1998 DODGE RAM 1500 check transmission fluid

INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION
Three hydraulically applied input clutches are used
to drive planetary components. The underdrive, over-
drive, and reverse clutches are considered input
clutches and are contained within the input clutch
assembly (Fig. 77) and (Fig. 78). The input clutch
assembly also contains:
²Input shaft
²Input hub
²Clutch retainer
²Underdrive piston
²Overdrive/reverse piston²Overdrive hub
²Underdrive hubOPERATION
The three input clutches are responsible for driving
different components of the planetary geartrain.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
The underdrive clutch is hydraulically applied in
first, second, second prime, and third (direct) gears
by pressurized fluid against the underdrive piston.
When the underdrive clutch is applied, the under-
drive hub drives the input sun gear.
Fig. 77 Input Clutch Assembly - Part 1
1 - INPUT CLUTCH HUB 11 - UD CLUTCH
2 - O-RING SEALS 12 - PLATE
3 - SEAL 13 - CLUTCH RETAINER
4 - SNAP-RING 14 - SEAL
5 - SNAP-RING 15 - OD/REV PISTON
6 - UD BALANCE PISTON 16 - BELLEVILLE SPRING
7 - SNAP-RING 17 - SNAP-RING
8 - UD PISTON 18 - SEAL RINGS
9 - SPRING 19 - INPUT SHAFT
10 - DISC 20 - LUBRICATION CHECK VALVE AND SNAP-RING
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ASSEMBLY
(1) Install all new seals and o-rings onto the input
shaft and input hub. The o-rings on the input hub
are color coded. Be sure to install the correct o-ring
in the correct location.
(2) Check the transmission lubrication check valve
located in the input shaft using shop air. The valve
should only allow air flow in one direction. If the
valve allows no air flow, or air flow in both direc-
tions, the valve will need to be replaced.(3) Lubricate all seals with MopartATF +4, Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid, prior to installation.
(4) Assemble the OD/reverse piston onto the input
clutch hub (Fig. 82).
(5) Assemble the input clutch retainer onto the
input clutch hub.
(6) Install the input clutch retainer tapered snap-
ring with tapered side up onto the input clutch hub.
Fig. 82 Input Clutch Assembly - Part I
1 - INPUT CLUTCH HUB 11 - UD CLUTCH
2 - O-RING SEALS 12 - PLATE
3 - SEAL 13 - CLUTCH RETAINER
4 - SNAP-RING 14 - SEAL
5 - SNAP-RING 15 - OD/REV PISTON
6 - UD BALANCE PISTON 16 - BELLEVILLE SPRING
7 - SNAP-RING 17 - SNAP-RING
8 - UD PISTON 18 - SEAL RINGS
9 - SPRING 19 - INPUT SHAFT
10 - DISC 20 - LUBRICATION CHECK VALVE AND SNAP-RING
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INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(5) Remove the overrunning clutch snap-ring (Fig.
94).
(6) Remove the spacer from the overrunning clutch
(Fig. 94).
(7) Separate the inner and outer races of the over-
running clutch (Fig. 94).
(8) Remove the overrunning clutch lower snap-ring
(Fig. 94).
(9) Using Spring Compressor 8285 and a suitable
shop press (Fig. 95), compress the low/reverse piston
Belleville spring and remove the split retaining ring
holding the Belleville spring into the low/reverse
clutch retainer.
(10) Remove the low/reverse clutch Belleville
spring and piston from the low/reverse clutch
retainer. Use 20 psi of air pressure to remove the pis-
ton if necessary.
CLEANING
Clean the overrunning clutch assembly, clutch cam,
and low-reverse clutch retainer. Dry them with com-
pressed air after cleaning.
INSPECTION
Inspect condition of each clutch part after cleaning.
Replace the overrunning clutch roller and spring
assembly if any rollers or springs are worn or dam-
aged, or if the roller cage is distorted, or damaged.
Replace the cam if worn, cracked or damaged.
Replace the low-reverse clutch retainer if the
clutch race, roller surface or inside diameter is
scored, worn or damaged.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Check the bleed orifice to ensure that it is not
plugged or restricted.
(2) Install a new seal on the low/reverse piston.
Lubricate the seal with MopartATF +4, Automatic
Transmission Fluid, prior to installation.
(3) Install the low/reverse piston into the low/re-
verse clutch retainer.
