2003 DODGE RAM lock

(39) Remove the input/reverse planetary assembly
(Fig. 29).
(40) Remove the number 12 bearing from the
input/reverse planetary assembly (Fig. 29).
(41) Remove the snap-ring holding the low/reverse
clutch retainer into the transmission case (Fig. 30).
(42) Remove the low/reverse clutch retainer from
the transmission case (Fig. 30).
(43) Remove the park pawl rod and e-clip (Fig. 31).
(44) Remove the park pawl rod guide snap-ring
(Fig. 31).
(45) Remove the park pawl rod guide (Fig. 31).(46) Remove the park pawl pivot shaft, park pawl,
and spring (Fig. 31).
(47) Remove the manual selector shaft (Fig. 31).
(48) Remove the manual selector shaft seal.
(49) Remove the dipstick tube seal.
CLEANING
The use of crocus cloth is permissible where neces-
sary, providing it is used carefully. When used on
shafts, or valves, use extreme care to avoid rounding
off sharp edges. Sharp edges are vital as they pre-
vent foreign matter from getting between the valve
and valve bore.
Do not reuse oil seals, gaskets, seal rings, or
O-rings during overhaul. Replace these parts as a
matter of course. Also do not reuse snap rings or
E-clips that are bent or distorted. Replace these parts
as well.
Lubricate transmission parts with MopartATF +4,
Automatic Transmission Fluid, during overhaul and
assembly. Use petroleum jelly, MopartDoor Ease, or
Ru-Glyde to prelubricate seals, O-rings, and thrust
Fig. 29 Remove Input/Reverse Planetary Assembly
1 - INPUT/REVERSE PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
2 - BEARING NUMBER 9
3 - BEARING NUMBER 12
Fig. 30 Remove Low/Reverse Clutch Retainer
1 - LOW/REVERSE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
2 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 31 Manual Shaft/Park Lock Components
1 - GUIDE
2 - SNAP-RING
3 - SHAFT
4 - SPRING
5 - PARK PAWL
6 - MANUAL SHAFT/LEVER
7 - PARK ROD
21 - 502 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

washers. Petroleum jelly can also be used to hold
parts in place during reassembly.
Clean the case in a solvent tank. Flush the case
bores and fluid passages thoroughly with solvent.
Dry the case and all fluid passages with compressed
air. Be sure all solvent is removed from the case and
that all fluid passages are clear.
NOTE: Do not use shop towels or rags to dry the
case (or any other transmission component) unless
they are made from lint-free materials. Lint will stick
to case surfaces and transmission components and
circulate throughout the transmission after assem-
bly. A sufficient quantity of lint can block fluid pas-
sages and interfere with valve body operation.
INSPECTION
Inspect the case for cracks, porous spots, worn
bores, or damaged threads. Damaged threads can be
repaired with Helicoil thread inserts. However, the
case will have to be replaced if it exhibits any type of
damage or wear.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Clean and inspect all components. Replace any
components which show evidence of excessive wear
or scoring.
(2) Install the cooler filter bypass valve.
(3) Torque the bypass valve to specification. The
valve uses a tapered pipe thread and excessive
torque can damage the transmission case. Tighten
the cooler filter bypass valve to 4.5 N´m (40 in.lbs.).
(4) Install a new selector shaft seal using Seal
Installer 8253 (Fig. 32).
(5) Install the manual selector shaft and retaining
screw. Tighten the manual selector shaft retaining
screw to 28 N´m (250 in.lbs.).
(6) Install the park pawl, spring, and shaft (Fig.
33).
(7) Install the park rod and e-clip (Fig. 33).
(8) Install the park rod guide and snap-ring (Fig.
33).
Fig. 32 Install Selector Shaft
1 - SEAL
2 - TOOL 8253
Fig. 33 Manual Shaft/Park Lock Components
1 - GUIDE
2 - SNAP-RING
3 - SHAFT
4 - SPRING
5 - PARK PAWL
6 - MANUAL SHAFT/LEVER
7 - PARK ROD
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 503
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(55) Install the manual shift lever from the trans-
mission. Torque the retaining cross-bolt to 16 N´m
(140 in.lbs.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Check torque converter hub and hub drive flats
for sharp edges burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the
hub and flats with 320/400 grit paper and crocus
cloth if necessary. Verify that the converter hub
o-ring is properly installed and is free of any debris.
The hub must be smooth to avoid damaging pump
seal at installation.
(2) If a replacement transmission is being
installed, transfer any components necessary, such as
the manual shift lever and shift cable bracket, from
the original transmission onto the replacement trans-
mission.
(3) Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission
fluid.
(4) Align converter and 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. 53). Surface of converter lugs
should be at least 13mm (1/2 in.) to rear of straight-
edge when converter 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 seatedin engine block and protrude far enough to
hold transmission in alignment.
(10) Apply a light coating of MopartHigh Temp
Grease to the torque converter hub pocket in the rear
pocket of the engine's crankshaft.
(11) Raise transmission (Fig. 54) and align the
torque converter with the drive plate and transmis-
sion converter housing with the engine block.
(12) Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower
or tilt transmission to align the converter housing
with engine block dowels.
(13) Carefully work transmission forward and over
engine block dowels until converter hub is seated in
crankshaft. Verify that no wires, or the transmission
vent hose, have become trapped between the engine
block and the transmission.
(14) Install two bolts to attach the transmission to
the engine.
(15) Install remaining torque converter housing to
engine bolts. Tighten to 68 N´m (50 ft.lbs.).
(16) Install transfer case, if equipped. Tighten
transfer case nuts to 35 N´m (26 ft.lbs.).
(17) Install rear support to transmission. Tighten
bolts to 47 N´m (35 ft.lbs.).
(18) Lower transmission onto crossmember and
install bolts attaching transmission mount to cross-
member. Tighten clevis bracket to crossmember bolts
to 47 N´m (35 ft.lbs.). Tighten the clevis bracket to
rear support bolt to 68 N´m (50 ft.lbs.).
(19) Remove engine support fixture.
(20) Connect gearshift cable to transmission.
Fig. 53 Checking Torque Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
Fig. 54 Install Transmission
1 - ENGINE
2 - TRANSMISSION
21 - 510 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

