2003 DODGE RAM Transmission fluid fill

IDENTIFICATION
The transmission has two identification tags
attached to the driver side upper clutch housing (Fig.
2). One tag provides the transmission part number.
The second tag provides sequencing and build date
information. The information on the tags are essen-
tial to correct parts ordering.
OPERATION
The driver selects a particular gear by moving the
shift lever to the desired gear position. As the shift
lever moves the selected shift rail, the shift fork
attached to that rail begins to move. The fork is posi-
tioned in a groove in the outer circumference of the
synchronizer sleeve. As the shift fork moves the syn-
chronizer sleeve, the synchronizer begins to speed-up
or slow down the selected gear (depending on
whether we are up-shifting or down-shifting). The
synchronizer does this by having the synchronizer
hub splined to the mainshaft or the countershaft in
some cases, and moving the blocker ring into contact
with the gear's friction cone. As the blocker ring and
friction cone come together, the gear speed is brought
up or down to the speed of the synchronizer. As the
two speeds match, the splines on the inside of the
synchronizer sleeve become aligned with the teeth on
the blocker ring and friction cone and eventually will
slide over the teeth, locking the gear to the main-
shaft or countershaft through the synchronizer.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
A low transmission lubricant level is generally the
result of a leak, inadequate lubricant fill or an incor-
rect lubricant level check. A correct lubricant level
check can only be made when the vehicle is level.
Also allow the lubricant to settle for a minute or sobefore checking. These recommendations will ensure
an accurate check and avoid an underfill or overfill
condition. Always check the lubricant level after any
addition of fluid to avoid an incorrect lubricant level
condition.
Leaks can occur at the mating surfaces of the gear
case, adaptor or extension housing, or from the front/
rear seals. A suspected leak could also be the result
of an overfill condition. Leaks at the rear of the
extension or adapter housing will be from the hous-
ing oil seals. Leaks at component mating surfaces
will probably be the result of inadequate sealer, gaps
in the sealer, incorrect bolt tightening or use of a
non-recommended sealer. A leak at the front of the
transmission will be from either the front bearing
retainer or retainer seal. Lubricant may be seen drip-
ping from the clutch housing after extended opera-
tion. If the leak is severe, it may also contaminate
the clutch disc causing the disc to slip, grab and or
chatter.
HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant
level, improper or contaminated lubricants. The con-
sequence of using non-recommended lubricants is
noise, excessive wear, internal bind and hard shift-
ing. Substantial lubricant leaks can result in gear,
shift rail, synchro, and bearing damage. If a leak
goes undetected for an extended period, the first indi-
cations of component damage are usually hard shift-
ing and noise.
Component damage, incorrect clutch adjustment or
damaged clutch pressure plate or disc are additional
probable causes of increased shift effort. Incorrect
adjustment or a worn/damaged pressure plate or disc
can cause incorrect release. If clutch problem is
advanced, gear clash during shifts can result. Worn
or damaged synchro rings can cause gear clash when
shifting into any forward gear. In some new or
rebuilt transmissions, new synchro rings may tend to
stick slightly causing hard or noisy shifts. In most
cases this condition will decline as the rings wear-in.
TRANSMISSION NOISE
Most manual transmissions make some noise dur-
ing normal operation. Rotating gears generate a mild
whine that is audible, but generally only at extreme
speeds. Severe highly audible transmission noise is
generally the initial indicator of a lubricant problem.
Insufficient, improper or contaminated lubricant
will promote rapid wear of gears, synchros, shift
rails, forks and bearings. The overheating caused by
a lubricant problem, can also lead to gear breakage.
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission into Neutral.
Fig. 2 IDENTIFICATION TAG LOCATION
1 - IDENTIFICATION TAGS
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 21 - 89
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 (Continued)

ADAPTER HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Mark propeller shaft and yokes for installation
reference and remove shaft.
(3) Remove the transfer case.
(4) Remove the adapter housing seal with a pry
tool or slide hammer with a screw.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install adapter housing seal with Installer and
Handle C-4171.
(2) Install transfer case.
(3) Install propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
(4) Check fluid level.
(5) Remove support and lower vehicle.
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Mark propeller shaft and pinion yoke for
installation reference and remove the propeller shaft.
(2) Remove extension housing seal with a pry tool
or a slide hammer and screw.
(3) Remove extension housing bushing with
Remover 8155 (Fig. 97).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install extension housing bushing with
Installer 8156 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 98).
(2) Install extension housing seal with Installer
8154 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 99).
(3) Install propeller shaft with reference marks
aligned.
(4) Check and fill transmission.
