Preventative measure for water in trans issue

[kevenj]

Ok I've read quite a few posts regarding the "water in trans" issue on the 300c. My car is a 2005, built in Feb 2005. I have not had any transmission issues (no issues actually) but I'd like to keep it that way if possible which brings me to my question: After reading the TSB on the water issue (posted elsewhere in this forum) it appears that other than flushing the transmission thoroughly to remove water, the only "fix" to prevent this from happening again is to make sure the seal is installed flush, and the dipstick tube is not cocked to one side, and then put some RTV sealer around the base of the dipstick tube. Since I have no symptoms and I hate the thought of the dealer getting hold of my baby unless absolutely necessary, i was thinking that I would simply get under there and apply a bead of RTV around the dipstick tube myself, to prevent this issue from occuring in the first place. My only concern is that if I ever did have a tranny problem while in warranty, and the dealer saw silicone sealer applied with no record of the car having been worked on, would they say that I "tampered" with it and void my warranty? I don't think they could ultimately do that; same as they can't void my warranty simply because I change my own oil - - they'd have to prove that what I did actually caused a problem. I'm thinking if I keep a copy of the TSB and can show that it actually says to seal that area with RTV that I'd be on solid ground if an issue ever comes up. What do you guys think? I'm thinking I'll do this on my "C" and my dad's SRT8 to head off this problem before it gets either of us.

[II kings 9:20]

I will say this, they have to prove that your "mod" caused the problem is correct. The fact that some "proof" is required means that it is in litigation, DC with thier team of lawyers will fight tooth and nail to deny any claim and drive your legal bills to the sky (unless it is in class action status). Even if they lose, most of us do not have the resources to fight them, a new tranny would be way cheaper and they know it. The practical side of this is it is all well and good that they have to prove the mod caused the failure, most of us will never take them to court, it is simply too costly.
This is a low blow, the best way to prevent the water in the tranny is to buy an Infinity M35/45.

[kevenj]

Hmm..... I don't really like that answer; not what I wanted to hear Anyone have any other thoughts?

[arnoldw]

There's no way that a blob of silicone applied on the outside of the trans would ever cause it to fail. Another good thing would be to re-route or add an extension hose to the a/c drain.

[kevenj]

Originally Posted by arnoldw

There's no way that a blob of silicone applied on the outside of the trans would ever cause it to fail. Another good thing would be to re-route or add an extension hose to the a/c drain.

I was thinking the very same thing (about an a/c drain extenstion) but I have not been under the car yet to see exactly where the drain tube is or if this would be feasible. I'm gonna get under there Sunday and explore that possibility as well as the silicone around the dipstick tube; then do the same on my dad's SRT8. I may even go so far as to get the actual mopar RTV with the part number specified on the TSB to eliminate any chance of them being able to say I did something wrong later (even though I know any RTV from the auto parts store would work just fine).

I like your answer better than II kings

[RiNo808]

yeah an extention of the ac drain is a good idea...please post pics...i gonna look for a solution also...

[Classy300C]

Originally Posted by arnoldw

There's no way that a blob of silicone applied on the outside of the trans would ever cause it to fail. Another good thing would be to re-route or add an extension hose to the a/c drain.

I've read that some people were have tranny problems after heavy rain and even after automatic car washes...We've had 10 day of rain here in Boston recently, I tried to always be aware of how my tranny is reacting in the rain...Just something to think about
ClassyC

[kevenj]

Originally Posted by Classy300C

I've read that some people were have tranny problems after heavy rain and even after automatic car washes...We've had 10 day of rain here in Boston recently, I tried to always be aware of how my tranny is reacting in the rain...Just something to think about
ClassyC

That's my point....it just seems dumb to me to wait until after my tranny is already contaminated with water and then take it in to have the TSB done which is basically to seal the dipstick tube with RTV silicone and flush the transmission. Water will damage the clutches in any automatic transmission; so even if it works fine after the flush who is to say that problems will not come up down the road, but after it's out of warranty? I see no reason to risk that scenario when I can prevent it with a tube of RTV and 15 minutes of my time.

[JustForFun]

My dealer performed the TSB for me as a "preventative courtesy" last week because I mentioned the issue and pointed them to the TSB.

They totally agreed that getting the TSB done now - before the issue arises - was far better than letting it just happen. They were very accomodating and told me afterwards that they flushed my tranny oil three times (with new filter) - even thought it didn't show any water in it.

JFF

[seattlemagnum]

just got my 300c back after the tsb, its still has a moan/slip upon heavy acceleration off idle they said they flushed it 3 times and applied the rtv etc, What the heck next, anybody know about the back order on 300c trannys?