(4) Position the low/reverse piston Belleville spring
on the low/reverse piston.
(5) Using Spring Compressor 8285 and a suitable
shop press (Fig. 95), compress the low/reverse piston
Belleville spring and install the split retaining ring
to hold the Belleville spring into the low/reverse
clutch retainer.
(6) Install the lower overrunning clutch snap-ring
(Fig. 94).
(7) Assemble the inner and outer races of the over-
running clutch (Fig. 94).
(8) Position the overrunning clutch spacer on the
overrunning clutch.
(9) Install the upper overrunning clutch snap-ring
(Fig. 94).
(10) Assemble and install the low/reverse clutch
pack into the low/reverse clutch retainer (Fig. 93).
(11) Install the low/reverse reaction plate into the
low/reverse clutch retainer (Fig. 93). The reaction
plate is directional and must be installed with the
flat side down.
(12) Install the low/reverse clutch pack snap-ring
(Fig. 93). The snap-ring is selectable and should be
chosen to give the correct clutch pack clearance.
Fig. 94 Overrunning Clutch
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - OUTER RACE
3 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
4 - SPACER
Fig. 95 Compress Low/Reverse Belleville Spring
Using Tool 8285
1 - PRESS
2 - TOOL 8285
3 - BELLEVILLE SPRING
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LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH (Continued)

(13) Measure the low/reverse clutch pack clearance
and adjust as necessary. The correct clutch clearance
is 1.00-1.74 mm (0.039-0.075 in.).
(14) Install the overrunning clutch into the low/re-
verse clutch retainer making sure that the index
splines are aligned with the retainer.
(15) Install the overrunning clutch inner snap-
ring.
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump (Fig. 96) is located at the front of the
transmission inside the bell housing and behind the
transmission front cover. The oil pump consists of
two independent pumps (Fig. 97), a number of valves
(Fig. 98), a front seal (Fig. 99), and a bolt on reaction
shaft. The converter clutch switch and regulator
valves, pressure regulator valve, and converter pres-
sure limit valve are all located in the oil pump valve
body.
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the oil pump drive gear. As the drive gear
rotates both driven gears, a vacuum is created when
the gear teeth come out of mesh. This suction draws
fluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
gear teeth come back into mesh, pressurized fluid is
forced into the pump outlet and to the oil pump
valves.
At low speeds, both sides of the pump supply fluid
to the transmission. As the speed of the torque con-verter increases, the flow from both sides increases
until the flow from the primary side alone is suffi-
cient to meet system demands. At this point, the
check valve located between the two pumps closes.
The secondary side is shut down and the primary
side supplies all the fluid to the transmission.
CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
The converter clutch switch valve is used to control
the hydraulic pressure supplied to the front (OFF)
side of the torque converter clutch.
Fig. 96 Oil Pump
1 - OIL PUMP TO CASE BOLT (6)
2 - OIL PUMP
Fig. 97 Oil Pump Gears
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - DRIVE GEAR
3 - DRIVEN GEARS
Fig. 98 Oil Pump Valves
1 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR VALVE
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE
3 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
4 - PUMP VALVE BODY
5 - PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE
6 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH LIMIT VALVE
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LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH (Continued)

CONVERTER CLUTCH REGULATOR VALVE
The converter clutch regulator valve is used to con-
trol the hydraulic pressure supplied to the back (ON)
side of the torque converter clutch.
TORQUE CONVERTER LIMIT VALVE
The torque converter limit valve serves to limit the
available line pressure to the torque converter clutch.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP VOLUME
CHECK
Measuring the oil pump output volume will deter-
mine if sufficient oil flow to the transmission oil
cooler exists, and whether or not an internal trans-
mission failure is present.Verify that the transmission fluid is at the proper
level. Refer to the Fluid Level Check procedure in
this section. If necessary, fill the transmission to the
proper level with MopartATF +4, Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid.
(1) Disconnect theTo coolerline at the cooler
inlet and place a collecting container under the dis-
connected line.
CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat 1800 rpm, with the shift
selector in neutral. Verify that the transmission fluid
temperature is below 104.5É C (220É F) for this test.
Fig. 99 Oil Pump Reaction Shaft
1 - PUMP HOUSING 4 - SEAL RING (5)
2 - SEAL 5 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
3 - OIL FILTER SEAL 6 - PUMP VALVE BODY
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OIL PUMP (Continued)

control switch is in the OFF position, the clutch will
engage after the shift to third gear.
