1998 DODGE RAM 1500 Shift solenoid

CONNECTOR NAME/NUMBER COLOR LOCATION FIG.
Battery Temperature Sensor BK Below Battery Tray 22, 25, 26, 28
Blend Door Actuator (Single Zone) BK Behind Right Side of Instrument
PanelN/S
Blower Motor BK Behind Right Side of Instrument
PanelN/S
Blower Motor Resistor Block BK Behind Right Side of Instrument
PanelN/S
Brake Lamp Switch BK Top of Brake Pedal Arm 30, 35, 38
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
SolenoidBK Near Steering Column 31, 35, 38
C102 Near Integrated Power Module 25
C106 BK Left Rear Engine 7
C107 (5.7L) BK Left Rear Engine 7
C112 (Diesel) BK Near T/O for Water In Fuel Sensor N/S
C113 BK Left Side Engine 10
C114 BK Left side Engine 10
C115 (Diesel) BK Left Side Engine 10
C130 BK Left Rear of Engine 4, 8, 21
C131 Right Rear Engine Compartment 4, 8, 21
C200 GY Under Instrument Panel 39
C201 WT Near Left Instrument Panel
Speaker35, 38
C202 BK Left Rear Side of Engine
Compartment27
C206 BK Right Instrument Panel 35, 39, 48
C207 Rear Engine Compartment 22
C216 BK Middle Left Frame 22, 25, 50
C217 BK Middle Left Frame 22, 25, 50
C218 WT Left Side of Instrument Panel 22, 24, 40, 44, 46
C219 GY Left Side of Instrument Panel 22, 24, 31, 35, 38, 40,
44
C220 WT Left Side of Instrument Panel 35, 38, 40, 44, 46
C250 Seft Side Instrument Panel 35
C301 WT Right Kick Panel 40, 42, 45, 47
C302 BK Left Front Door 40, 42, 45, 47
C304 WT Left Side of Instrument Panel 41, 44, 46
C305 BK At Left Front Door 41, 44, 46
C306 WT Middle Front of Door 43, 46
C308 WT Under Instrument Panel 39, 40, 45, 47
C309 WT Left Side of Instrument Panel 35, 38, 40, 44, 46
C311 BK Left Rear of Frame 44, 46
C312 WT Under Seat 47
C313 DK GY At Driver Seat N/S
C314 DK GY At Driver Seat N/S
8W - 91 - 2 8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATIONDR
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

CONNECTOR NAME/NUMBER COLOR LOCATION FIG.
Speed Control Switch-Right (ETC) WT At Steering Wheel N/S
Starter Solenoid Left Engine 23
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp-Left BK At Lamp 50, 51
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamp-Right BK At Lamp 50, 51
Throttle Position Sensor NAT Throttle Body 6
Trailer Tow Connector BK At Trailer Hitch 51
Trailer Tow Connector-Add On BK At Trailer Hitch 51, 53
Transfer Case Control Module C1 BK Left Side of Instrument Panel 35, 38
Transfer Case Control Module C2 GY Left Side of Instrument Panel 35, 38
Transfer Case Control Module C3 BK Left Side of Instrument Panel 35, 38
Transfer Case Mode Sensor BK Left Front Side of Transfer Case 13, 14, 16, 20
Transfer Case Position Sensor BK Front Middle of Transfer Case 20
Transfer Case Selector Switch BK Center of Instrument Panel 11, 12, 33, 35, 36
Transfer Case Shift Motor BK Left Rear of Transmission 13, 14, 20
Transmission Range Sensor BK Left side of Transmission 11, 14
Transmission Solenoid Assembly BK Left Side of Transmission 14, 11
Transmission Solenoid/TRS
Assembly (3.7L/4.7L)BK Left Side of Transmission 15, 16
Underhood Lamp BK Underside of Hood 29
Vacuum Pump (Diesel) Right Rear Engine Compartment 21
Vistronic Fan Drive Front Engine Compartment 28
Washer Fluid Level Switch BK At Reservoir 21, 23, 26, 28
Washer Pump Motor-Front BK At Washer Fluid Reservoir 21, 23, 26, 28
Water In Fuel Sensor (Diesel) BK Right Side Engine 10
Wheel Speed Sensor-Left Front BK Left Rear Lower Side of Engine
Compartment22, 29
Wheel Speed Sensor-Rear BK Right Rear of Body 51
Wheel Speed Sensor-Right Front GY Right Rear Lower Side of Engine
Compartment21
Wiper Motor-Front BK Left Side of Cowl 22, 25
8W - 91 - 8 8W-91 CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATIONDR
CONNECTOR/GROUND/SPLICE LOCATION (Continued)

OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING
REMOVAL............................216
INSTALLATION........................216
OUTPUT SHAFT REAR BEARING
REMOVAL............................216
INSTALLATION........................217
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION........................217
OPERATION..........................217
OVERDRIVE UNIT
REMOVAL............................218
DISASSEMBLY........................218
CLEANING...........................225
INSPECTION.........................225
ASSEMBLY...........................226
INSTALLATION........................235
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE
PISTON RETAINER
DESCRIPTION........................236
OPERATION..........................236
DISASSEMBLY........................236
CLEANING...........................236
INSPECTION.........................237
