I have a 2005 Sebring sedan with the 2.4L (X-code) engine and what I believe to be the 41TE transmission. I was driving it a few days ago and thought that I noticed a whif of burnt transmission. I checked the fluid level and it was good. Since then I have noticed the burnt smell again, and more often, while driving. Also, I am noticing that the engine is revving higher than usual to maintain the same speed going uphill, but the car is actually losing speed on the hill. It has gotten worse in just a couple of days although the fluid doesn't look or smell burnt... yet.
My engine is running fine. I also did the "key dance" to check for codes, but there are no codes showing and the engine light is off. I remember adding 5 or 6 ounces of a store brand "Multi-Vehicle" type ATF a few months back. On the bottle it said that the fluid was "recommmended for use in most North American vehicles". Could this fluid have damaged my transmission?
I was planning on changing the filter and all of the fluid in a week or two anyway. That was before I started having problems, but now I'm thinking that I'm looking at a rebuild. Should I try changing the fluid and filter anyway? Should I also try replacing the solenoid pack? Is it too late?
Thanks In Advance

 

If it were me I would replace the fluid and put some Lucas no-slip additive in there before I did anything else.

 

If it were me, I'd replace the fluid with EXACTLY what the manufacturer recommends and NOTHING else. Getting all the old stuff out requires some effort. There is a thread on here by Davekro (I think) explaining how he did it.
No point in doing a rebuild until the transmission fails. It's not going to be cheaper to rebuild it just because it hasn't failed completely.
The "key dance" won't get deep into transmission codes but if there was one in there it would give you a generiic transmission code telling you of the fact that there's a code in there. If it starts slipping seriously it'll probably start kicking out codes.

 

OK, thanks guys. I will try replacing the filter and filling it with ATF+4.

 

Not sure where you're located but..
I just bought an '05 2.4L motor.
The guy also has the tranny, car had 49K on it.
He wanted $200.

 

Meh, I see you're in the Great White, apologies.