Fig. 97 EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING REMOVAL
1 - REMOVER
Fig. 98 Install Extension Housing Bushing
1 - HANDLE
2 - INSTALLER
3 - BUSHING
Fig. 99 EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL INSTALLER
1 - INSTALLER
2 - HANDLE
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV5600 21 - 127

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE
DESCRIPTION........................131
OPERATION..........................133
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION.....................139
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY. . 139
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ROAD
TESTING...........................139
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HYDRAULIC
PRESSURE TEST....................140
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIR TESTING
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH AND BAND
OPERATION........................143
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK................143
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DIAGNOSIS
CHARTS...........................144
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR.....................156
REMOVAL............................156
DISASSEMBLY........................158
CLEANING...........................164
INSPECTION.........................165
ASSEMBLY...........................165
INSTALLATION........................173
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
HYDRAULIC SCHEMATICS.............175
SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSMISSION.....................187
SPECIAL TOOLS
RE TRANSMISSION..................189
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION........................191
OPERATION..........................192
INSPECTION.........................192
BANDS
DESCRIPTION........................193
OPERATION..........................193
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - BANDS...............193
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION........................194
OPERATION..........................194
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK......195
ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK...................195ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR
DESCRIPTION........................196
OPERATION..........................196
REMOVAL............................198
INSTALLATION........................199
EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING
REMOVAL............................200
INSTALLATION........................200
EXTENSION HOUSING SEAL
REMOVAL............................200
INSTALLATION........................200
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL.............201
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID.......................201
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION....................201
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK............................201
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND
FILTER REPLACEMENT...............203
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL...............................203
FRONT CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION........................204
OPERATION..........................204
DISASSEMBLY........................205
INSPECTION.........................206
ASSEMBLY...........................206
FRONT SERVO
DESCRIPTION........................207
OPERATION..........................208
DISASSEMBLY........................208
CLEANING...........................208
INSPECTION.........................208
ASSEMBLY...........................209
GEARSHIFT CABLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GEARSHIFT
CABLE.............................209
REMOVAL............................209
INSTALLATION........................210
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE...................211
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION........................212
OPERATION..........................212
DISASSEMBLY........................212
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 129

FOURTH GEAR POWERFLOW
Fourth gear overdrive range is electronically con-
trolled and hydraulically activated. Various sensor
inputs are supplied to the powertrain control module
to operate the overdrive solenoid on the valve body.
The solenoid contains a check ball that opens and
closes a vent port in the 3-4 shift valve feed passage.
The overdrive solenoid (and check ball) are not ener-
gized in first, second, third, or reverse gear. The vent
port remains open, diverting line pressure from the
2-3 shift valve away from the 3-4 shift valve. The
overdrive control switch must be in the ON position
to transmit overdrive status to the PCM. A 3-4
upshift occurs only when the overdrive solenoid is
energized by the PCM. The PCM energizes the over-
drive solenoid during the 3-4 upshift. This causes the
solenoid check ball to close the vent port allowing
line pressure from the 2-3 shift valve to act directly
on the 3-4 upshift valve. Line pressure on the 3-4
shift valve overcomes valve spring pressure moving
the valve to the upshift position. This action exposes
the feed passages to the 3-4 timing valve, 3-4 quick
fill valve, 3-4 accumulator, and ultimately to the
overdrive piston. Line pressure through the timing
valve moves the overdrive piston into contact with
the overdrive clutch. The direct clutch is disengaged
before the overdrive clutch is engaged. The boost
valve provides increased fluid apply pressure to the
overdrive clutch during 3-4 upshifts, and when accel-
erating in fourth gear. The 3-4 accumulator cushions
overdrive clutch engagement to smooth 3-4 upshifts.
The accumulator is charged at the same time as
apply pressure acts against the overdrive piston.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Automatic transmission problems can be a result of
poor engine performance, incorrect fluid level, incor-
rect linkage or cable adjustment, band or hydraulic
control pressure adjustments, hydraulic system mal-
functions or electrical/mechanical component mal-
functions. Begin diagnosis by checking the easily
accessible items such as: fluid level and condition,
linkage adjustments and electrical connections. A
road test will determine if further diagnosis is neces-
sary.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
Two basic procedures are required. One procedure
for vehicles that are drivable and an alternate proce-
dure for disabled vehicles (will not back up or move
forward).
VEHICLE IS DRIVEABLE
(1) Check for transmission fault codes using DRBt
scan tool.
(2) Check fluid level and condition.
(3) Adjust throttle and gearshift linkage if com-
plaint was based on delayed, erratic, or harsh shifts.
(4) Road test and note how transmission upshifts,
downshifts, and engages.
(5) Perform hydraulic pressure test if shift prob-
lems were noted during road test.
(6) Perform air-pressure test to check clutch-band
operation.
VEHICLE IS DISABLED
(1) Check fluid level and condition.
(2) Check for broken or disconnected gearshift or
throttle linkage.