ASSEMBLY...........................237
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION........................239
OPERATION..........................239
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN/OUTPUT SHAFT
DESCRIPTION........................241
OPERATION..........................241
DISASSEMBLY........................242
INSPECTION.........................243
ASSEMBLY...........................244
REAR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION........................247
OPERATION..........................248
DISASSEMBLY........................248
CLEANING...........................248
INSPECTION.........................248
ASSEMBLY...........................249
REAR SERVO
DESCRIPTION........................251
OPERATION..........................251
DISASSEMBLY........................251
CLEANING...........................251
ASSEMBLY...........................251
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION........................252OPERATION..........................252
SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION........................252
OPERATION..........................252
SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................253
OPERATION..........................253
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
DESCRIPTION........................253
ADJUSTMENTS - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE . 254
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION........................255
OPERATION..........................259
REMOVAL............................260
INSTALLATION........................260
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE
DESCRIPTION........................261
OPERATION..........................261
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TORQUE
CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE........261
TOW/HAUL OVERDRIVE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................261
OPERATION..........................262
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - OVERDRIVE
ELECTRICAL CONTROLS..............262
REMOVAL............................262
INSTALLATION........................262
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................263
OPERATION..........................263
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSMISSION
RANGE SENSOR (TRS)................264
REMOVAL............................265
INSTALLATION........................266
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................267
OPERATION..........................267
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION........................267
OPERATION..........................272
REMOVAL............................286
DISASSEMBLY........................287
CLEANING...........................298
INSPECTION.........................298
ASSEMBLY...........................299
INSTALLATION........................309
ADJUSTMENTS - VALVE BODY...........310
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 131

IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped
on the left side of the case just above the oil pan gas-
ket surface (Fig. 2). Refer to this information when
ordering replacement parts.
GEAR RATIOS
The 48RE gear ratios are:
1st.................................2.45:1
2nd................................1.45:1
3rd................................1.00:1
4th.................................0.69:1
Rev.................................2.20:1
OPERATION
The application of each driving or holding compo-
nent is controlled by the valve body based upon the
manual lever position, throttle pressure, and gover-
nor pressure. The governor pressure is a variable
pressure input to the valve body and is one of the
signals that a shift is necessary. First through fourth
gear are obtained by selectively applying and releas-
ing the different clutches and bands. Engine power is
thereby routed to the various planetary gear assem-
blies which combine with the overrunning clutch
assemblies to generate the different gear ratios. The
torque converter clutch is hydraulically applied and
is released when fluid is vented from the hydraulic
circuit by the torque converter control (TCC) solenoid
on the valve body. The torque converter clutch is con-
trolled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The
torque converter clutch engages in fourth gear, and
in third gear under various conditions, such as when
the O/D switch is OFF, when the vehicle is cruising
on a level surface after the vehicle has warmed up.
