PRESSURE TEST
Overdrive clutch Fourth gear only Pressure should be 469-496 kPa (68-72 psi) with
closed throttle and increase to 620-896 kPa (90-130
psi) at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle.
Line pressure (at
accumulator)Closed throttle 372-414 kPa (54-60 psi).
Front servo Third or Fourth gear only No more than 21 kPa (3 psi) lower than line pressure.
Rear servo 1 range No more than 21 kPa (3 psi) lower than line pressure.
R range 1103 kPa (160 psi) at idle, builds to 1862 kPa (270 psi)
at 1600 rpm.
Governor D range closed throttle Pressure should respond smoothly to changes in mph
and return to 0-7 kPa (0-1.5 psi) when stopped with
transmission in D, 1, 2. Pressure above 7 kPa (1.5 psi)
at stand still will prevent transmission from
downshifting.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Fitting, cooler line at trans 18 13 -
Bolt, torque convertor 31 - 270
Bolt, clevis bracket to crossmember 47 35 -
Bolt, clevis bracket to rear support 68 50 -
Bolt, driveplate to crankshaft 75 55 -
Plug, front band reaction 17 13 -
Locknut, front band adj. 34 25 -
Switch, park/neutral 34 25 -
Bolt, fluid pan 17 13 -
Screws, fluid filter 4 - 35
Bolt, oil pump 20 15 -
Bolt, overrunning clutch cam 17 13 -
Bolt, O/D to trans. 34 25 -
Bolt, O/D piston retainer 17 13 -
Plug, pressure test port 14 10 -
Bolt, reaction shaft support 20 15 -
Locknut, rear band 41 30 -
Bolt, speedometer adapter 11 - 100
Screw, vehicle speed sensor 2.5 - 21
Bolt, valve body to case 12 - 100
Sensor, trans speed 27 20 -
Screw, solenoid wiring connector 4 - 35
Screw, solenoid to transfer plate 4 - 35
21 - 56 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - BANDS
FRONT BAND
The front (kickdown) band adjusting screw is
located on the left side of the transmission case
above the manual valve and throttle valve levers.
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut (Fig. 69).
Then back locknut off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting
screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw
threads if necessary.
(3) Tighten band adjusting screw to 8 N´m (72 in.
lbs.) torque with Inch Pound Torque Wrench
C-3380-A, a 3-in. extension and appropriate TorxŸ
socket.
CAUTION: If Adapter C-3705 is needed to reach the
adjusting screw, tighten the screw to only 5 N´m
(47-50 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Back off front band adjusting screw 3 turns.
(5) Hold adjuster screw in position and tighten
locknut to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Lower vehicle.
REAR BAND
The transmission oil pan must be removed for
access to the rear band adjusting screw.
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove transmission oil pan and drain fluid.(3) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut 5-6 turns
(Fig. 70). Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in
lever.
(4) Tighten adjusting screw to 8 N´m (72 in. lbs.)
torque.
(5) Back off adjusting screw 4 turns.
(6) Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten lock-
nut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Position new gasket on oil pan and install pan
on transmission. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N´m (13 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(8) Lower vehicle and refill transmission with
MopartATF +4, type 9602, fluid.
Fig. 68 Rear Band
1 - ADJUSTING SCREW
2 - LOCKNUT
3 - LEVER
4 - REAR BAND
5 - REACTION PIN
6 - O-RINGS
7 - PIVOT PINFig. 69 Front Band Adjustment Screw Location
1 - LOCK-NUT
2 - FRONT BAND ADJUSTER
Fig. 70 Rear Band Adjusting Screw Location
1 - ADJUSTING SCREW
2 - REAR BAND LEVER
3 - LOCKNUT
21 - 62 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
BANDS (Continued)
(1) A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged main cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.
(2) Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
²failure to reverse flush cooler and lines after
repair
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure
due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped
clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and
other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall
into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the
time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdraw-
ing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The transmission cooler and lines should be
reverse flushed whenever a malfunction generates
sludge and/or debris. The torque converter should
also be replaced at the same time.
