1998 DODGE RAM 1500 check transmission fluid

ADAPTER HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Mark propeller shaft and yokes for installation
reference and remove shaft.
(3) Remove the transfer case.
(4) Remove the adapter housing seal with a pry
tool or slide hammer with a screw.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install adapter housing seal with Installer and
Handle C-4171.
(2) Install transfer case.
(3) Install propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
(4) Check fluid level.
(5) Remove support and lower vehicle.
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Mark propeller shaft and pinion yoke for
installation reference and remove the propeller shaft.
(2) Remove extension housing seal with a pry tool
or a slide hammer and screw.
(3) Remove extension housing bushing with
Remover 8155 (Fig. 97).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install extension housing bushing with
Installer 8156 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 98).
(2) Install extension housing seal with Installer
8154 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 99).
(3) Install propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
(4) Check and fill transmission.
Fig. 97 EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING REMOVAL
1 - REMOVER
Fig. 98 Install Extension Housing Bushing
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
3 - BUSHING
Fig. 99 EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL INSTALLER
1 - INSTALLER
2 - HANDLE
21 - 128 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600DR

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE
DESCRIPTION........................132
OPERATION..........................134
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION.....................140
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY . 140
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD
TESTING...........................140
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE TEST....................141
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIR TESTING
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH AND BAND
OPERATION........................144
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK................144
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DIAGNOSIS
CHARTS...........................145
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR.....................158
REMOVAL............................158
DISASSEMBLY........................160
CLEANING...........................166
INSPECTION.........................166
ASSEMBLY...........................166
INSTALLATION........................174
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
HYDRAULIC SCHEMATICS.............176
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSMISSION.....................189
SPECIAL TOOLS
RE TRANSMISSION..................191
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION........................193
OPERATION..........................193
INSPECTION.........................194
BANDS
DESCRIPTION........................194
OPERATION..........................194
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - BANDS...............195
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION........................196
OPERATION..........................196
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK......196
ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK...................196ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR
DESCRIPTION........................197
OPERATION..........................198
REMOVAL............................199
INSTALLATION........................200
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL............................201
INSTALLATION........................201
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL.............201
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID.......................201
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION....................202
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK............................202
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND
FILTER REPLACEMENT...............203
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL...............................204
FRONT CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION........................205
OPERATION..........................205
DISASSEMBLY........................205
INSPECTION.........................206
ASSEMBLY...........................207
FRONT SERVO
DESCRIPTION........................208
OPERATION..........................208
DISASSEMBLY........................209
CLEANING...........................209
INSPECTION.........................209
ASSEMBLY...........................209
GEARSHIFT CABLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GEARSHIFT
CABLE.............................210
REMOVAL............................210
INSTALLATION........................211
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE..................212
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION........................213
OPERATION..........................213
DISASSEMBLY........................214
CLEANING...........................214
INSPECTION.........................214
ASSEMBLY...........................214
21 - 130 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR

valve moves the overdrive piston into contact with
the overdrive clutch. The direct clutch is disengaged
before the overdrive clutch is engaged. The boost
valve provides increased fluid apply pressure to the
overdrive clutch during 3-4 upshifts, and when accel-
erating in fourth gear. The 3-4 accumulator cushions
overdrive clutch engagement to smooth 3-4 upshifts.
The accumulator is charged at the same time as
apply pressure acts against the overdrive piston.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Automatic transmission problems can be a result of
poor engine performance, incorrect fluid level, incor-
rect linkage or cable adjustment, band or hydraulic
control pressure adjustments, hydraulic system mal-
functions or electrical/mechanical component mal-
functions. Begin diagnosis by checking the easily
accessible items such as: fluid level and condition,
linkage adjustments and electrical connections. A
road test will determine if further diagnosis is neces-
sary.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
Two basic procedures are required. One procedure
for vehicles that are drivable and an alternate proce-
dure for disabled vehicles (will not back up or move
forward).
VEHICLE IS DRIVEABLE
(1) Check for transmission fault codes using DRBt
scan tool.
(2) Check fluid level and condition.
(3) Adjust throttle and gearshift linkage if com-
plaint was based on delayed, erratic, or harsh shifts.
(4) Road test and note how transmission upshifts,
downshifts, and engages.
(5) Perform hydraulic pressure test if shift prob-
lems were noted during road test.
(6) Perform air-pressure test to check clutch-band
operation.
VEHICLE IS DISABLED
(1) Check fluid level and condition.
(2) Check for broken or disconnected gearshift or
throttle linkage.
(3) Check for cracked, leaking cooler lines, or loose
or missing pressure-port plugs.
(4) Raise and support vehicle on safety stands,
start engine, shift transmission into gear, and note
following:
(a) If propeller shaft turns but wheels do not,
problem is with differential or axle shafts.
(b) If propeller shaft does not turn and transmis-
sion is noisy, stop engine. Remove oil pan, and
check for debris. If pan is clear, remove transmis-
sion and check for damaged drive plate, converter,
oil pump, or input shaft.
(c) If propeller shaft does not turn and transmis-
sion is not noisy, perform hydraulic-pressure test to
determine if problem is hydraulic or mechanical.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD TESTING
Before road testing, be sure the fluid level and con-
trol cable adjustments have been checked and
adjusted if necessary. Verify that diagnostic trouble
codes have been resolved.
Observe engine performance during the road test.
A poorly tuned engine will not allow accurate analy-
sis of transmission operation.
Operate the transmission in all gear ranges. Check
for shift variations and engine flare which indicates
slippage. Note if shifts are harsh, spongy, delayed,
early, or if part throttle downshifts are sensitive.
Slippage indicated by engine flare, usually means
clutch, band or overrunning clutch problems. If the
condition is advanced, an overhaul will be necessary
to restore normal operation.
A slipping clutch or band can often be determined
by comparing which internal units are applied in the
various gear ranges. The Clutch and Band Applica-
tion chart provides a basis for analyzing road test
results.
21 - 140 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
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)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIR TESTING
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH AND BAND
OPERATION
Air-pressure testing can be used to check transmis-
sion front/rear clutch and band operation. The test
can be conducted with the transmission either in the
vehicle or on the work bench, as a final check, after
overhaul.
Air-pressure testing requires that the oil pan and
valve body be removed from the transmission. The
servo and clutch apply passages are shown (Fig. 10).
Front Clutch Air Test
Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and
apply air pressure through front clutch apply pas-
sage. Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump
heard as the clutch applies.
Rear Clutch Air Test
Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and
apply air pressure through rear clutch apply passage.
Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump heard
as the clutch applies.
Front Servo Air Test
Apply air pressure to the front servo apply pas-
sage. The servo rod should extend and cause the
band to tighten around the drum. Spring pressure
should release the servo when air pressure is
removed.
Rear Servo Air Test
Apply air pressure to the rear servo apply passage.
The servo rod should extend and cause the band to
tighten around the drum. Spring pressure should
release the servo when air pressure is removed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
two items must be established before repair.
(1) Verify that a leak condition actually exists.
(2) Determined the true source of the leak.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess
fluid spilled during factory fill or fill after repair.
Converter housing leaks have several potential
sources. Through careful observation, a leak source
can be identified before removing the transmission
for repair. Pump seal leaks tend to move along the
drive hub and onto the rear of the converter. Pump
body leaks follow the same path as a seal leak (Fig.
11). Pump vent or pump attaching bolt leaks are gen-
erally deposited on the inside of the converter hous-
ing and not on the converter itself (Fig. 11). Pump
o-ring or gasket leaks usually travel down the inside
of the converter housing. Front band lever pin plug
leaks are generally deposited on the housing and not
on the converter.
Fig. 10 Air Pressure Test Passages
1 - LINE PRESSURE TO ACCUMULATOR
2 - REAR SERVO APPLY
3 - FRONT SERVO APPLY
4 - FRONT SERVO RELEASE
5 - PUMP SUCTION
6 - PUMP PRESSURE
7 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLY
8 - REAR CLUTCH APPLY
9 - TO TORQUE CONVERTOR
10 - TO COOLER
11 - FROM TORQUE CONVERTER
21 - 144 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HARSH ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add Fluid
2. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage - setting may be too long.
3. Mount and Driveline Bolts Loose. 3. Check engine mount, transmission
mount, propeller shaft, rear spring to body
bolts, rear control arms, crossmember and
axle bolt torque. Tighten loose bolts and
replace missing bolts.
4. U-Joint Worn/Broken. 4. Remove propeller shaft and replace
U-Joint.
5. Axle Backlash Incorrect. 5. Check per Service Manual. Correct as
needed.
6. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 6. Check pressure. Remove, overhaul or
adjust valve body as needed.
7. Band Mis-adjusted. 7. Adjust rear band.
8. Valve Body Check Balls Missing. 8. Inspect valve body for proper check ball
installation.
9. Axle Pinion Flange Loose. 9. Replace nut and check pinion threads
before installing new nut. Replace pinion
gear if threads are damaged.
10. Clutch, band or planetary
component damaged.10. Remove, disassemble and repair
transmission as necessary.
11. Converter Clutch Faulty. 11. Replace converter and flush cooler and
line before installing new converter.
21 - 146 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
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)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO DRIVE OR REVERSE
(VEHICLE WILL NOT
MOVE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage
as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. U-Joint/Axle/Transfer Case
Broken.3. Perform preliminary inspection procedure
for vehicle that will not move. Refer to
procedure in diagnosis section.
4. Filter Plugged. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid
contained clutch material or metal particles,
an overhaul may be necessary. Perform
lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler as
necessary.
5. Oil Pump Damaged. 5. Perform pressure test to confirm low
pressure. Replace pump body assembly if
necessary.
6. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 6. Check and inspect valve body. Replace
valve body (as assembly) if any valve or
bore is damaged. Clean and reassemble
correctly if all parts are in good condition.
7. Transmission Internal Component
Damaged.7. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed.
8. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check
Stall Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck.8. Remove, disassemble, repair.
9. Torque Converter Damage. 9. Inspect and replace as required.
SHIFTS DELAYED OR
ERRATIC (SHIFTS ALSO
HARSH AT TIMES)1. Fluid Level Low/High. 1. Correct fluid level and check for leaks if
low.
2. Fluid Filter Clogged. 2. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained
clutch material or metal particles, an
overhaul may be necessary. Perform lube
flow test.
3. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage as described in service
section.
4. Throttle Linkage Binding. 4. Check cable for binding. Check for return
to closed throttle at transmission.
5. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Mis-adjusted.5. Adjust linkage/cable as described in
service section.
6. Clutch or Servo Failure. 6. Remove valve body and air test clutch,
and band servo operation. Disassemble
and repair transmission as needed.
7. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 7. Test using DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
8. Front Band Mis-adjusted. 8. Adjust band.
9. Pump Suction Passage Leak. 9. Check for excessive foam on dipstick
after normal driving. Check for loose pump
bolts, defective gasket. Replace pump
assembly if needed.
21 - 148 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)