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)
(15) Using a feeler gauge through the opening in
the rear of the transmission case, measure the 2C
clutch pack clearance between the 2C reaction plate
and the transmission case at four different points.
The average of these measurements is the 2C clutch
pack clearance. The correct clutch clearance is 0.455-
1.335 mm (0.018-0.053 in.). The reaction plate is not
selective. If the clutch pack clearance is not within
specification, the reaction plate, all the friction discs,
and steels must be replaced.
(16) Remove the 4C retainer/bulkhead and all of
the 2C clutch components from the transmission
case.
(17) Install the low/reverse clutch assembly (Fig.
35). Make sure that the oil feed hole points toward
the valve body area and that the bleed orifice is
aligned with the notch in the rear of the transmis-
sion case.
(18) Install the snap-ring to hold the low/reverse
clutch retainer into the transmission case (Fig. 35).
The snap-ring is tapered and must be installed with
the tapered side forward. Once installed, verify that
the snap-ring is fully seated in the snap-ring groove.
(19) Air check the low/reverse clutch and verify
correct overrunning clutch operation.
(20) Install the number 12 bearing over the output
shaft and against the rear planetary gear set. The
flat side of the bearing goes toward the planetary
gearset and the raised tabs on the inner race should
face the rear of the transmission.(21) Install the reverse/input planetary assembly
through the low/reverse clutch assembly (Fig. 36).
(22) Install the park sprag onto the output shaft
(Fig. 37).
(23) Install the snap-ring to hold the park sprag
onto the output shaft (Fig. 38).
Fig. 35 Install Low/Reverse Clutch Retainer
1 - LOW/REVERSE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
2 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 36 Install Input/Reverse Planetary Assembly
1 - INPUT/REVERSE PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
2 - BEARING NUMBER 9
3 - BEARING NUMBER 12
Fig. 37 Install Park Sprag Gear
1 - PARK SPRAG GEAR
21 - 192 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)
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. 68) and (Fig. 69). The input clutch
assembly also contains:
²Input shaft
²Input hub
²Clutch retainer
²Underdrive piston²Overdrive/reverse piston
²Overdrive 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.
Fig. 68 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
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 235
FORCE MULTIPLICATION
Using the 10 PSI example used in the illustration
(Fig. 100), a force of 1000 lbs. can be moved with a
force of only 100 lbs. The secret of force multiplica-
tion in hydraulic systems is the total fluid contact
area employed. The illustration, (Fig. 100), shows an
area that is ten times larger than the original area.
The pressure created with the smaller 100 lb. input
is 10 PSI. The concept ªpressure is the same every-
whereº means that the pressure underneath the
larger piston is also 10 PSI. Pressure is equal to the
force applied divided by the contact area. Therefore,
by means of simple algebra, the output force may be
found. This concept is extremely important, as it is
also used in the design and operation of all shift
valves and limiting valves in the valve body, as well
as the pistons, of the transmission, which activate
the clutches and bands. It is nothing more than
using a difference of area to create a difference in
pressure to move an object.
PISTON TRAVEL
The relationship between hydraulic lever and a
mechanical lever is the same. With a mechanical
lever it's a weight-to-distance output rather than a
pressure-to-area output. Using the same forces and
areas as in the previous example, the smaller piston
(Fig. 101) has to move ten times the distance
required to move the larger piston one inch. There-
fore, for every inch the larger piston moves, the
smaller piston moves ten inches. This principle is
true in other instances also. A common garage floor
jack is a good example. To raise a car weighing 2000
lbs., an effort of only 100 lbs. may be required. For
every inch the car moves upward, the input piston at
the jack handle must move 20 inches downward.
Fig. 100 Force Multiplication
Fig. 101 Piston Travel
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 257
PISTONS (Continued)
TRANSFER CASE - NV242
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
TRANSFER CASE - NV242
DESCRIPTION........................280
OPERATION..........................281
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSFER
CASE - NV242.......................281
REMOVAL............................282
DISASSEMBLY........................282
CLEANING...........................292
INSPECTION.........................293
ASSEMBLY...........................295
INSTALLATION........................307
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSFER CASE - NV242.............308
SPECIAL TOOLS
TRANSFER CASE - NV242.............308
FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID DRAIN/
REFILL............................310FRONT OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL
REMOVAL............................310
INSTALLATION........................310
POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................311
OPERATION..........................311
REMOVAL............................312
INSTALLATION........................312
REAR RETAINER BUSHING AND SEAL -
NV242HD
REMOVAL............................312
INSTALLATION........................312
SHIFT CABLE
REMOVAL............................313
INSTALLATION........................313
TRANSFER CASE - NV242
DESCRIPTION
The NV242 is a full transfer case (Fig. 1). It pro-
vides full time 2-wheel, or 4-wheel drive operation.
