2003 DODGE RAM battery

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the upper steering coupling shaft to the
vehicle (Fig. 17).
(2) Install the upper steering coupling shaft seal
by pushing it in securing the four tangs to the panel
(Fig. 16).
NOTE: Note: A new steering coupling shaft pinch
bolt for the upper and lower shafts must be used.
(3) Install the steering coupler shaft to the column
(Fig. 17).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt use new bolt and
tighten to 57 N.m (42 ft.lbs).
(5) Install the shaft to the lower coupler (Fig. 17).
(6) Install the lower pinch bolt use new bolt and
tighten to 57 N.m (42 ft.lbs).
(7) Unlock the steering wheel.
(8) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
LOWER STEERING COUPLING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4 HD
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(3) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(4) Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
(5) Mark both coupler connections for proper
installation.
(6) Remove and discard the upper coupler pinch
bolt.
(7) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt.
(8) Remove the lower steering shaft coupler (Fig.
18).
REMOVAL - 4X4 HD
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an
automatic transmission may not be equipped with
an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key
cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative meth-
ods of locking the steering wheel for service will
have to be used.
(3) Lock the steering wheel with the tire in the
straight position.
(4) Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
(5) Remove and discard the upper coupler pinch
bolt (Fig. 20).
(6) Remove and discard the lower coupler pinch
bolt (Fig. 19).
Fig. 18 LOWER STEERING COUPLER
Fig. 19 LOWER COUPLER PINCH BOLT
1 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
2 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
3 - STEERING GEAR
19 - 14 COLUMNDR
UPPER STEERING COUPLING (Continued)

(7) Remove the lower steering shaft coupler (Fig.
20).
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - ALL LD & HD EXCEPT 4X4
HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering rack & pin-
ion using the marks made in the removal process.
(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft
using the marks made in the removal process.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION - 4X4 HD
(1) Install the coupler to the steering gear.
(2) Install the coupler to the intermediate shaft.
NOTE: New pinch bolts must be used for reinstalla-
tion.
(3) Install the lower pinch bolt and tighten to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the upper pinch bolt and tighten to 57
N´m (42 ft. lbs.).(5) Install the left front tire and wheel assembly
(Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(8) Unlock the steering wheel.
STEERING WHEEL
REMOVAL
(1) Disable and remove the driver's side air-
bag.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
DRIVER AIRBAG - REMOVAL).
(2) Partially remove the steering wheel bolt and
leave the bolt in the column.
(3) Install puller CJ98-1 or equivalent using the
top of the bolt to push on. (Fig. 21)
(4) Remove and discard the steering wheel bolt.
(5) Remove the steering wheel.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Do not reuse the old steering wheel bolt (a
new bolt must be used)
(1) Install steering wheel to the column
NOTE: Be certain that the steering wheel mounting
bolt is tightened to the proper torque specification
to ensure proper clockspring operation.
(2) Install the new steering wheel bolt. Tighten the
bolt to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the driver's side air bag. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/DRIVER AIRBAG -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 20 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
1 - UPPER COUPLING BOOT AND BOLT
2 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT
3 - LOWER COUPLING BOLT
4 - STEERING GEAR
Fig. 21 STEERING WHEEL PULLER
1 - STEERING WHEEL
2 - SPECIAL TOOL CJ98-1
DRCOLUMN 19 - 15
LOWER STEERING COUPLING (Continued)

