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. 309).
(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.
310).
(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. 311).
(2) Install filter screen in upper housing separator
plate (Fig. 312).
(3) Align and position upper housing separator
plate on transfer plate (Fig. 313).
(4) Install brace plate (Fig. 313). 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.
UPPER AND LOWER HOUSING
(1) Position upper housing so internal passages
and check ball seats are facing upward. Then install
check balls in housing (Fig. 314). Eight check balls
are used. The single large check ball is approxi-
mately 8.7 mm (11/32 in.) diameter. The single small
check ball is approximately 4.8 mm (3/16 in.) in
diameter. The remaining 6 check balls are approxi-
mately 6.3 mm (1/4 in.) in diameter.
(2) Position assembled transfer plate and upper
housing separator plate on upper housing (Fig. 315).
Be sure filter screen is seated in proper housing
recess.
Fig. 311 Rear Clutch And Rear Servo Check Ball
Locations
1 - REAR CLUTCH CHECK BALL
2 - REAR SERVO CHECK BALL
3 - TRANSFER PLATE
Fig. 312 Separator Plate Filter Screen Installation
1 - UPPER HOUSING SEPARATOR PLATE
2 - FILTER SCREEN
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 167
VALVE BODY (Continued)
UPPER HOUSING VALVE AND PLUG
Refer to (Fig. 318), (Fig. 319) and (Fig. 320) 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.
Fig. 318 Shuttle And Boost Valve Components
1 - SPRING 8 - SHUTTLE VALVE COVER
2 - RETAINER 9 - SHUTTLE VALVE
3 - BOOST VALVE 10 - SHUTTLE VALVE PRIMARY SPRING
4 - BOOST VALVE PLUG 11 - GOVERNOR PLUG COVER
5 - SPRING GUIDES 12 - THROTTLE PLUG
6 - E-CLIP 13 - UPPER HOUSING
7 - SHUTTLE VALVE SECONDARY SPRING 14 - BOOST VALVE COVER
Fig. 317 Installing Lower Housing On Transfer Plate
And Upper Housing
1 - VALVE BODY SCREWS (13)
2 - LOWER HOUSING
3 - UPPER HOUSING
4 - TRANSFER PLATE
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 169
VALVE BODY (Continued)
BOOST VALVE TUBE AND BRACE
(1) Position valve body assembly so lower housing
is facing upward (Fig. 321).
(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. 321).
(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. 322).
(6) Install and finger tighten three screws that
secure tube brace to valve body housings (Fig. 322).
(7) Bend tube brace tabs up and against tube to
hold it in position (Fig. 323).
(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. 321 Boost Valve Tube
1 - BOOST VALVE TUBE
2 - LOWER HOUSING
3 - DISENGAGE THIS END OF TUBE FIRST
4 - UPPER HOUSING
Fig. 322 Boost Valve Tube And Brace
1 - BOOST VALVE TUBE
2 - TUBE BRACE
Fig. 323 Securing Boost Valve Tube With Brace
Tabs
1 - BEND TABS UP AGAINST TUBE AS SHOWN
21 - 172 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
VALVE BODY (Continued)
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.
(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. 330). 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.
331).
(3) Check condition of seals on accumulator piston
(Fig. 332). 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 13.6 N´m (125 in. 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.
ADJUSTMENTS - VALVE BODY
CONTROL PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS
There are two control pressure adjustments on the
valve body;
²Line Pressure
²Throttle Pressure
Line and throttle pressures are interdependent
because each affects shift quality and timing. As a
result, both adjustments must be performed properly
and in the correct sequence. Adjust line pressure first
and throttle pressure last.
