2003 DODGE RAM tow

OPERATION
The converter impeller (Fig. 123) (driving member),
which is integral to the converter housing and bolted
to the engine drive plate, rotates at engine speed.
The converter turbine (driven member), which reacts
from fluid pressure generated by the impeller, rotates
and turns the transmission input shaft.
TURBINE
As the fluid that was put into motion by the impel-
ler blades strikes the blades of the turbine, some of
the energy and rotational force is transferred into the
turbine and the input shaft. This causes both of them
(turbine and input shaft) to rotate in a clockwise
direction following the impeller. As the fluid is leav-
ing the trailing edges of the turbine's blades it con-
tinues in a ªhinderingº direction back toward the
impeller. If the fluid is not redirected before it strikes
the impeller, it will strike the impeller in such a
direction that it would tend to slow it down.
STATOR
Torque multiplication is achieved by locking the
stator's over-running clutch to its shaft (Fig. 124).
Under stall conditions (the turbine is stationary), the
oil leaving the turbine blades strikes the face of the
stator blades and tries to rotate them in a counter-
clockwise direction. When this happens the over-run-ning clutch of the stator locks and holds the stator
from rotating. With the stator locked, the oil strikes
the stator blades and is redirected into a ªhelpingº
direction before it enters the impeller. This circula-
tion of oil from impeller to turbine, turbine to stator,
and stator to impeller, can produce a maximum
torque multiplication of about 2.4:1. As the turbine
begins to match the speed of the impeller, the fluid
that was hitting the stator in such as way as to
cause it to lock-up is no longer doing so. In this con-
dition of operation, the stator begins to free wheel
and the converter acts as a fluid coupling.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
In a standard torque converter, the impeller and
turbine are rotating at about the same speed and the
stator is freewheeling, providing no torque multipli-
cation. By applying the turbine's piston and friction
material to the front cover, a total converter engage-
ment can be obtained. The result of this engagement
is a direct 1:1 mechanical link between the engine
and the transmission.
The clutch can be engaged in second, third, fourth,
and fifth (if appicable) gear ranges depending on
overdrive control switch position. If the overdrive
control switch is in the normal ON position, the
clutch will engage after the shift to fourth gear. If the
Fig. 123 Torque Converter Fluid Operation - Typical
1 - APPLY PRESSURE 3 - RELEASE PRESSURE
2 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY FORWARD 4 - THE PISTON MOVES SLIGHTLY REARWARD
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 579
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)

(13) Remove the retainers securing the solenoid
switch valve, manual valve, and the low/reverse
switch valve into the valve body and remove the
associated valve and spring. Tag each valve and
spring combination with location information to aid
in assembly. (Fig. 138)
CLEANING
Clean the valve housings, valves, plugs, springs,
and separator plates with a standard parts cleaning
solution only. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or any
type of caustic solution. (Fig. 139)
Do not immerse any of the electrical components in
cleaning solution. Clean the electrical components by
wiping them off with dry shop towels only.Dry all except the electrical parts with compressed
air. Make sure all passages are clean and free from
obstructions.Do not use rags or shop towels to
dry or wipe off valve body components. Lint
from these materials can stick to valve body
parts, interfere with valve operation, and clog
filters and fluid passages.INSPECTION
Inspect all of the valve body mating surfaces for
scratches, nicks, burrs, or distortion. Use a straight-
edge to check surface flatness. Minor scratches may
be removed with crocus cloth using only very light
pressure.
Minor distortion of a valve body mating surface
may be corrected by smoothing the surface with a
sheet of crocus cloth. Position the crocus cloth on a
surface plate, sheet of plate glass or equally flat sur-
face. If distortion is severe or any surfaces are
heavily scored, the valve body will have to be
replaced.
Fig. 138 Valve Body Components
1 - SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
2 - MANUAL VALVE
3 - LOW REVERSE SWITCH VALVE
4 - LOW REVERSE ACCUMULATOR
5 - 2ND CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR
6 - UNDERDRIVE ACCUMULATOR
7 - OVERDRIVE ACCUMULATOR
8 - 4TH CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR
9 - CHECK BALLS (7)Fig. 139 Valve Body Components
1 - SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
2 - MANUAL VALVE
3 - LOW REVERSE SWITCH VALVE
4 - LOW REVERSE ACCUMULATOR
5 - 2ND CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR
6 - UNDERDRIVE ACCUMULATOR
7 - OVERDRIVE ACCUMULATOR
8 - 4TH CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR
9 - CHECK BALLS (7)
21 - 588 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
VALVE BODY (Continued)

UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove the radiator and condenser bolts. (Fig.
14)
(3) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
(Fig. 15)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the radiator and condenser bolts and
tighten to 8 N´m (75 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the hood latch. (Refer to 23 - BODY/
HOOD/LATCH - INSTALLATION)
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND HAND PRO-
TECTION WHEN SERVICING THE MIRROR ASSEM-
BLY. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE WARNINGS
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY FROM BRO-
KEN GLASS.
Standard Mirror
(1) Position the mirror glass so that it's facing in
toward the vehicle as far as possible. (Fig. 16)
(2) Disengage the rear housing cover retaining
tabs and remove the cover. (Fig. 17)
(3) Disengage the lower glass retaining tab to
motor. (Fig. 18)
(4) Slide glass up and remove from motor.
(5) Disconnect the two heated mirror electrical
connectors, if equipped.
Fig. 14 CONDENSER/RADIATOR FASTENERS
1 - CONDENSER BOLT
2 - RADIATOR BOLT
3 - RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 15 RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
1 - BOLTS (2)
2 - CROSSMEMBER
3 - BOLTS (2)
Fig. 16 STANDARD MIRROR POSITION
1 - RETAINING TABS (2)
2 - MIRROR HOUSING
3 - MIRROR GLASS
23 - 42 EXTERIORDR

Tow Package Mirror
(1) Position the mirror in the out position. (Fig. 19)
(2) Release the retaining clip and separate the
glass.
(3) Disconnect the four heated glass electrical con-
nectors, if equipped. (Fig. 20)
Fig. 17 STANDARD MIRROR HOUSING COVER
1 - MIRROR HOUSING COVER
2 - RETAINING TABS (3)
Fig. 18 STANDARD MIRROR RETAINING TAB
1 - MIRROR ASSEMBLY
2 - MIRROR GLASS LOWER RETAINING TAB
Fig. 19 TOW PACKAGE MIRROR POSITION
1 - MIRROR HOUSING ASSEMBLY
2 - MIRROR GLASS RETAINING CLIP
3 - MIRROR GLASS
Fig. 20 TOW PACKAGE MIRROR GLASS
1 - HEATED GLASS ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF EQUIPPED)
2 - MIRROR GLASS
3 - RETAINING CLIP
DREXTERIOR 23 - 43
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS (Continued)