The torque converter clutch can also be engaged in
the MANUAL SECOND gear position if high trans-
mission temperatures are sensed by the PCM. The
torque converter clutch will disengage momentarily
when an increase in engine load is sensed by the
PCM, such as when the vehicle begins to go uphill or
the throttle pressure is increased. The torque con-
verter clutch feature increases fuel economy and
reduces the transmission fluid temperature.
Since the overdrive clutch is applied in fourth gear
only and the direct clutch is applied in all ranges
except fourth gear, the transmission operation for
park, neutral, and first through third gear will be
described first. Once these powerflows are described,
the third to fourth shift sequence will be described.
1 - TORQUE CONVERTER 10 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
2 - INPUT SHAFT 11 - DIRECT CLUTCH
3 - OIL PUMP 12 - PLANETARY GEAR
4 - FRONT BAND 13 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
5 - FRONT CLUTCH 14 - OVERDRIVE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
6 - REAR CLUTCH 15 - DIRECT CLUTCH SPRING
7 - PLANETARIES 16 - OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER
8 - REAR BAND 17 - OIL PAN
9 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH 18 - VALVE BODY
Fig. 2 Transmission Part Number And Serial
Number Location
1 - PART NUMBER
2 - BUILD DATE
3 - SERIAL NUMBER
21 - 134 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

DIRECT DRIVE POWERFLOW
The vehicle has accelerated and reached the shift
point for the 2-3 upshift into direct drive (Fig. 8).
When the shift takes place, the front band is
released, and the front clutch is applied. The rear
clutch stays applied as it has been in all the forward
gears. With the front clutch now applied, engine
torque is now on the front clutch retainer, which is
locked to the sun gear driving shell. This means that
the sun gear is now turning in engine rotation (clock-
wise) and at engine speed. The rear clutch is still
applied so engine torque is also still on the front
annulus gear. If two members of the same planetary
set are driven, direct drive results. Therefore, when
two members are rotating at the same speed and in
the same direction, it is the same as being locked up.
The rear planetary set is also locked up, given the
sun gear is still the input, and the rear annulus gear
must turn with the output shaft. Both gears are
turning in the same direction and at the same speed.
The front and rear planet pinions do not turn at all
in direct drive. The only rotation is the input from
the engine to the connected parts, which are acting
as one common unit, to the output shaft.
FOURTH GEAR POWERFLOW
Fourth gear overdrive range is electronically con-
trolled and hydraulically activated. Various sensor
inputs are supplied to the powertrain control module
to operate the overdrive solenoid on the valve body.
The solenoid contains a check ball that opens and
closes a vent port in the 3-4 shift valve feed passage.
The overdrive solenoid (and check ball) are not ener-
gized in first, second, third, or reverse gear. The vent
port remains open, diverting line pressure from the
2-3 shift valve away from the 3-4 shift valve. The
Tow/Haul control switch must be in the ON position
to transmit overdrive status to the PCM. A 3-4
upshift occurs only when the overdrive solenoid is
energized by the PCM. The PCM energizes the over-
drive solenoid during the 3-4 upshift. This causes the
solenoid check ball to close the vent port allowing
line pressure from the 2-3 shift valve to act directly
on the 3-4 upshift valve. Line pressure on the 3-4
shift valve overcomes valve spring pressure moving
the valve to the upshift position. This action exposes
the feed passages to the 3-4 timing valve, 3-4 quick
fill valve, 3-4 accumulator, and ultimately to the
overdrive piston. Line pressure through the timing
Fig. 8 Direct Drive Powerflow
1 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLIED 6 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING 7 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT 8 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED
4 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED 9 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLIED
5 - OUTPUT SHAFT 10 - INPUT SHAFT
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 139
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CLUTCH AND BAND APPLICATION CHART
SHIFT
LEVER
POSITIONTRANSMISSION CLUTCHES AND BANDS OVERDRIVE CLUTCHES
FRONT
CLUTCHFRONT
BANDREAR
CLUTCHREAR
BANDOVER-
RUNNING
CLUTCHOVER-
DRIVE
CLUTCHDIRECT
CLUTCHOVER-
RUNNING
CLUTCH
Reverse X X X
Drive -
FirstXXXX
Drive -
SecondXX X X
Drive -
ThirdXX XX
Drive -
FourthXX X
Manual
SecondXX X X
Manual
FirstXXX X X
Note that the rear clutch is applied in all forward
ranges (D, 2, 1). The transmission overrunning clutch
is applied in first gear (D, 2 and 1 ranges) only. The
rear band is applied in 1 and R range only.