Fig. 330 Valve Body Harness Connector O-Ring Seal
1 - CONNECTOR O-RINGS
2 - VALVE BODY HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - HARNESS
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 175
VALVE BODY (Continued)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE
DESCRIPTION........................178
OPERATION..........................179
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION.....................179
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY . 180
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD
TESTING...........................180
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE TEST....................181
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIR CHECKING
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH OPERATION....182
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK................182
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR.....................183
REMOVAL............................183
DISASSEMBLY........................185
CLEANING...........................190
INSPECTION.........................190
ASSEMBLY...........................190
INSTALLATION........................197
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
HYDRAULIC SCHEMATICS.............199
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSMISSION.....................220
SPECIAL TOOLS
RFE TRANSMISSION.................221
4C RETAINER/BULKHEAD
DISASSEMBLY........................224
ASSEMBLY...........................224
ADAPTER HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL............................225
INSTALLATION........................225
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION........................226
OPERATION..........................226
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK......226
ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK...................227
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL.............228
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID.......................228DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION....................228
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK............................229
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND
FILTER REPLACEMENT...............230
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL...............................230
GEARSHIFT CABLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GEARSHIFT
CABLE.............................231
REMOVAL............................231
INSTALLATION........................231
ADJUSTMENTS - GEARSHIFT CABLE......232
HOLDING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION........................233
OPERATION..........................234
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION........................235
OPERATION..........................235
DISASSEMBLY........................237
ASSEMBLY...........................238
INPUT SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................244
OPERATION..........................244
REMOVAL............................244
INSTALLATION........................244
LINE PRESSURE (LP) SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................245
OPERATION..........................245
REMOVAL............................245
INSTALLATION........................245
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH
DISASSEMBLY........................246
CLEANING...........................247
INSPECTION.........................247
ASSEMBLY...........................247
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION........................248
OPERATION..........................248
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP
VOLUME CHECK.....................249
DISASSEMBLY........................250
CLEANING...........................252
INSPECTION.........................252
ASSEMBLY...........................253
OIL PUMP FRONT SEAL
REMOVAL............................253
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 177
INSTALLATION........................253
OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................254
OPERATION..........................254
REMOVAL............................254
INSTALLATION........................254
OVERDRIVE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................254
OPERATION..........................254
PARK LOCK CABLE
REMOVAL............................255
INSTALLATION........................255
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION........................256
OPERATION..........................256
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
DESCRIPTION........................258
OPERATION..........................260
DISASSEMBLY........................260
CLEANING...........................260
INSPECTION.........................260
ASSEMBLY...........................261
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION........................261
OPERATION..........................261
REMOVAL............................261
INSTALLATION........................263
SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
DESCRIPTION........................263
OPERATION..........................263
SOLENOIDS
DESCRIPTION........................263OPERATION..........................264
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION........................264
OPERATION..........................268
REMOVAL............................269
INSTALLATION........................269
TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
DESCRIPTION........................270
OPERATION..........................270
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................270
OPERATION..........................270
TRANSMISSION SOLENOID/TRS ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION........................271
OPERATION..........................271
REMOVAL............................272
INSTALLATION........................272
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................272
OPERATION..........................272
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION........................273
OPERATION..........................273
REMOVAL............................274
DISASSEMBLY........................275
CLEANING...........................277
INSPECTION.........................277
ASSEMBLY...........................278
INSTALLATION........................279
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION -
545RFE
DESCRIPTION
The 545RFE automatic transmission is a sophisti-
cated, multi-range, electronically controlled transmis-
sion which combines optimized gear ratios for
responsive performance, state of the art efficiency
features and low NVH. Other features include driver
adaptive shifting and three planetary gear sets to
provide wide ratio capability with precise ratio steps
for optimum driveability. The three planetary gear
sets also make available a unique alternate second
gear ratio. The primary 2nd gear ratio fits between
1st and 3rd gears for normal through-gear accelera-
tions. The alternate second gear ratio (2prime) allows
smoother 4-2 kickdowns at high speeds to provide
2nd gear passing performance over a wider highway
cruising range. An additional overdrive ratio (0.67:1)
is also provided for greater fuel economy and less
NVH at highway speeds.The hydraulic portion of the transmission consists
of the transmission fluid, fluid passages, hydraulic
valves, and various line pressure control components.
The primary mechanical components of the trans-
mission consist of the following:
²Three multiple disc input clutches
²Three multiple disc holding clutches
²Five hydraulic accumulators
²Three planetary gear sets
²Dual Stage Hydraulic oil pump
²Valve body
²Solenoid pack
The TCM is the ªheartº or ªbrainº of the electronic
control system and relies on information from vari-
ous direct and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc.)
to determine driver demand and vehicle operating
conditions. With this information, the TCM can cal-
culate and perform timely and quality shifts through
various output or control devices (solenoid pack,
transmission control relay, etc.).
21 - 178 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped
on the left side of the case just above the oil pan
sealing surface (Fig. 1). Refer to this information
when ordering replacement parts. A label is attached
to the transmission case above the stamped numbers.
The label gives additional information which may
also be necessary for identification purposes.
GEAR RATIOS The 545RFE gear ratios are:
1st .................................3.00:1
2nd.................................1.67:1
2nd Prime............................1.50:1
3rd .................................1.00:1
4th .................................0.75:1
5th .................................0.67:1
Reverse..............................3.00:1
OPERATION
The 545RFE offers full electronic control of all auto-
matic up and downshifts, and features real-time adap-
tive closed-loop shift and pressure control. Electronic
shift and torque converter clutch controls help protect
the transmission from damage due to high tempera-
tures, which can occur under severe operating condi-
tions. By altering shift schedules, line pressure, and
converter clutch control, these controls reduce heat gen-
eration and increase transmission cooling.