Failure to flush the cooler and lines will result in
recontamination. Flushing applies to auxiliary coolers
as well. The torque converter should also be replaced
whenever a failure generates sludge and debris. This
is necessary because normal converter flushing proce-
dures will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same condi-
tions which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mis-
taken for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
Fluid level is checked with the engine running at
curb idle speed, the transmission in NEUTRAL and
the transmission fluid at normal operating tempera-
ture.The engine should be running at idle
speed for at least one minute, with the vehicle
on level ground.
The transmission fluid level can be checked two
ways.
PROCEDURE ONE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operat-
ing temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82ÉC (180ÉF).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to NEUTRAL.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep
dirt from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick (Fig. 87) and check fluid level
as follows:
(a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line.
(d) If fluid is low, add only enough MopartAT F
+4, type 9602, to restore correct level. Do not over-
fill.
21 - 70 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)
(7) While holding pan level, lower pan and gasket
away from transmission.
(8) Pour remaining fluid in pan into drain pan.
(9) Remove screws holding filter to valve body
(Fig. 90).
(10) Separate filter from valve body and pour fluid
in filter into drain pan.
(11) Dispose of used trans fluid and filter properly.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position a new transmission oil filter onto the
valve body.
(2) Install the screws to hold the filter to the valve
body. Tighten the screws to 4 N´m (35 in.lbs.).
(3) Clean the gasket surfaces of the transmission
oil pan and transmission pan rail.NOTE: The transmission pan oil gasket is reusable.
Inspect the sealing surfaces of the gasket. If the
sealing ribs on both surfaces appear to be in good
condition, clean the gasket of any foreign material
and reinstall.
(4) Position the oil pan gasket onto the oil pan.
(5) Position the oil pan and gasket onto the trans-
mission and install several bolts to hold the pan and
gasket to the transmission.
(6) Install the remainder of the oil pan bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 13.6 N´m (125 in.lbs.).
(7) Lower vehicle and fill transmission. (Refer to
21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC/
FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL
To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:
(1) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(2) Add following initial quantity of MopartAT F
+4, type 9602, to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add3
pints (1-1/2 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled,
torque converter was replaced or drained, and
cooler was flushed, add12 pints (6 quarts)of ATF
+4 to transmission.
(3) Apply parking brakes.
(4)
Start and run engine at normal curb idle speed.
(5) Apply service brakes, shift transmission
through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set
parking brake, and leave engine running at curb idle
speed.
(6) Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid
level. If level is low,add fluid to bring level to
MIN mark on dipstick.Check to see if the oil level
is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is
noticably higher than the other, the dipstick has
picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allow the
oil to drain down the dipstick tube and re-check.
(7) Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at nor-
mal operating temperature.
(8) With the engine running at curb idle speed, the
gear selector in NEUTRAL, and the parking brake
applied, check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION: Do not overfill transmission, fluid foam-
ing and shifting problems can result.
(9) Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow
mark.
When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release
park brake, remove funnel, and install dipstick in fill
tube.
Fig. 89 Transmission Pan
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - GASKET
3-PAN
Fig. 90 Transmission Filter
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - FILTER
21 - 72 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the
clutch retainer. The check-valve is needed to elimi-
nate the possibility of plate drag caused by centrifu-
gal force acting on the residual fluid trapped in the
clutch piston retainer.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove waved snap-ring and remove pressure
plate, clutch plates and clutch discs (Fig. 92).
(2) Compress clutch piston spring with Compressor
Tool C-3575-A (Fig. 93). Be sure legs of tool are
seated squarely on spring retainer before compress-
ing spring.
(3) Remove retainer snap-ring and remove com-
pressor tool.
(4) Remove spring retainer and clutch spring. Note
position of retainer on spring for assembly reference.
(5) Remove clutch piston from clutch retainer.
Remove piston by rotating it up and out of retainer.
(6) Remove seals from clutch retainer piston bore
and clutch retainer hub. Discard both seals as they
are not reusable.
INSPECTION
Inspect the front clutch components. Replace the
clutch discs if warped, worn, scored, burned or
charred, or if the facing is flaking off. Replace the
steel plates if heavily scored, warped, or broken. Be
sure the driving lugs on the plates are in good con-
dition. The lugs must not be bent, cracked or dam-
aged in any way.