Note that the overdrive clutch is applied only in
fourth gear and the overdrive direct clutch and over-
running clutch are applied in all ranges except fourth
gear.
For example: If slippage occurs in first gear in D
and 2 range but not in 1 range, the transmission
overrunning clutch is faulty. Similarly, if slippage
occurs in any two forward gears, the rear clutch is
slipping.
Applying the same method of analysis, note that
the front and rear clutches are applied simulta-
neously only in D range third and fourth gear. If the
transmission slips in third gear, either the front
clutch or the rear clutch is slipping.
If the transmission slips in fourth gear but not in
third gear, the overdrive clutch is slipping. By select-
ing another gear which does not use these clutches,
the slipping unit can be determined. For example, if
the transmission also slips in Reverse, the front
clutch is slipping. If the transmission does not slip in
Reverse, the rear clutch is slipping.
If slippage occurs during the 3-4 shift or only in
fourth gear, the overdrive clutch is slipping. Simi-
larly, if the direct clutch were to fail, the transmis-
sion would lose both reverse gear and overrun
braking in 2 position (manual second gear).
If the transmission will not shift to fourth gear, the
control switch, overdrive solenoid or related wiring
may also be the problem cause.This process of elimination can be used to identify
a slipping unit and check operation. Proper use of
the Clutch and Band Application Chart is the key.
Although road test analysis will help determine the
slipping unit, the actual cause of a malfunction usu-
ally cannot be determined until hydraulic and air
pressure tests are performed. Practically any condi-
tion can be caused by leaking hydraulic circuits or
sticking valves.
Unless a malfunction is obvious, such as no drive
in D range first gear, do not disassemble the trans-
mission. Perform the hydraulic and air pressure tests
to help determine the probable cause.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE TEST
Hydraulic test pressures range from a low of one
psi (6.895 kPa) governor pressure, to 300 psi (2068
kPa) at the rear servo pressure port in reverse.
An accurate tachometer and pressure test gauges
are required. Test Gauge C-3292 has a 100 psi range
and is used at the accumulator, governor, and front
servo ports. Test Gauge C-3293-SP has a 300 psi
range and is used at the rear servo and overdrive
ports where pressures exceed 100 psi.
Pressure Test Port Locations
Test ports are located at both sides of the transmis-
sion case (Fig. 9).
Line pressure is checked at the accumulator port
on the right side of the case. The front servo pressure
port is at the right side of the case just behind the
filler tube opening.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 141
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

(3) Have helper start and run engine at 1600 rpm
for test.
(4)
Move transmission shift lever four detents rear-
ward from full forward position. This is Reverse range.
(5) Move transmission throttle lever fully forward
then fully rearward and note reading at Gauge
C-3293-SP.
(6) Pressure should be 145 - 175 psi (1000-1207
kPa) with throttle lever forward and increase to 230 -
280 psi (1586-1931 kPa) as lever is gradually moved
rearward.
Test Five - Governor Pressure
This test checks governor operation by measuring
governor pressure response to changes in vehicle
speed. It is usually not necessary to check governor
operation unless shift speeds are incorrect or if the
transmission will not downshift. The test should be
performed on the road or on a hoist that will allow
the rear wheels to rotate freely.
(1) Move 100 psi Test Gauge C-3292 to governor
pressure port.
(2) Move transmission shift lever two detents rear-
ward from full forward position. This is D range.
(3) Have helper start and run engine at curb idle
speed. Then firmly apply service brakes so wheels
will not rotate.
(4) Note governor pressure:
²
Governor pressure should be no more than 20.6
kPa (3 psi) at curb idle speed and wheels not rotating.
²If pressure exceeds 20.6 kPa (3 psi), a fault
exists in governor pressure control system.
