2001 DODGE RAM torque

plate carefully. Be sure all fluid passages are clean
and clear. Check condition of the upper housing and
transfer plate check balls as well. The check balls
and ball seats must not be worn or damaged.
Trial fit each valve and plug in its bore to check
freedom of operation. When clean and dry, the valves
and plugs should drop freely into the bores.
Valve body bores do not change dimensionally with
use. If the valve body functioned correctly when new,
it will continue to operate properly after cleaning and
inspection. It should not be necessary to replace a
valve body assembly unless it is damaged in han-
dling.
The only serviceable valve body components are
listed below. The remaining valve body components
are serviced only as part of a complete valve body
assembly. Serviceable parts are:
²dual solenoid and harness assembly
²solenoid gasket
²solenoid case connector O-rings and shoulder
bolt
²switch valve and spring
²pressure adjusting screw and bracket assembly
²throttle lever
²manual lever and shaft seal
²throttle lever shaft seal, washer, and E-clip
²fluid filter and screws
²detent ball and spring
²valve body screws
²governor pressure solenoid
²governor pressure sensor and retaining clip
²park lock rod and E-clip
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: Do not force valves or plugs into place
during reassembly. If the valve body bores, valves
and plugs are free of distortion or burrs, the valve
body components should all slide into place easily.
In addition, do not overtighten the transfer plate
and valve body screws during reassembly. Over-
tightening can distort the housings resulting in
valve sticking, cross leakage and unsatisfactory
operation. Tighten valve body screws to recom-
mended torque only.
LOWER HOUSING
(1) Lubricate valves, springs, and the housing
valve and plug bores with clean transmission fluid
(Fig. 298).
(2) Install 3-4 timing valve spring and valve in
lower housing.
(3) Install 3-4 quick fill valve in lower housing.
(4) Install 3-4 quick fill valve spring and plug in
housing.(5) Install timing valve end plate. Tighten end
plate screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
3-4 ACCUMULATOR
(1) Lubricate accumulator piston, seals and hous-
ing piston bore with clean transmission fluid (Fig.
299).
(2) Install new seal rings on accumulator piston.
(3) Install piston and spring in housing.
(4) Install end plate on housing.
TRANSFER PLATE
(1) Install rear clutch and rear servo check balls in
transfer plate (Fig. 300).
(2) Install filter screen in upper housing separator
plate (Fig. 301).
(3) Align and position upper housing separator
plate on transfer plate (Fig. 302).
(4) Install brace plate (Fig. 302). Tighten brace
attaching screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(5) Install remaining separator plate attaching
screws. Tighten screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 300 Rear Clutch And Rear Servo Check Ball
Locations
1 - REAR CLUTCH CHECK BALL
2 - REAR SERVO CHECK BALL
3 - TRANSFER PLATE
21 - 294 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
VALVE BODY (Continued)

(3) Install the ECE check ball into the transfer
plate (Fig. 290). The ECE check ball is approximately
4.8 mm (3/16 in.) in diameter.
(4) Position lower housing separator plate on
transfer plate (Fig. 305).
(5) Install lower housing on assembled transfer
plate and upper housing (Fig. 306).
(6) Install and start all valve body screws by hand
except for the screws to hold the boost valve tube
brace. Save those screws for later installation. Then
tighten screws evenly to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
Start at center and work out to sides when tighten-
ing screws (Fig. 306).UPPER HOUSING VALVE AND PLUG
Refer to (Fig. 307), (Fig. 308) and (Fig. 309) to per-
form the following steps.
(1) Lubricate valves, plugs, springs with clean
transmission fluid.
(2) Assemble regulator valve line pressure plug,
sleeve, throttle plug and spring. Insert assembly in
upper housing and install cover plate. Tighten cover
plate screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install 1-2 and 2-3 shift valves and springs.
(4) Install 1-2 shift control valve and spring.
(5) Install retainer, spring, limit valve, and 2-3
throttle plug from limit valve housing.
(6) Install limit valve housing and cover plate.
Tighten screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
(7) Install shuttle valve as follows:
(a) Insert plastic guides in shuttle valve second-
ary spring and install spring on end of valve.
(b) Install shuttle valve into housing.
(c) Hold shuttle valve in place.
(d) Compress secondary spring and install E-clip
in groove at end of shuttle valve.
(e) Verify that spring and E-clip are properly
seated before proceeding.
(8) Install shuttle valve cover plate. Tighten cover
plate screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install 1-2 and 2-3 valve governor plugs in
valve body.
(10) Install shuttle valve primary spring and
throttle plug.
(11) Align and install governor plug cover. Tighten
cover screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 305 Lower Housing Separator Plate
1 - BE SURE TO ALIGN BORES
2 - TRANSFER PLATE
3 - LOWER HOUSING (OVERDRIVE) SEPARATOR PLATE
Fig. 306 Installing Lower Housing On Transfer Plate
And Upper Housing
1 - VALVE BODY SCREWS (13)
2 - LOWER HOUSING
3 - UPPER HOUSING
4 - TRANSFER PLATE
21 - 296 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
VALVE BODY (Continued)