Replace the clutch spring and spring retainer if
either is distorted, warped or broken.Check the lug grooves in the clutch retainer. The
steel plates should slide freely in the slots. Replace
the retainer if the grooves are worn or damaged.
Check action of the check ball in the retainer (Fig.
94). The ball must move freely and not stick.
NOTE: Inspect the clutch retainer bushings care-
fully (Fig. 95). The retainer bushings are NOT ser-
viceable. It will be necessary to replace the retainer
if either bushing is scored, or worn.
Inspect the piston and retainer seal surfaces for
nicks or scratches. Minor scratches can be removed
with crocus cloth. However, replace the piston and/or
retainer if the seal surfaces are seriously scored.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The 42RE transmission uses four plates and
discs for the front clutch.
(1) Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid while
assembling other clutch parts.
(2) Install new seals in the clutch retainer lower
groove and on outer diameter of the retainer hub. Be
sure lip of each seal faces interior of clutch retainer.
(3) Lubricate lips of the retainer seals with liberal
quantity of MopartDoor Ease. Then lubricate
retainer hub, bore and piston with light coat of trans-
mission fluid.
(4) Install clutch piston in retainer (Fig. 96). Use
twisting motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer.
CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in.
This will fold the seals over causing leakage and
clutch slip.
(5) Position spring in clutch piston (Fig. 97).
(6) Position spring retainer on top of piston spring.
Make sure retainer is properly installed (Fig. 92).
(7) Compress piston spring and retainer with Com-
pressor Tool C-3575-A (Fig. 93). Then install new
snap-ring to secure spring retainer and spring.
(8) Install clutch plates and discs (Fig. 92). Install
steel plate then disc until all plates and discs are
installed. The front clutch uses 4 clutch discs and
plates in a 42RE transmission.
(9) Install pressure plate and waved snap-ring
(Fig. 92).
Clearance should be 1.70 to 3.40 mm (0.067 to
0.134 in.). If clearance is incorrect, clutch discs,
plates, pressure plates and snap-ring may have to be
changed.
21 - 74 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)
INCORRECT if the engine starts in one but not both
positions. If the engine starts in any position other
than PARK or NEUTRAL, or if the engine will not
start at all, the park/neutral position switch or TRS
may be faulty.
(1) Shift transmission into PARK.
(2) Remove floor console as necessary for access to
the shift cable adjustment. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the shift cable adjustment screw (Fig.
106).
(4) Raise vehicle.
(5) Unsnap cable eyelet from transmission shift
lever (Fig. 107).
(6) Verify transmission shift lever is in PARK
detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward
detent is PARK position.
(7) Verify positive engagement of transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft.
Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
(8) Snap cable eyelet onto transmission shift lever.
(9) Lower vehicle
(10) Tighten the shift cable adjustment screw to 7
N´m (65 in.lbs.).
(11) Verify correct operation.
(12) Install any floor console components removed
for access. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR
CONSOLE - INSTALLATION)
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump (Fig. 108) is located in the pump
housing inside the bell housing of the transmission
case. The oil pump consists of an inner and outer
gear (Fig. 109), a housing, and a cover that also
serves as the reaction shaft support.
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the inner and outer gears. As the gears
rotate, the clearance between the gear teeth
increases in the crescent area, and creates a suction
at the inlet side of the pump. This suction draws
fluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
clearance between the gear teeth in the crescent area
decreases, it forces pressurized fluid into the pump
outlet and to the valve body.
Fig. 106 Shift Cable at the Shifter
1 - SHIFT LEVER PIN
2 - ADJUSTMENT SCREW
3 - SHIFT CABLE
4 - SHIFTER ASSEMBLY BRACKET
Fig. 107 Shift Cable at Transmission
1 - TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE
2 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
3 - TRANSFER CASE SHIFTER CABLE
4 - TRANSFER CASE SHIFTER CABLE BRACKET RETAINING
BOLT(S)
5 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE BRACKET RETAINING BOLT
6 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
7 - TRANSMISSION FLUID LINES
21 - 80 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)
CAUTION: The pump inner gear is a one way fit.