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. Leaks can occur at the
mating surfaces of the gear case, adaptor or exten-
sion housing, or from the front/rear seals. A sus-
pected leak could also be the result of an overfill
condition.
Leaks at the rear of the extension or adapter hous-
ing will be from the housing oil seals. Leaks at com-
ponent 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 dripping from the clutch
housing after extended operation. If the leak is
severe, it may also contaminate the clutch disc caus-
ing the disc to slip, grab and or chatter.
A correct lubricant level check can only be made
when the vehicle is level. Also allow the lubricant to
settle for a minute or so before checking. These rec-
ommendations 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.
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.
Shift component damage or damaged clutch pres-
sure plate or disc are additional probable causes of
increased shift effort. 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 gener-
ally 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 and bearing
damage.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Shift transmission into Neutral.
(3) Remove shift boot bezel screws and slide boot
upward on shift lever extension.
(4) Remove shift lever extension from the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(5) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(6) Remove skid plate, if equipped.
(7) Drain lubricant if transmission will be disas-
sembled for service.
(8) Mark propeller shaft/shafts and companion
flange yoke/yokes for installation reference and
remove propeller shaft/shafts.
(9) Disconnect harness from clips on transmission
housing.
(10) Remove transfer case linkage if equipped.
(11) Remove transfer case mounting nuts and
remove transfer case if equipped.
(12) Remove slave cylinder mounting nut and
remove cylinder (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 SLAVE CYLINDER
1 - MOUNTING NUTS
2 - SLAVE CYLINDER
DRMANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 21 - 3
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV3500 (Continued)

²release fork ball stud.
²propeller shaft slip yoke.
(2) Apply sealer to threads of bottom PTO cover
bolt and install bolt in case.
(3) Mount transmission on jack and position trans-
mission under vehicle.
(4) Raise transmission until input shaft is centered
in release bearing and clutch disc hub.
(5) Move transmission forward and start input
shaft in release bearing, clutch disc and pilot bush-
ing.
(6) Work transmission forward until seated against
clutch housing. Do not allow transmission to remain
unsupported after input shaft has entered clutch
disc.
(7) Install transmission bolts and tighten to 108
N´m (80 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install transmission mount on transmission or
rear crossmember.
(9) Install rear crossmember.
(10) Remove transmission jack and engine support
fixture.
(11) Position transmission harness wires in clips
on shift cover.
(12) Install clutch slave cylinder and install slave
cylinder shield, if equipped.
(13) Connect speed sensor and backup light switch
wires.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Fill transmission with recommended lubricant.
Correct fill level is bottom edge of fill plug hole.
(2) Align and install propeller shaft.
(3) Lower vehicle.
(4) Clean the mating surfaces of shift tower, isola-
tor plate and shift cover with suitable wax and
grease remover.
(5) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
the sealing surface of the shift cover. Do not over
apply sealant.
(6) Install the isolator plate onto the shift cover,
metal side down.
(7) Install the shift tower onto the isolator plate.
No sealant is necessary between the shift tower and
the isolator plate.
(8) Verify that the shift tower, isolator plate and
the shift tower bushings are properly aligned.
(9) Install the bolts to hold the shift tower to the
isolator plate and the shift cover. Tighten the shift
tower bolts to 10.2-11.25 N´m (7.5-8.3 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install the shift lever extension onto the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(11) Install shift boot and bezel.
(12) Connect battery negative cable.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(1) Install transfer case shift mechanism on trans-
mission.
(2) Install transfer case on transmission jack.
Secure transfer case to jack with safety chains.
(3) Raise jack and align transfer case input gear
with transmission mainshaft.
(4) Move transfer case forward and seat it on
adapter.
(5) Install transfer case nuts and tighten to:
²If 3/8 studs 41-47 N´m (30-35 ft. lbs.).
²If 5/16 studs 30-41 N´m (22-30 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install transfer case shift mechanism to side of
transfer case.
(7) Connect transfer case shift lever to range lever
on transfer case.
(8) Align and connect propeller shafts.
(9) Fill transmission with required lubricant.
Check lubricant level in transfer case and add lubri-
cant if necessary.
(10) Install transfer case skid plate, if equipped
and crossmember. Tighten attaching bolts/nuts to 41
N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(11) Install exhaust system components.
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Clean the mating surfaces of shift tower, iso-
lator plate and shift cover with suitable wax and
grease remover.
(14) Apply Mopar Gasket Maker or equivalent to
the sealing surface of the shift cover. Do not over
apply sealant.
(15) Install the isolator plate onto the shift cover,
metal side down.
(16) Install the shift tower onto the isolator plate.
No sealant is necessary between the shift tower and
the isolator plate.
(17) Verify that the shift tower, isolator plate and
the shift tower bushings are properly aligned.
(18) Install the bolts to hold the shift tower to the
isolator plate and the shift cover. Tighten the shift
tower bolts to 10.2-11.25 N´m (7.5-8.3 ft. lbs.).
(19) Install the shift lever extension onto the shift
tower and lever assembly.
(20) Install shift lever boot and bezel.
(21) Connect battery negative cable.
21 - 78 MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500DR
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - NV4500 (Continued)

