(4) Align and install clutch drum on annulus gear
(Fig. 157). Be sure drum is engaged in annulus gear
lugs.
(5) Install clutch drum outer retaining ring (Fig.
157).
(6) Slide clutch drum forward and install inner
retaining ring (Fig. 158).
(7) Install rear bearing and snap-ring on output
shaft (Fig. 159). Be sure locating ring groove in bear-
ing is toward rear.(8) Install overrunning clutch on hub (Fig. 160).
Note that clutch only fits one-way. Shoulder on clutch
should seat in small recess at edge of hub.
(9) Install thrust bearing on overrunning clutch
hub. Use generous amount of petroleum jelly to hold
bearing in place for installation. Bearing fits one-way
only. Be sure bearing is seated squarely against hub.
Reinstall bearing if it does not seat squarely.
(10) Install overrunning clutch in output shaft
(Fig. 161). Insert snap-ring pliers in hub splines.
Expand pliers to grip hub. Then install assembly
with counterclockwise, twisting motion.
(11) Install planetary gear in annulus gear (Fig.
162). Be sure planetary pinions are fully seated in
annulus gear before proceeding.
(12) Coat planetary thrust bearing and bearing
contact surface of spring plate with generous amount
of petroleum jelly. This will help hold bearing in
place during installation.
Fig. 156 Annulus Gear Installation
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT FRONT BEARING
3 - ANNULUS GEAR
Fig. 157 Clutch Drum And Outer Retaining Ring
Installation
1 - ANNULUS GEAR
2 - OUTER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH DRUM
Fig. 158 Clutch Drum Inner Retaining Ring
Installation
1 - ANNULUS GEAR
2 - INNER SNAP-RING
3 - CLUTCH DRUM
Fig. 159 Rear Bearing And Snap-Ring Installation
1 - REAR BEARING
2 - SNAP-RING
21 - 96 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)
CAUTION: Be sure the shoulder on the inside diam-
eter of the bearing is facing forward.
(8) Verify that splines in overdrive planetary gear
and overrunning clutch hub are aligned with Align-
ment Tool 6227-2. Overdrive unit cannot be installed
if splines are not aligned. If splines have rotated out
of alignment, unit will have to be disassembled to
realign splines.
(9) Carefully slide Alignment Tool 6227-2 out of
overdrive planetary gear and overrunning clutch
splines.
(10) Raise overdrive unit and carefully slide it
straight onto intermediate shaft. Insert park rod into
park lock reaction plug at same time. Avoid tilting
overdrive during installation as this could cause
planetary gear and overrunning clutch splines to
rotate out of alignment. If this occurs, it will be nec-essary to remove and disassemble overdrive unit to
realign splines.
(11) Work overdrive unit forward on intermediate
shaft until seated against transmission case.
(12) Install bolts attaching overdrive unit to trans-
mission unit. Tighten bolts in diagonal pattern to 34
N´m (25 ft-lbs).
(13) Connect the transmission speed sensor and
overdrive wiring connectors.
(14) Install the transfer case, if equipped.
(15) Align and install rear propeller shaft, if nec-
essary. (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/
PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT -
INSTALLATION)
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
CAM/OVERDRIVE PISTON
RETAINER
DESCRIPTION
The overrunning clutch (Fig. 189) consists of an
inner race, an outer race (or cam), rollers and
springs, and the spring retainer. The number of roll-
ers and springs depends on what transmission and
which overrunning clutch is being dealt with.
OPERATION
As the inner race is rotated in a clockwise direction
(as viewed from the front of the transmission), the
race causes the rollers to roll toward the springs,
causing them to compress against their retainer. The
compression of the springs increases the clearance
Fig. 187 Trimming Overdrive Case Gasket
1 - GASKET
2 - SHARP KNIFE
Fig. 188 Intermediate Shaft Selective Spacer
Location
1 - SELECTIVE SPACER
2 - SPACER GROOVE
3 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
Fig. 189 Overrunning Clutch
1 - OUTER RACE (CAM)
2 - ROLLER
3 - SPRING
4 - SPRING RETAINER
5 - INNER RACE (HUB)
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 105
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN/
OUTPUT SHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The planetary gearsets (Fig. 203) are designated as
the front, rear, and overdrive planetary gear assem-
blies and located in such order. A simple planetary
gearset consists of three main members:
²The sun gear which is at the center of the sys-
tem.
²The planet carrier with planet pinion gears
which are free to rotate on their own shafts and are
in mesh with the sun gear.
²The annulus gear, which rotates around and is
in mesh with the planet pinion gears.