A differential in the transfer case is used to control
torque transfer to the front and rear axles. A low
range gear provides increased low speed torque capa-
bility for off road operation. The low range provides a
2.72:1 reduction ratio.
The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case
halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and
rear bearings are mounted in aluminum retainer
housings bolted to the case halves.
TRANSFER CASE IDENTIFICATION
Two versions of the NV242 are used in the WJ
vehicles, NV242LD and NV242HD. The two transfer
cases can be distinguished from one another by the
rear output shaft retainer. The NV242LD uses a rub-
ber boot to cover the rear output shaft, while the
NV242HD uses a cast aluminum housing. Other than
this difference, the two transfer cases are serviced
the same.
A circular ID tag is attached to the rear case of
each transfer case (Fig. 2). The ID tag provides the
transfer case model number, assembly number, serial
number, and low range ratio.The transfer case serial number also represents
the date of build.
SHIFT MECHANISM
Operating ranges are selected with a lever in the
floor mounted shifter assembly. The shift lever is con-
nected to the transfer case range lever by an adjust-
able cable. A straight line shift pattern is used.
Range positions are marked on the shifter bezel.
Fig. 1 NV242 Transfer Case
21 - 280 TRANSFER CASE - NV242WJ
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transfer case into NEUTRAL.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Remove transfer case drain plug and drain
transfer case lubricant.
(4) Mark front and rear propeller shaft yokes for
alignment reference.
(5) Support transmission with jack stand.
(6) Remove rear crossmember and skid plate, if
equipped (Fig. 3).
(7) Disconnect front/rear propeller shafts at trans-
fer case. (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIV-
ELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT -
REMOVAL)
(8) Disconnect transfer case cable from range
lever.
(9) Disconnect transfer case vent hose (Fig. 4) and
transfer case position sensor.
(10) Support transfer case with transmission jack.
(11) Secure transfer case to jack with chains.
(12) Remove nuts attaching transfer case to trans-
mission.(13) Pull transfer case and jack rearward to disen-
gage transfer case.
(14) Remove transfer case from under vehicle.
DISASSEMBLY
REAR RETAINER - NV242LD
(1) Remove output shaft boot. Spread band clamp
that secures boot on slinger with a suitable awl.
Then slide boot off shaft (Fig. 5).
Fig. 3 Crossmember Removal
1 - CROSSMEMBER
2 - REAR TRANSMISSION MOUNT
Fig. 4 Transfer Case Mounting
1 - NV242 TRANSFER CASE
Fig. 5 Output Boot - Typical
1 - SLINGER
2 - BOOT
3-AWL
4 - TRANSFER CASE
21 - 282 TRANSFER CASE - NV242WJ
TRANSFER CASE - NV242 (Continued)
(7) Remove intermediate clutch shaft snap-ring
(Fig. 30).
(8) Remove clutch shaft thrust ring (Fig. 31).
(9) Remove intermediate clutch shaft (Fig. 32).
(10) Remove differential snap-ring (Fig. 33).
(11) Remove differential (Fig. 34).
(12) Remove differential needle bearings and both
needle bearing thrust washers from mainshaft.
Fig. 30 Intermediate Clutch Shaft Snap-Ring
Removal
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - INTERMEDIATE CLUTCH SHAFT
Fig. 31 Clutch Shaft Thrust Ring Removal
1 - CLUTCH SHAFT THRUST RING
Fig. 32 Intermediate Clutch Shaft Removal
1 - INTERMEDIATE CLUTCH SHAFT
Fig. 33 Differential Snap-Ring Removal
1 - DIFFERENTIAL SNAP-RING
WJTRANSFER CASE - NV242 21 - 289
TRANSFER CASE - NV242 (Continued)
(13) Slide low range fork pin out of shift sector
slot.
(14) Remove low range fork and sleeve (Fig. 35).
(15) Remove shift sector.(16) Remove the shift sector shaft bushing and
o-ring (Fig. 36).
INPUT GEAR/LOW RANGE ASSEMBLY
(1) Remove front bearing retainer bolts.
(2) Remove front bearing retainer. Carefully pry
retainer loose with screwdriver (Fig. 37). Position
screwdriver in slots cast into retainer.
(3) Remove input gear snap-ring (Fig. 38).
Fig. 34 Differential Removal
1 - DIFFERENTIAL
2 - MAINSHAFT
Fig. 35 Low Range Fork And Hub Removal
1 - LOW RANGE FORK
2 - FORK HUB
Fig. 36 Remove the Shift Sector O-Ring
1 - TRANSFER CASE FRONT HOUSING
2 - SHIFT SECTOR O-RING
Fig. 37 Front Bearing Retainer Removal
1 - FRONT BEARING RETAINER
2 - RETAINER SLOT
21 - 290 TRANSFER CASE - NV242WJ
TRANSFER CASE - NV242 (Continued)