To help reduce efficiency-robbing parasitic losses,
the transmission includes a dual-stage transmission
fluid pump with electronic output pressure control.
Under most driving conditions, pump output pres-
sure greatly exceeds that which is needed to keep the
clutches applied. The 545RFE pump-pressure controlsystem monitors input torque and adjusts the pump
pressure accordingly. The primary stage of the pump
works continuously; the second stage is bypassed
when demand is low. The control system also moni-
tors input and output speed and, if incipient clutch
slip is observed, the pressure control solenoid duty
cycle is varied, increasing pressure in proportion to
demand.
A high-travel torque converter damper assembly
allows earlier torque converter clutch engagement to
reduce slippage. Needle-type thrust bearings reduce
internal friction. The 545RFE is packaged in a one-
piece die-cast aluminum case. To reduce NVH, the
case has high lateral, vertical and torsional stiffness.
It is also designed to maximize the benefit of the
structural dust cover that connects the bottom of the
bell housing to the engine bedplate, enhancing over-
all power train stiffness. Dual filters protect the
pump and other components. A pump return filter is
added to the customary main sump filter. Indepen-
dent lubrication and cooler circuits assure ample
pressure for normal transmission operation even if
the cooler is obstructed or the fluid cannot flow due
to extremely low temperatures.
The hydraulic control system design (without elec-
tronic assist) provides the transmission with PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, SECOND, and THIRD gears,
based solely on driver shift lever selection. This
design allows the vehicle to be driven (in ªlimp-inº
mode) in the event of a electronic control system fail-
ure, or a situation that the Transmission Control
Module (TCM) recognizes as potentially damaging to
the transmission.
The TCM also performs certain self-diagnostic
functions and provides comprehensive information
(sensor data, DTC's, etc.) which is helpful in proper
diagnosis and repair. This information can be viewed
with the DRB scan tool.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Before attempting any repair on a
545RFE automatic transmission, check for Diagnos-
tic Trouble Codes with the DRBTscan tool.
Transmission malfunctions may be caused by these
general conditions:
²Poor engine performance
²Improper adjustments
²Hydraulic malfunctions
²Mechanical malfunctions
²Electronic malfunctions
Fig. 1 Transmission Part And Serial Number
Location
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 179
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)
Diagnosis of these problems should always begin
by checking the easily accessible variables: fluid level
and condition, gearshift cable adjustment. Then per-
form a road test to determine if the problem has been
corrected or if more diagnosis is necessary. If the
problem persists after the preliminary tests and cor-
rections are completed, hydraulic pressure checks
should be performed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
Two basic procedures are required. One procedure for
vehicles that are drivable and an alternate procedure for
disabled vehicles (will not back up or move forward).
VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE
(1) Check for transmission fault codes using DRBt
scan tool.
(2) Check fluid level and condition.
(3) Adjust gearshift cable if complaint was based
on delayed, erratic, or harsh shifts.
(4) Road test and note how transmission upshifts,
downshifts, and engages.
(5) Perform stall test if complaint is based on slug-
gish acceleration. Or, if abnormal throttle opening is
needed to maintain normal speeds with a properly
tuned engine.
(6) Perform hydraulic pressure test if shift prob-
lems were noted during road test.
(7)
Perform air-pressure test to check clutch operation.
VEHICLE IS DISABLED
(1) Check fluid level and condition.
(2)
Check for broken or disconnected gearshift cable.
(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 driveplate, 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 all diagnostic trou-
ble 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, overrunning clutch, or line presure problems.
A slipping clutch can often be determined by com-
paring which internal units are applied in the vari-
ous gear ranges. The Clutch Application chart
provides a basis for analyzing road test results.
CLUTCH APPLICATION CHART
SLP UD OD R 2C 4C L/R OVERRUNNING
P±PARKON
R±REVERSEON ON
N-NEUTRALON
D±OVERDRIVE
FIRSTON ON* ON
SECONDON ON
SECOND PRIMEON ON
THIRDON ON
FOURTHON ON
FIFTHON ON
LIMP-INON ON
2±FIRSTON ON* ON
SECONDON ON
LIMP-INON ON
1±LOWON ON ON
*L/R clutch is on only with the output shaft speed below 150 rpm.
21 - 180 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)