NOTE: The number of pinion gears does not affect
the gear ratio, only the duty rating.
OPERATION
With any given planetary gearset, several condi-
tions must be met for power to be able to flow:
²One member must be held.
²Another member must be driven or used as an
input.
²The third member may be used as an output for
power flow.
²For direct drive to occur, two gear members in
the front planetary gearset must be driven.
NOTE: Gear ratios are dependent on the number of
teeth on the annulus and sun gears.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove planetary snap-ring (Fig. 204).
(2) Remove front annulus and planetary assembly
from driving shell (Fig. 204).
(3) Remove snap-ring that retains front planetary
gear in annulus gear (Fig. 205).
(4) Remove tabbed thrust washer and tabbed
thrust plate from hub of front annulus (Fig. 206).
(5) Separate front annulus and planetary gears
(Fig. 206).
(6) Remove front planetary gear front thrust
washer from annulus gear hub.
(7) Separate and remove driving shell, rear plane-
tary and rear annulus from output shaft (Fig. 207).
(8) Remove front planetary rear thrust washer
from driving shell.
(9) Remove tabbed thrust washers from rear plan-
etary gear.
(10) Remove lock ring that retains sun gear in
driving shell. Then remove sun gear, spacer and
thrust plates.
Fig. 203 Planetary Gearset
1 - ANNULUS GEAR
2 - SUN GEAR
3 - PLANET CARRIER
4 - PLANET PINIONS (4)
Fig. 204 Front Annulus And Planetary Assembly
Removal
1 - DRIVING SHELL
2 - FRONT ANNULUS AND PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
3 - PLANETARY SNAP-RING
Fig. 205 Front Planetary Snap-Ring Removal
1 - FRONT ANNULUS GEAR
2 - PLANETARY SNAP-RING
21 - 112 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
INSPECTION
Replace the clutch discs if warped, worn, scored,
burned/charred, the lugs are damaged, or if the fac-
ing is flaking off. Replace the top and bottom pres-
sure plates if scored, warped, or cracked. Be sure the
driving lugs on the pressure and clutch plates are
also in good condition. The lugs must not be bent,
cracked or damaged in any way.
Replace the piston spring and wave spring if either
part is distorted, warped or broken.
Check the lug grooves in the clutch retainer. The
clutch and pressure plates should slide freely in the
slots. Replace the retainer if the grooves are worn or
damaged. Also check action of the check balls in the
retainer and piston. Each check ball must move
freely and not stick.
Replace the retainer bushing if worn, scored, or
doubt exists about bushing condition.
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.
Check condition of the fiber thrust washer and
metal output shaft thrust washer. Replace either
washer if worn or damaged.
Check condition of the seal rings on the input shaft
and clutch retainer hub. Replace the seal rings only
if worn, distorted, or damaged. The input shaft front
seal ring is teflon with chamfered ends. The rear ring
is metal with interlocking ends.
Check the input shaft for wear, or damage. Replace
the shaft if worn, scored or damaged in any way.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid while
assembling other clutch parts.
(2) Install new seal rings on clutch retainer hub
and input shaft, if necessary, (Fig. 227) and (Fig.
228).
(a) Be sure clutch hub seal ring is fully seated in
groove and is not twisted.
(3) Lubricate splined end of input shaft and clutch
retainer with transmission fluid. Then press input
shaft into retainer (Fig. 229). Use a suitably sized
press tool to support retainer as close to input shaft
as possible.
(4) Install input shaft snap-ring (Fig. 226).
(5) Invert retainer and press input shaft in oppo-
site direction until snap-ring is seated.
(6) Install new seals on clutch piston. Be sure lip
of each seal faces interior of clutch retainer.
(7) Lubricate lip of piston seals with generous
quantity of MopartDoor Ease. Then lubricate
retainer hub and bore with light coat of transmission
fluid.
(8) Install clutch piston in retainer. Use twisting
motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer. A thin
strip of plastic (about 0.0209thick), can be used to
guide seals into place if necessary.
CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in.
This will fold the seals over causing leakage and
clutch slip. In addition, never use any type of metal
tool to help ease the piston seals into place. Metal
tools will cut, shave, or score the seals.
(9) Install piston spring in retainer and on top of
piston (Fig. 230). Concave side of spring faces down-
ward (toward piston).
(10) Install wave spring in retainer (Fig. 230). Be
sure spring is completely seated in retainer groove.
(11) Install bottom pressure plate (Fig. 225).
Ridged side of plate faces downward (toward piston)
and flat side toward clutch pack.