(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 drive plate, 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 diagnostic trouble
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, band or overrunning clutch problems. If the
condition is advanced, an overhaul will be necessary
to restore normal operation.
A slipping clutch or band can often be determined
by comparing which internal units are applied in the
various gear ranges. The Clutch and Band Applica-
tion chart provides a basis for analyzing road test
results.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 139
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIR TESTING
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH AND BAND
OPERATION
Air-pressure testing can be used to check transmis-
sion front/rear clutch and band operation. The test can
be conducted with the transmission either in the vehicle
or on the work bench, as a final check, after overhaul.
Air-pressure testing requires that the oil pan and
valve body be removed from the transmission. The
servo and clutch apply passages are shown (Fig. 10).
Front Clutch Air Test
Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and
apply air pressure through front clutch apply pas-
sage. Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump
heard as the clutch applies.
Rear Clutch Air Test
Place one or two fingers on the clutch housing and
apply air pressure through rear clutch apply passage.
Piston movement can be felt and a soft thump heard
as the clutch applies.
Front Servo Air Test
Apply air pressure to the front servo apply passage.
The servo rod should extend and cause the band totighten around the drum. Spring pressure should
release the servo when air pressure is removed.
Rear Servo Air Test
Apply air pressure to the rear servo apply passage.
The servo rod should extend and cause the band to
tighten around the drum. Spring pressure should
release the servo when air pressure is removed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONVERTER
HOUSING FLUID LEAK
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
two items must be established before repair.
(1) Verify that a leak condition actually exists.
(2) Determined the true source of the leak.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess
fluid spilled during factory fill or fill after repair.
Converter housing leaks have several potential
sources. Through careful observation, a leak source
can be identified before removing the transmission
for repair. Pump seal leaks tend to move along the
drive hub and onto the rear of the converter. Pump
body leaks follow the same path as a seal leak (Fig.
11). Pump vent or pump attaching bolt leaks are gen-
erally deposited on the inside of the converter hous-
ing and not on the converter itself (Fig. 11). Pump
o-ring or gasket leaks usually travel down the inside
of the converter housing. Front band lever pin plug
leaks are generally deposited on the housing and not
on the converter.
Fig. 10 Air Pressure Test Passages
1 - LINE PRESSURE TO ACCUMULATOR
2 - REAR SERVO APPLY
3 - FRONT SERVO APPLY
4 - FRONT SERVO RELEASE
5 - PUMP SUCTION
6 - PUMP PRESSURE
7 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLY
8 - REAR CLUTCH APPLY
9 - TO TORQUE CONVERTOR
10 - TO COOLER
11 - FROM TORQUE CONVERTER
Fig. 11 Converter Housing Leak Paths
1 - PUMP SEAL
2 - PUMP VENT
3 - PUMP BOLT
4 - PUMP GASKET
5 - CONVERTER HOUSING
6 - CONVERTER
7 - REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 143
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS. 1. Fluid Lines and Fittings Loose/
Leaks/Damaged.1. Tighten fittings. If leaks persist, replace
fittings and lines if necessary.
2. Fill Tube (where tube enters case)
Leaks/Damaged.2. Replace tube seal. Inspect tube for
cracks in fill tube.
3. Pressure Port Plug Loose
Loose/Damaged.3. Tighten to correct torque. Replace plug
or reseal if leak persists.
4. Pan Gasket Leaks. 4. Tighten pan screws (150 in. lbs.). If leaks
persist, replace gasket.
5. Valve Body Manual Lever Shaft
Seal Leaks/Worn.5. Replace shaft seal.
6. Rear Bearing Access Plate Leaks. 6. Replace gasket. Tighten screws.
7. Gasket Damaged or Bolts are
Loose.7. Replace bolts or gasket or tighten both.
8. Adapter/Extension Gasket
Damaged Leaks/Damaged.8. Replace gasket.
9. Park/Neutral Switch, or
Transmission Range Sensor
Leaks/Damaged.9. Replace switch and gasket.
10. Converter Housing Area Leaks. 10. Check for leaks at seal caused by worn
seal or burr on converter hub (cutting seal),
worn bushing, missing oil return, oil in front
pump housing or hole plugged. Check for
leaks past O-ring seal on pump or past
pump-to-case bolts; pump housing porous,
oil coming out vent due to overfill or leak
past front band shaft access plug.
11. Pump Seal Leaks/Worn/
Damaged.11. Replace seal.
12. Torque Converter Weld
Leak/Cracked Hub.12. Replace converter.
13. Case Porosity Leaks. 13. Replace case.
NOISY OPERATION IN
FOURTH GEAR ONLY1. Overdrive Clutch Discs, Plates or
Snap Rings Damaged.1. Remove unit and rebuild clutch pack.
2. Overdrive Piston or Planetary
Thrust Bearing Damaged.2. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace
either thrust bearing if damaged.