HYDRAULIC FLOW IN REVERSE BLOCK
21 - 516 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
INTERLOCK SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The Brake Transmission Shifter Interlock (BTSI)
(Fig. 64), is a solenoid operated system. It consists of
a solenoid permanently mounted on the gearshift
cable.
OPERATION
The system locks the shifter into the PARK posi-
tion. The interlock system is engaged whenever the
ignition switch is in the LOCK or ACCESSORY posi-
tion. An additional electrically activated feature will
prevent shifting out of the PARK position unless the
brake pedal is depressed approximately one-half an
inch. A magnetic holding device in line with the park
lock cable is energized when the ignition is in the
RUN position. When the key is in the RUN position
and the brake pedal is depressed, the shifter is
unlocked and will move into any position. The inter-
lock system also prevents the ignition switch from
being turned to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position,
unless the shifter is fully locked into the PARK posi-
tion.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK
(1) Verify that the key can only be removed in the
PARK position
(2) When the shift lever is in PARK And the shift
handle pushbutton is in the ªOUTº position, the igni-
tion key cylinder should rotate freely from OFF toLOCK. When the shifter is in any other gear or neu-
tral position, the ignition key cylinder should not
rotate to the LOCK position.
(3) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the OFF posi-
tion.
(4) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
while applying normal pushbutton force and ignition
key cylinder is in the RUN or START positions
unless the foot brake pedal is depressed approxi-
mately 1/2 inch (12mm).
(5) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the ACCESSORY
or LOCK positions.
(6) Shifting between any gears, NEUTRAL or into
PARK may be done without depressing foot brake
pedal with ignition switch in RUN or START posi-
tions.
ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK
Correct cable adjustment is important to proper
interlock operation. The gearshift cable must be cor-
rectly adjusted in order to shift out of PARK.
ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
(1) Remove the steering column trim as necessary
for access to the brake transmission shift interlock.
(2) Shift the transmission into the PARK position.
(3) Pull upward on both the BTSI lock tab and the
gearshift cable lock tab (Fig. 65).
(4) Verify that the shift lever is in the PARK posi-
tion.
(5) Verify positive engagement of the transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate the propeller shaft.
The shaft will not rotate when the park lock is
engaged.
(6) Turn ignition switch to LOCK position.Be
sure ignition key cylinder is in the LOCK posi-
tion. Cable will not adjust correctly in any
other position.
(7) Ensure that the cable is free to self-adjust by
pushing cable rearward and releasing.
(8) Push the gearshift cable lock tab down until it
snaps in place.
(9) Locate the BTSI alignment hole in the bottom
of the BTSI mechanism between the BTSI lock tab
and the BTSI connector.
(10) Move the BTSI assembly up or down on the
gearshift cable until an appropriate size drill bit can
be inserted into the alignment hole and through the
assembly.
(11) Push the BTSI lock tab down until it snaps
into place and remove the drill bit.
(12) Install any steering column trim previously
removed.
Fig. 64 Brake Transmission Interlock Mechanism
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
21 - 540 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR

BTSI FUNCTION CHECK
(1) Verify removal of ignition key allowed in PARK
position only.
(2) When the shift lever is in PARK, the ignition
key cylinder should rotate freely from off to lock.
When the shifter is in any other position, the ignition
key should not rotate from off to lock.
(3) Shifting out of PARK should be possible when
the ignition key cylinder is in the off position.
(4) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
while applying normal force, and ignition key cylin-
der is in the run or start positions, unless the foot
brake pedal is depressed approximately 1/2 inch
(12mm).
(5) Shifting out of PARK should not be possible
when the ignition key cylinder is in the accessory or
lock position.
(6) Shifting between any gear and NEUTRAL, or
PARK, may be done without depressing foot brake
with ignition switch in run or start positions.
(7) Engine starts must be possible with shifter
lever in PARK or NEUTRAL positions only. Engine
starts must not be possible in any position other than
PARK or NEUTRAL.
(8) With shifter lever in the:
²PARK position - Apply upward force on the shift
arm and remove pressure. Engine starts must be
possible.
²PARK position - Apply downward force on the
shift arm and remove pressure. Engine starts must
be possible.
²NEUTRAL position - Normal position. Engine
starts must be possible.²NEUTRAL position - Engine running and brakes
applied, apply upward force on the shift arm. Trans-
mission shall not be able to shift from neutral to
reverse.
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxi-
dation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid
expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the
transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can eas-
ily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has three primary causes.
(1) Internal clutch slippage, usually caused by low
line pressure, inadequate clutch apply pressure, or
clutch seal failure.
(2) 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.
(3) 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
Fig. 65 Brake Transmission Interlock Mechanism
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 541
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM (Continued)

(4) Lower the vehicle.
(5) Remove the dash panel insulation pad as nec-
essary to access the gearshift cable grommet (Fig.
70).
(6) Remove grommet from the dash panel.
(7) Remove any steering column trim necessary to
access the gearshift cable and BTSI mechanism.
(8) Disconnect the BTSI wiring connector.
(9) Disconnect cable at lower column bracket and
shift lever pin and pull the cable through the dash
panel opening into the vehicle (Fig. 71).
(10) Remove gearshift cable from vehicle.INSTALLATION
(1) Route the transmission end of the gearshift
cable through the opening in the dash panel (Fig.
72).
(2) Seat the cable grommet into the dash panel
opening.
(3) Snap the cable into the steering column
bracket so the retaining ears (Fig. 73) are engaged
and snap the cable eyelet onto the shift lever ball
stud.
Fig. 70 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 71 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
Fig. 72 Gearshift Cable at the Dash Panel
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - GROMMET
Fig. 73 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 545
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)

(4) Raise the vehicle.
(5) Place the transmission manual shift lever in
the ªPARKº detent (rearmost) position and rotate
prop shaft to ensure transmission is in PARK.
(6) Route the gearshift cable through the transmis-
sion mounting bracket and secure the cable by snap-
ping the cable retaining ears into the transmission
bracket and snapping the cable eyelet on the manual
shift lever ball stud.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Lock the shift cable adjustment by pressing the
cable adjuster lock tab downward until it snaps into
place.
(9) Check for proper operation of the transmission
range sensor.
(10) Adjust the gearshift cable and BTSI mecha-
nism as necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE
Check adjustment by starting the engine in PARK
and NEUTRAL. Adjustment is CORRECT if the
engine starts only in these positions. Adjustment is
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 transmission range sensor may be
faulty.
Gearshift Adjustment Procedure
(1) Shift transmission into PARK.
(2) Release cable adjuster lock tab (underneath the
steering column) (Fig. 74) to unlock cable.
(3) Raise vehicle.
(4) Disengage the cable eyelet from the transmis-
sion manual shift lever.
(5) Verify transmission shift lever is in PARK
detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward
detent is PARK position.
(6) Verify positive engagement of transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft.
Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
(7) Snap the cable eyelet onto the transmission
manual shift lever.
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster lock
tab downward until it snaps into place.
(10) Check engine starting. Engine should start
only in PARK and NEUTRAL
HOLDING CLUTCHES
DESCRIPTION
Three hydraulically applied multi-disc clutches are
used to hold some planetary geartrain components
stationary while the input clutches drive others. The
2C, 4C, and Low/Reverse clutches are considered
holding clutches. The 2C and 4C clutches are located
in the 4C retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 75), while the Low/
Reverse clutch is located at the rear of the transmis-
sion case (Fig. 76).
OPERATION
2C CLUTCH
The 2C clutch is hydraulically applied in second
and fifth gear by pressurized fluid against the 2C
piston. When the 2C clutch is applied, the reverse
sun gear assembly is held or grounded to the trans-
mission case by holding the reaction planetary car-
rier.
Fig. 74 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
21 - 546 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)