BOOST VALVE TUBE AND BRACE
(1) Position valve body assembly so lower housing
is facing upward (Fig. 310).
(2) Lubricate tube ends and housing ports with
transmission fluid or petroleum jelly.
(3) Start tube in lower housing port first. Then
swing tube downward and work opposite end of tube
into upper housing port (Fig. 310).
(4) Insert and seat each end of tube in housings.
(5) Slide tube brace under tube and into alignment
with valve body screw holes (Fig. 311).
(6) Install and finger tighten three screws that
secure tube brace to valve body housings (Fig. 311).
(7) Bend tube brace tabs up and against tube to
hold it in position (Fig. 312).
(8) Tighten all valve body housing screws to 4 N´m
(35 in. lbs.) torque after tube and brace are installed.
Tighten screws in diagonal pattern starting at center
and working outward.
Fig. 310 Boost Valve Tube
1 - BOOST VALVE TUBE
2 - LOWER HOUSING
3 - DISENGAGE THIS END OF TUBE FIRST
4 - UPPER HOUSING
Fig. 311 Boost Valve Tube And Brace
1 - BOOST VALVE TUBE
2 - TUBE BRACE
Fig. 312 Securing Boost Valve Tube With Brace
Tabs
1 - BEND TABS UP AGAINST TUBE AS SHOWN
21 - 300 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
VALVE BODY (Continued)

3-4 ACCUMULATOR
(1) Position converter clutch valve and 3-4 shift
valve springs in housing (Fig. 313).
(2) Loosely attach accumulator housing with right-
side screw (Fig. 313). Install only one screw at this
time as accumulator must be free to pivot upward for
ease of installation.
(3) Install 3-4 shift valve and spring.
(4) Install converter clutch timing valve and
spring.
(5) Position plug on end of converter clutch valve
spring. Then compress and hold springs and plug in
place with fingers of one hand.
(6) Swing accumulator housing upward over valve
springs and plug.
(7) Hold accumulator housing firmly in place and
install remaining two attaching screws. Be sure
springs and clutch valve plug are properly seated
(Fig. 314). Tighten screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
VALVE BODY FINAL
(1) Install boost valve, valve spring, retainer and
cover plate. Tighten cover plate screws to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Insert manual lever detent spring in upper
housing.
(3) Position detent ball on end of spring. Then hold
detent ball and spring in detent housing with
Retainer Tool 6583 (Fig. 315).(4) Install throttle lever in upper housing. Then
install manual lever over throttle lever and start
manual lever into housing.
(5) Align manual lever with detent ball and man-
ual valve. Hold throttle lever upward. Then press
down on manual lever until fully seated. Remove
detent ball retainer tool after lever is seated.
(6) Then install manual lever seal, washer and
E-clip.
(7) Verify that throttle lever is aligned with end of
kickdown valve stem and that manual lever arm is
engaged in manual valve (Fig. 316).
(8) Position line pressure adjusting screw in
adjusting screw bracket.
(9) Install spring on end of line pressure regulator
valve.
(10) Install switch valve spring on tang at end of
adjusting screw bracket.
(11) Install manual valve.
(12) Install throttle valve and spring.
(13) Install kickdown valve and detent.
(14) Install pressure regulator valve.
(15) Install switch valve.
(16) Position adjusting screw bracket on valve
body. Align valve springs and press bracket into
place. Install short, upper bracket screws first and
long bottom screw last. Verify that valve springs and
bracket are properly aligned. Then tighten all three
bracket screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(17) Perform Line Pressure and Throttle Pressure
adjustments. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRAN-
SAXLE/AUTOMATIC/VALVE BODY - ADJUST-
MENTS)
(18) Lubricate solenoid case connector O-rings and
shaft of manual lever with light coat of petroleum
jelly.
Fig. 313 Converter Clutch And 3-4 Shift Valve
Springs
1 - RIGHT-SIDE SCREW
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR
3 - 3-4 SHIFT VALVE SPRING
4 - CONVERTER CLUTCH VALVE SPRING
Fig. 314 Seating 3-4 Accumulator On Lower
Housing
1 - ACCUMULATOR BOX
2 - CONVERTER CLUTCH VALVE PLUG
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 301
VALVE BODY (Continued)