(5) Release brakes, slowly increase engine speed,
and observe speedometer and pressure test gauge (do
not exceed 30 mph on speedometer). Governor pres-
sure should increase in proportion to vehicle speed.
Or approximately 6.89 kPa (1 psi) for every 1 mph.
(6) Governor pressure rise should be smooth and
drop back to no more than 20.6 kPa (3 psi), after
engine returns to curb idle and brakes are applied to
prevent wheels from rotating.
(7)
Compare results of pressure test with analysis
chart.
Test Six - Transmission In Overdrive Fourth Gear
This test checks line pressure at the overdrive
clutch in fourth gear range. Use 300 psi Test Gauge
C-3293-SP for this test. The test should be performed
on the road or on a chassis dyno.
(1)
Remove tachometer; it is not needed for this test.
(2) Move 300 psi Gauge to overdrive clutch pres-
sure test port. Then remove other gauge and reinstall
test port plug.
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Turn OD switch on.(5) Secure test gauge so it can be viewed from
drivers seat.
(6) Start engine and shift into D range.
(7) Increase vehicle speed gradually until 3-4 shift
occurs and note gauge pressure.
(8) Pressure should be 524-565 kPa (76-82 psi)
with closed throttle and increase to 690-896 kPa
(100-130 psi) at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Note that pres-
sure can increase to around 965 kPa (140 psi) at full
throttle.
(9) Return to shop or move vehicle off chassis
dyno.
PRESSURE TEST ANALYSIS CHART
TEST CONDITION INDICATION
Line pressure OK during
any one testPump and regulator
valve OK
Line pressure OK in R
but low in D, 2, 1Leakage in rear clutch
area (seal rings, clutch
seals)
Pressure low in D Fourth
Gear RangeOverdrive clutch piston
seal, or check ball
problem
Pressure OK in 1, 2 but
low in D3 and RLeakage in front clutch
area
Pressure OK in 2 but low
in R and 1Leakage in rear servo
Front servo pressure in 2 Leakage in servo; broken
servo ring or cracked
servo piston
Pressure low in all
positionsClogged filter, stuck
regulator valve, worn or
faulty pump, low oil level
Governor pressure too
high at idle speedGovernor pressure
solenoid valve system
fault. Refer to diagnostic
book.
Governor pressure low at
all mph figuresFaulty governor pressure
solenoid, transmission
control module, or
governor pressure
sensor
Lubrication pressure low
at all throttle positionsClogged fluid cooler or
lines, seal rings leaking,
worn pump bushings,
pump, clutch retainer, or
clogged filter.
Line pressure high Output shaft plugged,
sticky regulator valve
Line pressure low Sticky regulator valve,
clogged filter, worn pump
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 143
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
DELAYED ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn
or damaged.
4. Torque Converter Drain Back (Oil
drains from torque converter into
transmission sump).4. If vehicle moves normally after 5
seconds after shifting into gear, no repair is
necessary. If longer, inspect pump bushing
for wear. Replace pump house.
5. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust band.
6. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 6. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old
fluid were full of clutch disc material and/or
metal particles, overhaul will be necessary.
7. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 7. Remove transmission and replace oil
pump.
8. Governor Circuit and Solenoid
Valve Electrical Fault.8. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
9. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 9. Perform pressure test, remove
transmission and repair as needed.
10. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings
Worn/Broken.10. Remove transmission, remove oil pump
and replace seal rings.
11. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear
Clutch Seal Rings Damaged.11. Remove and disassemble transmission
and repair as necessary.
12. Regulator Valve Stuck. 12. Clean.
13. Cooler Plugged. 13. Transfer case failure can plug cooler.
NO DRIVE RANGE
(REVERSE OK)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Repair or replace linkage components.
3. Rear Clutch Burnt. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission
and rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace
worn or damaged parts as needed.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble valve body.
Replace assembly if any valves or bores
are damaged.
5. Transmission Overrunning Clutch
Broken.5. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace overrunning clutch.
6. Input Shaft Seal Rings Worn/
Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace seal rings and any other worn or
damaged parts.
7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. 7. Remove and repair.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 147
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)