The TCM controls the torque converter by way of
internal logic software. The programming of the soft-
ware provides the TCM with control over the L/R-CC
Solenoid. There are four output logic states that can
be applied as follows:
²No EMCC
²Partial EMCC
²Full EMCC
²Gradual-to-no EMCC
NO EMCC
Under No EMCC conditions, the L/R Solenoid is
OFF. There are several conditions that can result in
NO EMCC operations. No EMCC can be initiated
due to a fault in the transmission or because the
TCM does not see the need for EMCC under current
driving conditions.
PARTIAL EMCC
Partial EMCC operation modulates the L/R Sole-
noid (duty cycle) to obtain partial torque converter
clutch application. Partial EMCC operation is main-
tained until Full EMCC is called for and actuated.
During Partial EMCC some slip does occur. Partial
EMCC will usually occur at low speeds, low load and
light throttle situations.
FULL EMCC
During Full EMCC operation, the TCM increases
the L/R Solenoid duty cycle to full ON after Partial
EMCC control brings the engine speed within thedesired slip range of transmission input speed rela-
tive to engine rpm.
GRADUAL-TO-NO EMCC
This operation is to soften the change from Full or
Partial EMCC to No EMCC. This is done at mid-
throttle by decreasing the L/R Solenoid duty cycle.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission and torque converter
from vehicle.
(2) Place a suitable drain pan under the converter
housing end of the transmission.
CAUTION: Verify that transmission is secure on the
lifting device or work surface, the center of gravity
of the transmission will shift when the torque con-
verter is removed creating an unstable condition.
The torque converter is a heavy unit. Use caution
when separating the torque converter from the
transmission.
(3) Pull the torque converter forward until the cen-
ter hub clears the oil pump seal.
(4) Separate the torque converter from the trans-
mission.
INSTALLATION
Check converter hub and drive flats for sharp
edges, burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the hub and
flats with 320/400 grit paper or crocus cloth if neces-
sary. Verify that the converter hub o-ring is properly
installed and is free from debris. The hub must be
smooth to avoid damaging the pump seal at installa-
tion.
(1) Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission
fluid.
(2) Place torque converter in position on transmis-
sion.
CAUTION: Do not damage oil pump seal or con-
verter hub o-ring while inserting torque converter
into the front of the transmission.
(3) Align torque converter to oil pump seal open-
ing.
(4) Insert torque converter hub into oil pump.
(5) While pushing torque converter inward, rotate
converter until converter is fully seated in the oil
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with a scale and
straightedge (Fig. 125). Surface of converter lugs
should be at least 13 mm (1/2 in.) to rear of straight-
edge when converter is fully seated.
(7) If necessary, temporarily secure converter with
C-clamp attached to the converter housing.
(8) Install the transmission in the vehicle.
Fig. 124 Stator Operation
1 - DIRECTION STATOR WILL FREE WHEEL DUE TO OIL
PUSHING ON BACKSIDE OF VANES
2 - FRONT OF ENGINE
3 - INCREASED ANGLE AS OIL STRIKES VANES
4 - DIRECTION STATOR IS LOCKED UP DUE TO OIL PUSHING
AGAINST STATOR VANES
21 - 404 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)

(9) Fill the transmission with the recommended
fluid.
TRANSMISSION CONTROL
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The relay is supplied fused B+ voltage, energized
by the TCM, and is used to supply power to the sole-
noid pack when the transmission is in normal oper-
ating mode.
OPERATION
When the relay is ªoffº, no power is supplied to the
solenoid pack and the transmission is in ªlimp-inº
mode. After a controller reset, the TCM energizes the
relay. Prior to this, the TCM verifies that the con-
tacts are open by checking for no voltage at the
switched battery terminals. After this is verified, the
voltage at the solenoid pack pressure switches is
checked. After the relay is energized, the TCM mon-
itors the terminals to verify that the voltage is
greater than 3 volts.
TRANSMISSION RANGE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) is part of
the solenoid module, which is mounted to the top of
the valve body inside the transmission.
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) has five
switch contact pins that:
²Determine shift lever position
²Supply ground to the Starter Relay in Park and
Neutral only.