3. Output Shaft Bearings Scored/
Damaged.3. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace
either bearing if damaged.
4. Planetary Gears Worn/Chipped. 4. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit.
5. Overdrive Unit Overrunning Clutch
Rollers Worn/Scored.5. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 155
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

(21) Disconnect fluid cooler lines at transmission
(Fig. 18).
(22) Remove fill tube bracket bolts and pull tube
out of transmission. Retain fill tube seal. On 4X4
models, it will also be necessary to remove bolt
attaching transfer case vent tube to converter hous-
ing (Fig. 19).
(23) Remove all converter housing bolts.
(24) Carefully work transmission and torque con-
verter assembly rearward off engine block dowels.
(25) Lower transmission and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.(26) To remove torque converter, remove C-clamp
from edge of bell housing and carefully slide torque
converter out of the transmission.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Clean exterior of transmission with suitable
solvent or pressure washer.
(2) Place transmission in vertical position.
(3) Measure the input shaft end play as follows
(Fig. 20).
(a) Attach Adapter 8266-5 to Handle 8266-8.
(b) Attach dial indicator C-3339 to Handle
8266-8.
(c) Install the assembled tool onto the input
shaft of the transmission and tighten the retaining
screw on Adapter 8266-5 to secure it to the input
shaft.
(d) Position the dial indicator plunger against a
flat spot on the oil pump and zero the dial indica-
tor.
(e) Move input shaft in and out and record read-
ing. Record the maximum travel for assembly ref-
erence
(4) Remove throttle and shift levers from valve
body manual shaft and throttle lever shaft.
(5) Remove transmission oil pan and gasket.
Fig. 18 Transmission Cooler Lines
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - RADIATOR
3 - COOLER LINES
Fig. 19 Fill Tube Attachment
1 - TRANSFER CASE VENT TUBE
2 - FILL TUBE (V8)
3 - TUBE SEAL
4 - FILL TUBE (V6)
Fig. 20 Checking Input Shaft End Play
1 - TOOL 8266-8
2 - TOOL 8266-5
3 - TOOL C-3339
21 - 158 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

CAUTION: If the condition of the transmission
before the overhaul procedure caused excessive
metallic or fiber contamination in the fluid, replace
the torque converter. Fluid contamination and trans-
mission failure can result if not done.
(6) Install torque converter. Use C-clamp or metal
strap to hold converter in place for installation.
BAND ADJUSTMENT AND FINAL
(1) Adjust front and rear bands as follows:
(a) Loosen locknut on each band adjusting screw
4-5 turns.
(b) Tighten both adjusting screws to 8 N´m (72
in. lbs.).
(c) Back off front band adjusting screw 2-7/8
turns.
(d) Back off rear band adjusting screw 2 turns.
(e) Hold each adjusting screw in position and
tighten locknut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install magnet in oil pan. Magnet seats on
small protrusion at corner of pan.
(3) Position new oil pan gasket on case and install
oil pan. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install throttle valve and shift selector levers
on valve body manual lever shaft.
(5) Apply small quantity of dielectric grease to ter-
minal pins of solenoid case connector and transmis-
sion range sensor.
(6) Fill transmission with recommended fluid.
Refer to Service Procedures section of this group.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check torque converter hub and hub drive
notches for sharp edges burrs, scratches, or nicks.
Polish the hub and notches with 320/400 grit paper
and crocus cloth if necessary. The hub must be
smooth to avoid damaging pump seal at installation.
(2) Lubricate pocket in the rear oil pump seal lip
with transmission fluid.
(3) Lubricate converter pilot hub of the crankshaft
with a light coating of MopartHigh Temp Grease.
(4) Align and install converter in oil pump.
(5) Carefully insert converter in oil pump. Then
rotate converter back and forth until fully seated in
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with steel scale and
straightedge (Fig. 69). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(7) Temporarily secure converter with C-clamp.(8) Position transmission on jack and secure it
with chains.
(9) Check condition of converter driveplate.
Replace the plate if cracked, distorted or damaged.
Also be sure transmission dowel pins are seated
in engine block and protrude far enough to
hold transmission in alignment.
(10) Raise transmission and align converter with
drive plate and converter housing with engine block.
(11) Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower
or tilt transmission to align converter housing with
engine block dowels.
(12) Carefully work transmission forward and over
engine block dowels until converter hub is seated in
crankshaft.
(13) Install bolts attaching converter housing to
engine.
(14) Install rear support.
(15) Install the rear transmission crossmember.
(16) Lower transmission onto crossmember and
install bolts attaching transmission mount to cross-
member.
(17) Remove engine support fixture.
(18) Install the transfer case, if equipped.
(19) Install crankshaft position sensor. (Refer to 14
- FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/CRANKSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 69 Checking Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 173
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)