INSTALLATION
Standard Mirror
(1) Connect the two heated mirror electrical con-
nectors, if equipped. (Fig. 21)
(2) Position the mirror glass mounting holes over
the four feet of the mirror motor and slide down.
(Fig. 22)
(3) Engage the lower glass retaining tab to the
motor. (Fig. 18)
(4) Position the rear housing cover and seat the
retaining tabs fully. (Fig. 17)
Tow Package Mirror
(1) Make sure the retaining clip is seated in the
closed position on the mirror glass.
(2) Connect the heated mirror electrical connec-
tors, if equipped.
NOTE: Pressure must be applied equally over the
center portion of the mirror to engage the mirror
glass retaining clip fully.
(3) Position the glass over the motor mounting and
seat fully. Make sure the retaining clip seats fully.
REAR FENDER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the wheel house splash shield. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/REAR WHEELHOUSE
SPLASH SHIELD - REMOVAL)
(2) Disconnect the marker lamps electrical connec-
tors.
(3) Remove the tail lamp units. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
TAIL LAMP UNIT - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the two fender nuts. (Fig. 23)
(5) Remove the rear inner nuts below the tail
lamp. (Fig. 24)
(6) Remove the two bolts at the rear bottom edge.
(7) Remove the two bolts at the front bottom edge.
(8) Remove the four inner nuts front edge. (Fig.
25)
(9) Loosen bolts and loosen the two fender support
brackets. (Fig. 26)
CAUTION: Mask off the surrounding box area to
avoid damage to the painted surfaces.
(10) Lift the fender up off the support brackets
and remove the fender.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Mask off the surrounding box area to
avoid damage to the painted surfaces during instal-
lation.
(1) Carefully position the fender over the support
brackets.
(2) Install the four inner nuts along the front edge
of the fender and tighten to 7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(3) Install the two inner nuts along the rear edge
of the fender below the tail lamp unit and tighten to
7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(4) Tighten the six support bracket bolts and
tighten to 11 N´m (8 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 21 STANDARD MIRROR INSTALLATION
1 - MIRROR GLASS
2 - UPPER AND LOWER RETAINING CLIPS
3 - HEATED MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF
EQUIPPED)
4 - MIRROR GLASS MOUNTING HOLES (4)
Fig. 22 STANDARD MIRROR ASSEMBLY
1 - HEATED MIRROR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS (IF
EQUIPPED)
2 - MIRROR HOUSING
3 - HOUSING COVER LOCKING TABS
4 - MIRROR GLASS MOUNTING FEET (4)
23 - 44 EXTERIORDR
SIDE VIEW MIRROR GLASS (Continued)

REAR VIEW MIRROR
REMOVAL
(1) If equipped, disconnect mirror harness connec-
tor.
(2) Loosen the mirror base setscrew (Fig. 18).
(3) Slide the mirror base upward and off the
bracket.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the mirror base at the bracket and
slide it downward onto the support bracket (Fig. 18).
(2) Tighten the setscrew 1 N´m (15 in. lbs.) torque.
(3) If equipped, connect mirror harness connector.
INSTALLATION - REARVIEW MIRROR
SUPPORT BRACKET
(1) Mark the position for the mirror bracket on the
outside of the windshield glass with a wax pencil.
(2) Clean the bracket contact area on the glass.
Use a mild powdered cleanser on a cloth saturated
with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Finally, clean the
glass with a paper towel dampened with alcohol.
(3) Sand the surface on the support bracket with
fine grit-sandpaper. Wipe the bracket surface clean
with a paper towel.(4) Apply accelerator to the surface on the bracket
according to the following instructions:
(a) Crush the vial to saturate the felt applicator.
(b) Remove the paper sleeve.
(c) Apply accelerator to the contact surface on
the bracket.
(d) Allow the accelerator to dry for five minutes.
(e) Do not touch the bracket contact surface
after the accelerator has been applied.
(5) Apply adhesive accelerator to the bracket con-
tact surface on the windshield glass. Allow the accel-
erator to dry for one minute. Do not touch the glass
contact surface after the accelerator has been
applied.
(6) Install the bracket according to the following
instructions:
(a) Apply one drop of adhesive at the center of
the bracket contact-surface on the windshield
glass.
(b) Apply an even coat of adhesive to the contact
surface on the bracket.
(c) Align the bracket with the marked position
on the windshield glass.
(d) Press and hold the bracket in place for at
least one minute.
NOTE: Verify that the mirror support bracket is cor-
rectly aligned, because the adhesive will cure rap-
idly.
(7) Allow the adhesive to cure for 8-10 minutes.
Remove any excess adhesive with an alcohol-damp-
ened cloth.
(8) Allow the adhesive to cure for an additional
8-10 minutes before installing the mirror.
SUN VISOR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the screws at the visor pivot and
remove the visor.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the visor and install the screws at the
visor pivots.
Fig. 18 REAR VIEW MIRROR
1 - CONNECTOR
2 - SCREW
3 - REAR VIEW MIRROR
4 - SUPPORT BUTTON
5 - WINDSHIELD
DRINTERIOR 23 - 71