²
Supply +12 V to the backup lamps in Reverse only.
The TRS also has an integrated temperature sen-
sor (thermistor) that communicates transmission
temperature to the TCM and PCM.
OPERATION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) communi-
cates shift lever position to the TCM as a combina-
tion of open and closed switches. Each shift lever
position has an assigned combination of switch states
(open/closed) that the TCM receives from four sense
circuits. The TCM interprets this information and
determines the appropriate transmission gear posi-
tion and shift schedule.
There are many possible combinations of open and
closed switches (codes). Seven of these possible codes
are related to gear position and five are recognized
as ªbetween gearº codes. This results in many codes
which shouldnever occur. These are called
ªinvalidº codes. An invalid code will result in a DTC,
and the TCM will then determine the shift lever
position based on pressure switch data. This allows
reasonably normal transmission operation with a
TRS failure.
GEAR C5 C4 C3 C2 C1
ParkCL OP OP CL CL
Temp 1CL OP OP CL OP
ReverseOP OP OP CL OP
Temp 2OP OP CL CL OP
Neutral 1OP OP CL CL CL
Neutral 2OP CL CL CL CL
Temp 3OP CL CL CL OP
DriveOP CL CL OP OP
Temp 4OP CL OP OP OP
Manual 2CL CL OP OP OP
Temp 5CL OP OP OP OP
Manual 1CL OP CL OP OP
Fig. 125 Checking Torque Converter Seating-Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
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TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Place TRS selector plate in the PARK position.
(2) Position the transmission solenoid/TRS assem-
bly onto the valve body. Be sure that both alignment
dowels are fully seated in the valve body and that
the TRS switch contacts are properly positioned in
the selector plate
(3) Install the screws to hold the transmission
solenoid/TRS assembly onto the valve body.
(4) Tighten the solenoid assembly screws adjacent
to the arrows cast into the bottom of the valve body
first. Tighten the screws to 5.7 N´m (50 in.lbs.).
(5) Tighten the remainder of the solenoid assembly
screws to 5.7 N´m (50 in.lbs.).
(6) Install the valve body into the transmission.
TRANSMISSION
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The transmission temperature sensor is a ther-
mistor that is integral to the Transmission Range
Sensor (TRS).
OPERATION
The transmission temperature sensor is used by
the TCM to sense the temperature of the fluid in the
sump. Since fluid temperature can affect transmis-
sion shift quality and convertor lock up, the TCM
requires this information to determine which shift
schedule to operate in.
Calculated Temperature
A failure in the temperature sensor or circuit will
result in calculated temperature being substituted for
actual temperature. Calculated temperature is a pre-
dicted fluid temperature which is calculated from a
combination of inputs:
²Battery (ambient) temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²In-gear run time since start-up
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION
The valve body consists of a cast aluminum valve
body, a separator plate, and a transfer plate. The
valve body contains valves and check balls that con-
trol fluid delivery to the torque converter clutch,
bands, and frictional clutches. The valve body con-
tains the following components (Fig. 129) and (Fig.
130):
²Solenoid switch valve
²Manual valve
²Low/reverse switch valve
²5 Accumulators
²7 check balls
OPERATION
NOTE: Refer to the Hydraulic Schematics for a
visual aid in determining valve location, operation
and design.
SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
The Solenoid Switch Valve (SSV) controls the direc-
tion of the transmission fluid when the L/R-TCC sole-
noid is energized.
When shifting into 1st gear, a special hydraulic
sequence is performed to ensure SSV movement into
the downshifted position. The L/R pressure switch is
monitored to confirm SSV movement. If the move-
ment is not confirmed (the L/R pressure switch does
not close), 2nd gear is substituted for 1st. A DTC will
be set after three unsuccessful attempts are made to
get into 1st gear in one given key start.
MANUAL VALVE
The manual valve is a relay valve. The purpose of
the manual valve is to direct fluid to the correct cir-
cuit needed for a specific gear or driving range. The
manual valve, as the name implies, is manually oper-
ated by the driver with a lever located on the top of
the valve body. The valve is connected mechanically
by a cable to the gearshift mechanism. The valve is
held in each of its positions by a roller detent spring
(Fig. 131) that engages the ªroostercombº of the TRS
selector plate.
21 - 408 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
TRANSMISSION SOLENOID/TRS ASSEMBLY (Continued)