid pack. Transmission fluid: approximately $8-$15 per quart, totaling $40-$150 for a full service. Pan gasket/filter kit: approximately $20-$60. Harness repair/connector kit: approximately $15-$75. TCM reprogramming (if required and not covered under warranty/recall): approximately $100-$250 in dealer programming labor/fees.
Estimated Labor Hours:
Diagnostic time (circuit testing, continuity/resistance checks, scan tool verification): 0.5-1.5 hours. Solenoid replacement on externally mounted manual transmission units: 0.5-1.0 hour. Solenoid/valve body service on automatic transmissions requiring pan removal: 1.5-3.0 hours. Harness or connector repair: 0.5-1.5 hours depending on accessibility. TCM relearn/software update: 0.3-0.8 hour. Total shop book estimate for a complete diagnose-and-repair visit typically ranges from 1.5 to 4.5 hours depending on root cause and transmission type, billed at the shop’s standard labor rate.