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
NOTE: The overdrive unit can be removed and ser-
viced separately. It is not necessary to remove the
entire transmission assembly to perform overdrive
unit repairs.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Remove the transfer case skid plate (Fig. 12), if
equipped.(4) Disconnect and lower or remove necessary
exhaust components.
(5) Remove engine-to-transmission struts (Fig. 13)
and (Fig. 14).
(6) Remove starter motor. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
(7) Disconnect and remove the crankshaft position
sensor. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJEC-
TION/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL) Retain the sensor attaching bolts.
(8) If transmission is being removed for overhaul,
remove transmission oil pan, drain fluid and reinstall
pan.
(9) Remove torque converter access cover.
Fig. 12 Transfer Case Skid Plate
1 - FRAME RAIL
2 - SKID PLATE
3 - BOLTS (6)
Fig. 13 Right Side Engine-to-Transmission Strut
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - ENGINE
3 - STRUT
Fig. 14 Left Side Engine-to-Transmission Strut
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - ENGINE
3 - STRUT
21 - 156 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

ASSEMBLY
(1) Lubricate piston and guide seals (Fig. 242)
with petroleum jelly. Lubricate other servo parts with
MopartATF +4, Automatic Transmission fluid.
(2) Install new seal ring on servo piston.
(3) Assemble piston, plug, spring and new snap-
ring.
(4) Lubricate piston seal lip with petroleum jelly.
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. Man-
ual SECOND (2) range provides first and second gear
only.
DRIVE range provides first, second third and over-
drive fourth gear ranges. The shift into overdrive
fourth gear range occurs only after the transmission
has completed the shift into D third gear range. No
further movement of the shift mechanism is required
to complete the 3-4 shift.
The fourth gear upshift occurs automatically when
the overdrive selector switch is in the ON position.
No upshift to fourth gear will occur if any of the fol-
lowing are true:²The transmission fluid temperature is below 10É
C (50É F) or above 121É C (250É F).
²The shift to third is not yet complete.
²Vehicle speed is too low for the 3-4 shift to occur.
²Battery temperature is below -5É C (23É F).
SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION
The typical electrical solenoid used in automotive
applications is a linear actuator. It is a device that
produces motion in a straight line. This straight line
motion can be either forward or backward in direc-
tion, and short or long distance.
A solenoid is an electromechanical device that uses
a magnetic force to perform work. It consists of a coil
of wire, wrapped around a magnetic core made from
steel or iron, and a spring loaded, movable plunger,
which performs the work, or straight line motion.
The solenoids used in transmission applications
are attached to valves which can be classified asnor-
mally openornormally closed. Thenormally
opensolenoid valve is defined as a valve which
allows hydraulic flow when no current or voltage is
applied to the solenoid. Thenormally closedsole-
noid valve is defined as a valve which does not allow
hydraulic flow when no current or voltage is applied
to the solenoid. These valves perform hydraulic con-
trol functions for the transmission and must there-
fore be durable and tolerant of dirt particles. For
these reasons, the valves have hardened steel pop-
pets and ball valves. The solenoids operate the valves
directly, which means that the solenoids must have
very high outputs to close the valves against the siz-
able flow areas and line pressures found in current
transmissions. Fast response time is also necessary
to ensure accurate control of the transmission.
The strength of the magnetic field is the primary
force that determines the speed of operation in a par-
ticular solenoid design. A stronger magnetic field will
cause the plunger to move at a greater speed than a
weaker one. There are basically two ways to increase
the force of the magnetic field:
1. Increase the amount of current applied to the
coil or
2. Increase the number of turns of wire in the coil.
The most common practice is to increase the num-
ber of turns by using thin wire that can completely
fill the available space within the solenoid housing.
The strength of the spring and the length of the
plunger also contribute to the response speed possi-
ble by a particular solenoid design.
A solenoid can also be described by the method by
which it is controlled. Some of the possibilities
include variable force, pulse-width modulated, con-
Fig. 242 Rear Servo Components
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - PISTON SEAL
3 - PISTON PLUG
4 - SPRING RETAINER
5 - SNAP-RING
6 - PISTON SPRING
7 - CUSHION SPRING
8 - PISTON
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 253
REAR SERVO (Continued)