The bore on one side of the gear inside diameter
(I.D.) is chamfered. Be sure the chamfered side
faces forward (to front of pump).
(6) Install new thrust washer on hub of reaction
shaft support. Lubricate washer with transmission
fluid or petroleum jelly.
(7) If reaction shaft seal rings are being replaced,
install new seal rings on support hub (Fig. 120).
Lubricate seal rings with transmission fluid or petro-
leum jelly after installation. Squeeze each ring until
ring ends are securely hooked together.
CAUTION: The reaction shaft support seal rings will
break if overspread, or twisted. If new rings are
being installed, spread them only enough for instal-
lation. Also be very sure the ring ends are securely
hooked together after installation. Otherwise, therings will either prevent pump installation, or break
during installation.
(8) Install reaction shaft support on pump housing
(Fig. 121).
(9) Align reaction support on pump housing. Use
alignment marks made at disassembly. Or, rotate
support until bolt holes in support and pump housing
are all aligned (holes are offset for one-way fit).
(10) Install all bolts that attach support to pump
housing. Then tighten bolts finger tight.
(11) Tighten support-to-pump bolts to required
torque as follows:
(a) Reverse pump assembly and install it in
transmission case. Position pump so bolts are fac-
ing out and are accessible.
(b) Secure pump assembly in case with 2 or 3
bolts, or with pilot studs.
(c) Tighten support-to-pump bolts to 20 N´m (15
ft. lbs.).
(d) Remove pump assembly from transmission
case.
Fig. 118 Supporting Pump And Installing Outer Gear
1 - OUTER GEAR
2 - PUMP HOUSING
3 - WOOD BLOCKS
Fig. 119 Pump Inner Gear Installation
1 - OUTER GEAR
2 - INNER GEAR
Fig. 120 Hub Seal Ring Position
1 - SEAL RINGS
2 - SUPPORT HUB
Fig. 121 Assembling Reaction Shaft Support And
Pump Housing
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
21 - 84 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
OIL PUMP (Continued)
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The overdrive clutch (Fig. 125) is composed of the
pressure plate, clutch plates, holding discs, overdrive
piston retainer, piston, piston spacer, and snap-rings.
The overdrive clutch is the forwardmost component
in the transmission overdrive unit and is considered
a holding component. The overdrive piston retainer,
piston, and piston spacer are located on the rear of
the main transmission case.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the piston retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through passages at the lower rear portion of
the valve body area. With pressure applied between
the piston retainer and piston, the piston moves
away from the piston retainer and compresses the
clutch pack. This action applies the clutch pack,
allowing torque to flow through the intermediate
shaft into the overdrive planetary gear set. The over-
drive clutch discs are attached to the overdrive clutch
hub while the overdrive clutch plates, reaction plate,
and pressure plate are lugged to the overdrive hous-
ing. This allows the intermediate shaft to transferthe engine torque to the planetary gear and overrun-
ning clutch. This drives the planetary gear inside the
annulus, which is attached to the overdrive clutch
drum and output shaft, creating the desired gear
ratio. The waved snap-ring is used to cushion the
application of the clutch pack.
OVERDRIVE OFF SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The overdrive OFF (control) switch is located in
the shifter handle. The switch is a momentary con-
tact device that signals the PCM to toggle current
status of the overdrive function.
OPERATION
At key-on, fourth gear operation is allowed. Press-
ing the switch once causes the overdrive OFF mode
to be entered and the overdrive OFF switch lamp to
be illuminated. Pressing the switch a second time
causes normal overdrive operation to be restored and
the overdrive lamp to be turned off. The overdrive
OFF mode defaults to ON after the ignition switch is
cycled OFF and ON. The normal position for the con-
trol switch is the ON position. The switch must be in
this position to energize the solenoid and allow
upshifts to fourth gear. The control switch indicator
light illuminates only when the overdrive switch is
turned to the OFF position, or when illuminated by
the powertrain control module.
Fig. 125 Overdrive Clutch
1 - REACTION PLATE 2 - PRESSURE PLATE
21 - 86 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