(19) Attach solenoid case connector to 3-4 accumu-
lator with shoulder-type screw. Connector has small
locating tang that fits in dimple at top of accumula-
tor housing (Fig. 317). Seat tang in dimple before
tightening connector screw.
(20) Install solenoid assembly and gasket. Tighten
solenoid attaching screws to 8 N´m (72 in. lbs.)
torque.
(21) Verify that solenoid wire harness is properly
routed (Fig. 318). Solenoid harness must be clear of
manual lever and park rod and not be pinched
between accumulator housing and cover.
GOVERNOR BODY, SENSOR AND SOLENOID
(1) Turn valve body assembly over so accumulator
side of transfer plate is facing down.
(2) Install new O-rings on governor pressure sole-
noid and sensor.
(3) Lubricate solenoid and sensor O-rings with
clean transmission fluid.
(4) Install governor pressure sensor in governor
body.
(5) Install governor pressure solenoid in governor
body. Push solenoid in until it snaps into place in
body.
(6) Position governor body gasket on transfer
plate.
Fig. 315 Detent Ball Spring
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6583 POSITIONED ON DETENT HOUSING
Fig. 316 Manual And Throttle Lever Alignment
1 - THROTTLE LEVER
2 - MANUAL LEVER VALVE ARM
3 - MANUAL VALVE
4 - KICKDOWN VALVE
Fig. 317 Solenoid Harness Case Connector
Shoulder Bolt
1 - SOLENOID HARNESS CASE CONNECTOR
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR HOUSING
Fig. 318 Solenoid Harness Routing
1 - OVERDRIVE/CONVERTER SOLENOID WIRE HARNESS
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR COVER PLATE
21 - 302 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
VALVE BODY (Continued)

(7) Install retainer plate on governor body and
around solenoid. Be sure solenoid connector is posi-
tioned in retainer cutout.
(8) Align screw holes in governor body and trans-
fer plate. Then install and tighten governor body
screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Connect harness wires to governor pressure
solenoid and governor pressure sensor.
(10) Install fluid filter and pan.
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Fill transmission with recommended fluid and
road test vehicle to verify repair.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check condition of O-ring seals on valve body
harness connector (Fig. 319). Replace seals on con-
nector body if cut or worn.
(2) Check condition of manual lever shaft seal in
transmission case. Replace seal if lip is cut or worn.
Install new seal with 15/16 deep well socket (Fig.
320).
(3) Check condition of seals on accumulator piston
(Fig. 321). Install new piston seals, if necessary.
(4) Place valve body manual lever in low (1 posi-
tion) so ball on park lock rod will be easier to install
in sprag.
(5) Lubricate shaft of manual lever with petroleum
jelly. This will ease inserting shaft through seal in
case.
(6) Lubricate seal rings on valve body harness con-
nector with petroleum jelly.
(7) Position valve body in case and work end of
park lock rod into and through pawl sprag. Turn pro-
peller shaft to align sprag and park lock teeth if nec-
essary. The rod will click as it enters pawl. Move rod
to check engagement.CAUTION: It is possible for the park rod to displace
into a cavity just above the pawl sprag during
installation. Make sure the rod is actually engaged
in the pawl and has not displaced into this cavity.
(8) Install accumulator springs and piston into
case. Then swing valve body over piston and outer
spring to hold it in place.
(9) Align accumulator piston and outer spring,
manual lever shaft and electrical connector in case.
(10) Then seat valve body in case and install one
or two bolts to hold valve body in place.
(11) Tighten valve body bolts alternately and
evenly to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque.
(12) Install new fluid filter on valve body. Tighten
filter screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(13) Install throttle and gearshift levers on valve
body manual lever shaft.
(14) Check and adjust front and rear bands if nec-
essary.
(15) Connect solenoid case connector wires.
(16) Install oil pan and new gasket. Tighten pan
bolts to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.) torque.
(17) Lower vehicle and fill transmission with
MopartATF +4, type 9602, fluid.
(18) Check and adjust gearshift and throttle valve
cables, if necessary.
Fig. 319 Valve Body Harness Connector O-Ring Seal
1 - CONNECTOR O-RINGS
2 - VALVE BODY HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - HARNESS
Fig. 320 Manual Lever Shaft Seal
1 - 15/16©© SOCKET
2 - SEAL
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 303
VALVE BODY (Continued)

OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE
PISTON RETAINER
DESCRIPTION..........................405
OPERATION............................405
DISASSEMBLY..........................405
CLEANING.............................406
INSPECTION...........................406
ASSEMBLY............................406
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................408
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH.......408
REMOVAL.............................408
INSTALLATION..........................408
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION..........................408
OPERATION............................409
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN/OUTPUT SHAFT
DESCRIPTION..........................410
OPERATION............................410
DISASSEMBLY..........................411
INSPECTION...........................411
ASSEMBLY............................412
REAR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION..........................417
OPERATION............................417
DISASSEMBLY..........................418
CLEANING.............................418
INSPECTION...........................419
ASSEMBLY............................419
REAR SERVO
DESCRIPTION..........................421
OPERATION............................421
DISASSEMBLY..........................421
CLEANING.............................422
ASSEMBLY............................422
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION..........................422OPERATION............................422
ADJUSTMENTS.........................423
SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION..........................423
OPERATION............................424
SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................424
OPERATION............................424
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
DESCRIPTION..........................424
ADJUSTMENTS.........................425
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION..........................427
OPERATION............................430
REMOVAL.............................432
INSTALLATION..........................432
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE
DESCRIPTION..........................432
OPERATION............................432
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................432
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE . 432
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................433
OPERATION............................433
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION..........................433
OPERATION............................438
REMOVAL.............................452
DISASSEMBLY..........................453
CLEANING.............................465
INSPECTION...........................465
ASSEMBLY............................466
INSTALLATION..........................475
ADJUSTMENTS.........................476
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION -
44RE
DESCRIPTION
The 44RE is a four speed fully automatic transmis-
sion (Fig. 1) with an electronic governor. The 44RE is
equipped with a lock-up clutch in the torque con-
verter. First through third gear ranges are provided
by the clutches, bands, overrunning clutch, and plan-
etary gear sets in the transmission. Fourth gear
range is provided by the overdrive unit that contains
an overdrive clutch, direct clutch, planetary gear set,
and overrunning clutch.
The transmission contains a front, rear, and direct
clutch which function as the input driving compo-
nents. It also contains the kickdown (front) and thelow/reverse (rear) bands which, along with the over-
running clutch and overdrive clutch, serve as the
holding components. The driving and holding compo-
nents combine to select the necessary planetary gear
components, in the front, rear, or overdrive planetary
gear set, transfer the engine power from the input
shaft through to the output shaft.
The valve body is mounted to the lower side of the
transmission and contains the valves to control pres-
sure regulation, fluid flow control, and clutch/band
application. The oil pump is mounted at the front of
the transmission and is driven by the torque con-
verter hub. The pump supplies the oil pressure nec-
essary for clutch/band actuation and transmission
lubrication.
21 - 306 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE

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 44RE gear ratios are:
1st.................................2.74:1
2nd................................1.54:1
3rd.................................1.00:1
4th.................................0.69:1
Rev.................................2.21:1
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 will disengage momen-
tarily 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 converter clutch feature increases fuel econ-
omy 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 - CONVERTER CLUTCH 15 - HOUSING
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER 16 - REAR BEARING
3 - OIL PUMP AND REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT ASSEMBLY 17 - OUTPUT SHAFT
4 - FRONT BAND 18 - SEAL
5 - FRONT CLUTCH 19 - OVERDRIVE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
6 - DRIVING SHELL 20 - OVERDRIVE PLANETARY GEAR
7 - REAR BAND 21 - DIRECT CLUTCH SPRING
8 - TRANSMISSION OVERRUNNING CLUTCH 22 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH PISTON
9 - OVERDRIVE UNIT 23 - VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY
10 - PISTON RETAINER 24 - FILTER
11 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH 25 - FRONT PLANETARY GEAR
12 - DIRECT CLUTCH 26 - REAR CLUTCH
13 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 27 - TRANSMISSION
14 - FRONT BEARING 28 - REAR PLANETARY GEAR
Fig. 2 Transmission Part And Serial Number
Location
1 - PART NUMBER
2 - BUILD DATE
3 - SERIAL NUMBER
21 - 308 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)