(12) Install first clutch disc in retainer on top of
bottom pressure plate. Then install a clutch plate fol-
lowed by a clutch disc until entire clutch pack is
installed (4 discs and 3 plates are required) (Fig.
225).
(13) Install top pressure plate.
(14) Install selective snap-ring. Be sure snap-ring
is fully seated in retainer groove.
(15) Using a suitable gauge bar and dial indicator,
measure clutch pack clearance (Fig. 231).
(a) Position gauge bar across the clutch drum
with the dial indicator pointer on the pressure
plate (Fig. 231).
(b) Using two small screw drivers, lift the pres-
sure plate and release it.
Fig. 226 Removing Input Shaft Snap-Ring
1 - REAR CLUTCH RETAINER
2 - INPUT SHAFT SNAP-RING
3 - SNAP-RING PLIERS
21 - 120 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
REAR CLUTCH (Continued)
NOTE: Be sure that as the cable is pulled forward
and centered on the throttle lever stud, the cable
housing moves smoothly with the cable. Due to the
angle at which the cable housing enters the spring
housing, the cable housing may bind slightly and
create an incorrect adjustment.
(8) Reconnect the T.V. cable (B) to the throttle
bellcrank lever (C).
(9) Check cable adjustment. Verify transmission
throttle lever and lever on throttle body move simul-
taneously.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter (Fig. 245) is a hydraulic
device that couples the engine crankshaft to the
transmission. The torque converter consists of an
outer shell with an internal turbine, a stator, an
overrunning clutch, an impeller and an electronically
applied converter clutch. The converter clutch pro-
vides reduced engine speed and greater fuel economy
when engaged. Clutch engagement also provides
reduced transmission fluid temperatures. The torque
converter hub drives the transmission oil (fluid)
pump.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that
is not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
CAUTION: The torque converter must be replaced if
a transmission failure resulted in large amounts of
metal or fiber contamination in the fluid. If the fluid
is contaminated, flush the all transmission fluid
cooler(s) and lines.
Fig. 244 Throttle Valve Cable at Throttle Linkage
1 - THROTTLE LINKAGE
2 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE LOCKING CLIP
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 245 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE
2 - IMPELLER
3 - HUB
4-STATOR
5 - FRONT COVER
6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH DISC
7 - DRIVE PLATE
21 - 128 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE (Continued)
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAK POINTS
Possible sources of converter leaks are:
(1) Leaks at the weld joint around the outside
diameter weld (Fig. 7).
(2) Leaks at the converter hub weld (Fig. 7).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum trans-
mission case and valve body can be repaired by the
use of Heli-CoilsŸ, or equivalent. This repair con-
sists of drilling out the worn-out damaged threads.
Then tap the hole with a special Heli-CoilŸ tap, or
equivalent, and installing a Heli-CoilŸ insert, or
equivalent, into the hole. This brings the hole back to
its original thread size.
Heli-CoilŸ, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppli-
ers.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The transmission and torque converter
must be removed as an assembly to avoid compo-
nent damage. The converter driveplate, converter
hub o-ring, or oil seal can be damaged if the con-
verter is left attached to the driveplate during
removal. Be sure to remove the transmission and
converter as an assembly.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle
(3) Mark propeller shaft and axle yokes for assem-
bly alignment.
(4) Remove the rear propeller shaft
(5) Remove the front propeller shaft.
(6) Remove the engine to transmission collar (Fig.
8).
(7) Remove the exhaust support bracket from the
rear of the transmission.
(8) Disconnect and lower or remove any necessary
exhaust components.
(9) Remove the starter motor.
(10) Rotate crankshaft in clockwise direction until
converter bolts are accessible. Then remove bolts one
at a time. Rotate crankshaft with socket wrench on
dampener bolt.
(11) Disconnect wires from solenoid and pressure
switch assembly, input and output speed sensors, and
line pressure sensor.
Fig. 7 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE ASSEMBLY
2-STATOR
3 - CONVERTER HUB
4 - O-RING
5 - IMPELLER ASSEMBLY
6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH PISTON
7 - TURBINE HUB
Fig. 8 Transmission Collar
1 - ENGINE
2 - ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION COLLAR
3 - TRANSMISSION
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 183
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump (Fig. 87) is located at the front of the
transmission inside the bell housing and behind the
transmission front cover. The oil pump consists of
two independent pumps (Fig. 88), a number of valves
(Fig. 89), a front seal (Fig. 90), and a bolt on reaction
shaft. The converter clutch switch and regulator
valves, pressure regulator valve, and converter pres-
sure limit valve are all located in the oil pump valve
body.