LOAD FLOOR
REMOVAL
(1) Fold the rear seat cushion up.
(2) Remove the rear nuts in each corner. (Fig. 22)
(3) Fold the load floor up, remove the front bolts
and remove the tray. (Fig. 23)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the load floor and install the bolts.
(2) Tighten the bolts to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(3) Fold the load floor down and install the nuts.
(4) Tighten the nuts to 25 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
LOAD FLOOR SUPPORT
CYLINDER
REMOVAL
(1) Open the load floor.
(2) Remove the snap clips and retaining pins. (Fig.
24)
(3) Remove the support cylinder.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the support cylinder with the thin end
down.
(2) Install the retaining pins and clips.
Fig. 22 REAR LOAD FLOOR - REAR FASTENERS
1 - REAR SEAT CUSHION
2 - NUTS (2)
3 - STOWAGE TRAYFig. 23 REAR LOAD FLOOR - TYPICAL
1 - REAR STORAGE BIN
2 - LOAD FLOOR
3 - BOLTS (2)
4 - SUPPORT CYLINDER
Fig. 24 LOAD FLOOR SUPPORT CYLINDER
1 - RETAINING PINS/CLIPS (2)
2 - LOAD FLOOR
3 - SUPPORT CYLINDER
DRINTERIOR 23 - 73

(1) Recover refrigerant(Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(2) Remove and disassemble the HVAC housing.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL)
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
DISTRIBUTION/HVAC HOUSING - DISASSEMBLY)
(3) Remove the levers from the driver and passen-
ger side blend air doors (Fig. 2).
(4) Gently slide the drivers or passenger side blend
air door toward the out side of the case and tilt and
lift the doors out of the case.
(5) Inspect doors, seals and case for damage or
binding and repair or replace as required.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Vehicles equiped with single zone HVAC
systems will only have one blend air door, dual
zone systems have two blend air doors.(1) Place the blend door pivot shafts in to the pivot
holes in the bottom of the lower half of the HVAC
housing.
(2) Blend doors are installed by carefully tipping
the doors in and then sliding each door into position.
(3) Install blend door levers to each door, position
levers so that the doors are able to move smoothly
without any binding. Adjust as required to insure
proper operation.
(4) Check all sealing surfaces and reposition or
replace any seals as required.
(5) Assemble the HVAC housing. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - ASSEMBLY)
(6) Install the HVAC housing in the vehicle. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRI-
BUTION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION)
(7) Run calibration test.
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor and blower wheel are located in
the passenger side end of the HVAC housing, below
the glove box. The blower motor controls the velocity
of air flowing through the HVAC housing by spinning
a squirrel cage-type blower wheel within the housing
at the selected speed. The blower motor and wheel
can be removed from the housing inside the vehicle
without removing the dash or HVAC housing assem-
bly.
OPERATION
The blower motor will only operate when the igni-
tion switch is in the On position, and the A/C Heater
mode control switch knob is in any position, except
Off. The blower motor receives a fused battery feed
through the blower motor relay whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On position. The blower motor
battery feed circuit is protected by a fuse in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Blower motor
speed is controlled by regulating the ground path
through the A/C Heater control blower motor switch
and the blower motor resistor.
The blower motor and blower motor wheel cannot
be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be
replaced. The blower motor and blower wheel are ser-
viced only as a unit.
Fig. 2 Dual Zone HVAC Housing- (typical single
zone)
1 - Passenger Side Blend Door Lever (if equipped)
2 - Passenger Side Blend Door (if equipped)
3 - Fin Sensor Wire
4 - Lower Blower Motor Mounting Housing
5 - HVAC Evaporator
6 - Fin Sensor
7 - Driver Side Blend Door
8 - Driver Side Blend Door Lever
DRDISTRIBUTION 24 - 25
BLEND DOOR (Continued)