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
NOTE: The overdrive unit can be removed and ser-
viced separately. It is not necessary to remove the
entire transmission assembly to perform overdrive
unit repairs.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Remove the transfer case skid plate (Fig. 12), if
equipped.(4) Disconnect and lower or remove necessary
exhaust components.
(5) Remove engine-to-transmission struts (Fig. 13)
and (Fig. 14).
(6) Remove starter motor. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
(7) Disconnect and remove the crankshaft position
sensor. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJEC-
TION/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL) Retain the sensor attaching bolts.
(8) If transmission is being removed for overhaul,
remove transmission oil pan, drain fluid and reinstall
pan.
(9) Remove torque converter access cover.
Fig. 12 Transfer Case Skid Plate
1 - FRAME RAIL
2 - SKID PLATE
3 - BOLTS (6)
Fig. 13 Right Side Engine-to-Transmission Strut
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - ENGINE
3 - STRUT
Fig. 14 Left Side Engine-to-Transmission Strut
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - ENGINE
3 - STRUT
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 337
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove small snap-ring and remove plug and
spring from servo piston (Fig. 224).
(2) Remove and discard servo piston seal ring.
CLEANING
Remove and discard the servo piston seal ring (Fig.
225). Then clean the servo components with solvent
and dry with compressed air. Replace either spring if
collapsed, distorted or broken. Replace the plug and
piston if cracked, bent, or worn. Discard the servo
snap-rings and use new ones at assembly.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Lubricate piston and guide seals (Fig. 226)
with petroleum jelly. Lubricate other servo parts with
MopartATF +4, Automatic Transmission fluid.
(2) Install new seal ring on servo piston.(3) Assemble piston, plug, spring and new snap-
ring.
(4) Lubricate piston seal lip with petroleum jelly.
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. Man-
ual SECOND (2) range provides first and second gear
only.
DRIVE range provides first, second third and over-
drive fourth gear ranges. The shift into overdrive
fourth gear range occurs only after the transmission
has completed the shift into D third gear range. No
further movement of the shift mechanism is required
to complete the 3-4 shift.
The fourth gear upshift occurs automatically when
the overdrive selector switch is in the ON position.
No upshift to fourth gear will occur if any of the fol-
lowing are true:
²The transmission fluid temperature is below 10É
C (50É F) or above 121É C (250É F).
²The shift to third is not yet complete.
²Vehicle speed is too low for the 3-4 shift to occur.
²Battery temperature is below -5É C (23É F).
Fig. 224 Rear Servo Components
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - PISTON SEAL
3 - PISTON PLUG
4 - SPRING RETAINER
5 - SNAP-RING
6 - PISTON SPRING
7 - CUSHION SPRING
8 - PISTON
Fig. 225 Rear Servo Components
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - PISTON SEAL
3 - PISTON PLUG
4 - SPRING RETAINER
5 - SNAP-RING
6 - PISTON SPRING
7 - CUSHION SPRING
8 - PISTON
Fig. 226 Rear Servo Components
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - PISTON SEAL
3 - PISTON PLUG
4 - SPRING RETAINER
5 - SNAP-RING
6 - PISTON SPRING
7 - CUSHION SPRING
8 - PISTON
21 - 430 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
REAR SERVO (Continued)