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the oil pump drive gear. As the drive gear
rotates both driven gears, a vacuum is created when
the gear teeth come out of mesh. This suction draws
fluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
gear teeth come back into mesh, pressurized fluid is
forced into the pump outlet and to the oil pump
valves.
At low speeds, both sides of the pump supply fluid
to the transmission. As the speed of the torque con-
verter increases, the flow from both sides increases
until the flow from the primary side alone is suffi-
cient to meet system demands. At this point, the
check valve located between the two pumps closes.
The secondary side is shut down and the primary
side supplies all the fluid to the transmission.
CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
The converter clutch switch valve is used to control
the hydraulic pressure supplied to the front (OFF)
side of the torque converter clutch.
CONVERTER CLUTCH REGULATOR VALVE
The converter clutch regulator valve is used to con-
trol the hydraulic pressure supplied to the back (ON)
side of the torque converter clutch.
TORQUE CONVERTER LIMIT VALVE
The torque converter limit valve serves to limit the
available line pressure to the torque converter clutch
to approximately 120 psi.
Fig. 87 Oil Pump
1 - OIL PUMP TO CASE BOLT (6)
2 - OIL PUMP
Fig. 88 Oil Pump Gears
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - DRIVE GEAR
3 - DRIVEN GEARS
Fig. 89 Oil Pump Valves
1 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR VALVE
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE
3 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
4 - PUMP VALVE BODY
5 - PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE
6 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH LIMIT VALVE
21 - 248 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
Replace the driving shell if worn, cracked or dam-
aged.
Replace planetary gear sets if gears, pinion pins, or
carrier are damaged in any way. Replace the annulus
gears and supports if either component is worn or
damaged.
Replace the output shaft if the machined surfaces
are scored, pitted, or damaged in any way. Also
replace the shaft if the splines are damaged, or
exhibits cracks at any location.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Clean and inspect all components. Replace any
components which show evidence of excessive wear
or scoring.
(2) Install the number 11 bearing into the input
planetary carrier so that the inner race will be
toward the front of the transmission (Fig. 104).
(3) Install the input sun gear into the input carrier
(Fig. 104).
(4) Install the number 10 bearing onto the rear of
the reverse planetary carrier with the inner race
toward the carrier (Fig. 104).
(5) Install the number 9 bearing onto the front of
the reverse planetary carrier with the outer race
toward the carrier and the inner race facing upward
(Fig. 104).
(6) Install the reverse planetary gear carrier into
the input carrier (Fig. 104).
(7) Install the input annulus gear into the input
carrier (Fig. 104).
(8) Install the snap-ring to hold the input annulus
gear into the input carrier (Fig. 104).
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION
The gear shift mechanism provides six shift posi-
tions which are:
²Park (P)
²Reverse (R)
²Neutral (N)
²Drive (D)
²Manual second (2)
²Manual low (1)
OPERATION
MANUAL LOW (1) range provides FIRST gear
only. Overrun braking is also provided in this range.
MANUAL SECOND (2) range provides FIRST and
SECOND gear only.
DRIVE range provides FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
and OVERDRIVE FOURTH and FIFTH gear ranges.
The shift into OVERDRIVE FOURTH and FIFTH
gear range occurs only after the transmission hascompleted the shift into D THIRD gear range. No
further movement of the shift mechanism is required
to complete the 3-4 or 4-5 shifts.
The FOURTH and FIFTH gear upshifts occurs
automatically when the overdrive selector switch is
in the ON position. An upshift to FOURTH and
FIFTH gears may not occur or may be delayed in
some of the possible shift schedules. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MOD-
ULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE -
OPERATION)
REMOVAL
(1) Remove any necessary console parts for access
to shift lever assembly and shifter cables. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
(2) Shift transmission into PARK.
(3) Disconnect the transmission shift cable at shift
lever and shifter assembly bracket (Fig. 105).
(4) Disconnect the park lock cable from the shifter
BTSI lever and the shifter assembly bracket. (Fig.
106)
(5) Disconnect the transfer case shift cable from
the transfer case shift lever pin (Fig. 107), if
equipped.
(6) Remove the clip holding the transfer case shift
cable to the shifter assembly bracket, if equipped.
(7) Remove the transfer case shift cable from the
shifter assembly bracket, if equipped.
(8) Disengage all wiring connectors from the
shifter assembly.
(9) Remove all nuts holding the shifter assembly to
the floor pan (Fig. 108).
Fig. 105 Transmission Shift Cable
1 - SHIFT LEVER PIN
2 - ADJUSTMENT SCREW
3 - SHIFT CABLE
4 - SHIFTER ASSEMBLY BRACKET
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 261
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN (Continued)