Guide to the 2012-2016 Chrysler Town & Country Automatic Transmission Mount
Experiencing vibrations or clunking noises in your minivan? Your transmission mount might be the culprit.
- Symptoms of a bad mount include clunking noises when shifting and heavy vibration at idle.
- Driving with a failed mount is not recommended as it can damage other drivetrain parts like CV axles.
- Aftermarket brands like Anchor and DEA are budget options, but OEM Mopar mounts offer better longevity and performance.
- There are no recalls for the transmission mount, but there is a recall for an internal transmission pump on 2015-2016 models.
Is Your Town & Country Shaking or Making Clunking Noises?
A worn-out transmission mount is a common issue on many vehicles as they age, including the 2012-2016 Chrysler Town & Country. The rubber inside the mount can crack, collapse, or separate from the metal frame over time. When this happens, the mount can no longer properly support the transmission or absorb vibrations.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Mount:
- Excessive Vibrations: You may feel a strong vibration through the floor, seats, or steering wheel, especially when the van is idling in gear or during acceleration.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: A loud "clunk" or "thump" is often heard when you shift from Park into Drive or Reverse. You might also hear it during hard acceleration or braking as the transmission shifts and hits the frame.
- Engine Movement: If you have a helper safely rev the engine while the vehicle is in Park, you may be able to see the engine and transmission lurch or move excessively under the hood. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a bad motor or transmission mount
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
When replacing the transmission mount on your Town & Country, you have a choice between original equipment (OEM) from Mopar and various aftermarket brands. For this specific part, there is a noticeable difference in quality and longevity.
- OEM (Mopar): The original factory mount is designed for the best fit and vibration control. While it is the most expensive option, it generally provides the longest service life and is recommended by most mechanics to avoid having to do the job a second time.
- Aftermarket (Anchor, DEA): Brands like Anchor and DEA are widely available and very affordable. They are considered economy-tier options. While some owners have used them without major issues, many professional and DIY mechanics report that these brands can fail prematurely or cause more vibrations than the original part. They can be a budget-friendly solution, but may not last as long as an OEM part.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Anchor, DEA) | $40 - $50 |
| New OEM (Mopar) | $75 - $140 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $200 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket) | $140 - $250 |
| Total Professional Replacement (OEM) | $175 - $340 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is replacing the transmission mount a DIY job?
For an experienced DIYer, yes. The job requires safely lifting the vehicle, supporting the transmission from below with a floor jack and a block of wood, and removing the battery and battery tray to access the mount. It requires a good set of tools, including sockets, extensions, and a torque wrench. The difficulty is moderate, and safety is critical.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing the mount yourselfHow many transmission mounts does my Town & Country have?
The 3.6L V6 engine and transmission assembly is held in place by a system of mounts. This includes a primary engine mount, a primary transmission mount (on the driver's side), and one or two lower torque struts (often called 'dog bone' mounts). The most common one to fail and cause noticeable symptoms is the main transmission mount located under the battery.
🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the driver side transmission mountIs there a recall on the transmission mount?
No, there are no recalls specifically for the transmission mount on the 2012-2016 Chrysler Town & Country. There was a recall (NHTSA #16V-461) for some 2015-2016 models related to an internal transmission oil pump, which is a separate issue from the external mount.
Will a bad transmission mount cause a Check Engine Light?
It is possible, but not common. In severe cases, the excessive vibration can be detected by the vehicle's computer, or the movement could damage a sensor or wire, triggering a fault code. However, the primary symptoms are physical (noise and vibration), not electronic.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4721335AB 4721335AA
This guide refers to the left (driver's side) automatic transmission mount, which is the primary load-bearing mount for the 62TE 6-speed transmission.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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