2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE overdrive

(3) Install the ECE check ball into the transfer
plate (Fig. 301). The ECE check ball is approximately
4.8 mm (3/16 in.) in diameter.
(4) Position lower housing separator plate on
transfer plate (Fig. 316).
(5) Install lower housing on assembled transfer
plate and upper housing (Fig. 317).
(6) Install and start all valve body screws by hand
except for the screws to hold the boost valve tube
brace. Save those screws for later installation. Then
tighten screws evenly to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
Start at center and work out to sides when tighten-
ing screws (Fig. 317).
Fig. 313 Brace Plate
1 - BRACE
2 - TRANSFER PLATE
3 - SEPARATOR PLATE
Fig. 314 Check Ball Locations In Upper Housing
1 - SMALL DIAMETER CHECK BALLS (6)
2 - LARGE DIAMETER CHECK BALL (1)
Fig. 315 Installing Transfer Plate On Upper Housing
1 - FILTER SCREEN
2 - TRANSFER PLATE/SEPARATOR PLATE ASSEMBLY
3 - UPPER HOUSING
Fig. 316 Lower Housing Separator Plate
1 - BE SURE TO ALIGN BORES
2 - TRANSFER PLATE
3 - LOWER HOUSING (OVERDRIVE) SEPARATOR PLATE
21 - 168 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
VALVE BODY (Continued)

(19) Attach solenoid case connector to 3-4 accumu-
lator with shoulder-type screw. Connector has small
locating tang that fits in dimple at top of accumula-
tor housing (Fig. 328). Seat tang in dimple before
tightening connector screw.
(20) Install solenoid assembly and gasket. Tighten
solenoid attaching screws to 8 N´m (72 in. lbs.)
torque.
(21) Verify that solenoid wire harness is properly
routed (Fig. 329). Solenoid harness must be clear of
manual lever and park rod and not be pinched
between accumulator housing and cover.
Fig. 326 Detent Ball Spring
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6583 POSITIONED ON DETENT HOUSING
Fig. 327 Manual And Throttle Lever Alignment
1 - THROTTLE LEVER
2 - MANUAL LEVER VALVE ARM
3 - MANUAL VALVE
4 - KICKDOWN VALVE
Fig. 328 Solenoid Harness Case Connector
Shoulder Bolt
1 - SOLENOID HARNESS CASE CONNECTOR
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR HOUSING
Fig. 329 Solenoid Harness Routing
1 - OVERDRIVE/CONVERTER SOLENOID WIRE HARNESS
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR COVER PLATE
21 - 174 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
VALVE BODY (Continued)

INSTALLATION........................253
OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................254
OPERATION..........................254
REMOVAL............................254
INSTALLATION........................254
OVERDRIVE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................254
OPERATION..........................254
PARK LOCK CABLE
REMOVAL............................255
INSTALLATION........................255
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION........................256
OPERATION..........................256
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
DESCRIPTION........................258
OPERATION..........................260
DISASSEMBLY........................260
CLEANING...........................260
INSPECTION.........................260
ASSEMBLY...........................261
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION........................261
OPERATION..........................261
REMOVAL............................261
INSTALLATION........................263
SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
DESCRIPTION........................263
OPERATION..........................263
SOLENOIDS
DESCRIPTION........................263OPERATION..........................264
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION........................264
OPERATION..........................268
REMOVAL............................269
INSTALLATION........................269
TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
DESCRIPTION........................270
OPERATION..........................270
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................270
OPERATION..........................270
TRANSMISSION SOLENOID/TRS ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION........................271
OPERATION..........................271
REMOVAL............................272
INSTALLATION........................272
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................272
OPERATION..........................272
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION........................273
OPERATION..........................273
REMOVAL............................274
DISASSEMBLY........................275
CLEANING...........................277
INSPECTION.........................277
ASSEMBLY...........................278
INSTALLATION........................279
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION -
545RFE
DESCRIPTION
The 545RFE automatic transmission is a sophisti-
cated, multi-range, electronically controlled transmis-
sion which combines optimized gear ratios for
responsive performance, state of the art efficiency
features and low NVH. Other features include driver
adaptive shifting and three planetary gear sets to
provide wide ratio capability with precise ratio steps
for optimum driveability. The three planetary gear
sets also make available a unique alternate second
gear ratio. The primary 2nd gear ratio fits between
1st and 3rd gears for normal through-gear accelera-
tions. The alternate second gear ratio (2prime) allows
smoother 4-2 kickdowns at high speeds to provide
2nd gear passing performance over a wider highway
cruising range. An additional overdrive ratio (0.67:1)
is also provided for greater fuel economy and less
NVH at highway speeds.The hydraulic portion of the transmission consists
of the transmission fluid, fluid passages, hydraulic
valves, and various line pressure control components.
The primary mechanical components of the trans-
mission consist of the following:
²Three multiple disc input clutches
²Three multiple disc holding clutches
²Five hydraulic accumulators
²Three planetary gear sets
²Dual Stage Hydraulic oil pump
²Valve body
²Solenoid pack
The TCM is the ªheartº or ªbrainº of the electronic
control system and relies on information from vari-
ous direct and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc.)
to determine driver demand and vehicle operating
conditions. With this information, the TCM can cal-
culate and perform timely and quality shifts through
various output or control devices (solenoid pack,
transmission control relay, etc.).
21 - 178 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ

Diagnosis of these problems should always begin
by checking the easily accessible variables: fluid level
and condition, gearshift cable adjustment. Then per-
form a road test to determine if the problem has been
corrected or if more diagnosis is necessary. If the
problem persists after the preliminary tests and cor-
rections are completed, hydraulic pressure checks
should be performed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRELIMINARY
Two basic procedures are required. One procedure for
vehicles that are drivable and an alternate procedure for
disabled vehicles (will not back up or move forward).
VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE
(1) Check for transmission fault codes using DRBt
scan tool.
(2) Check fluid level and condition.
(3) Adjust gearshift cable if complaint was based
on delayed, erratic, or harsh shifts.
(4) Road test and note how transmission upshifts,
downshifts, and engages.
(5) Perform stall test if complaint is based on slug-
gish acceleration. Or, if abnormal throttle opening is
needed to maintain normal speeds with a properly
tuned engine.
(6) Perform hydraulic pressure test if shift prob-
lems were noted during road test.
(7)
Perform air-pressure test to check clutch operation.
VEHICLE IS DISABLED
(1) Check fluid level and condition.
(2)
Check for broken or disconnected gearshift cable.
(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 driveplate, 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 all diagnostic trou-
ble 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, overrunning clutch, or line presure problems.
A slipping clutch can often be determined by com-
paring which internal units are applied in the vari-
ous gear ranges. The Clutch Application chart
provides a basis for analyzing road test results.
CLUTCH APPLICATION CHART
SLP UD OD R 2C 4C L/R OVERRUNNING
P±PARKON
R±REVERSEON ON
N-NEUTRALON
D±OVERDRIVE
FIRSTON ON* ON
SECONDON ON
SECOND PRIMEON ON
THIRDON ON
FOURTHON ON
FIFTHON ON
LIMP-INON ON
2±FIRSTON ON* ON
SECONDON ON
LIMP-INON ON
1±LOWON ON ON
*L/R clutch is on only with the output shaft speed below 150 rpm.
21 - 180 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)

NOTE: The 545RFE utilizes closed loop control of
pump line pressure. The pressure readings may
therefore vary greatly but should always follow line
pressure.
Some common pressures that can be measured to
evaluate pump and clutch performance are the
upshift/downshift pressures and the garage shift
pressures. The upshift/downshift pressure for all
shifts except the 4-5 shift is 120 psi. The upshift
pressure for the 4-5 shift is 130 psi. The garage shift
pressure when performing a N-R shift is 220 psi. The
garage shift pressure for the R-N and N-1 shifts is
120 psi.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AIR CHECKING
TRANSMISSION CLUTCH OPERATION
Air-pressure testing can be used to check transmis-
sion clutch operation. The test can be conducted with
the transmission either in the vehicle or on the work
bench, as a final check.
Air-pressure testing requires that the oil pan and
valve body be removed from the transmission. The
clutch apply passages are shown (Fig. 6).
NOTE: The air supply which is used must be free of
moisture and dirt. Use a pressure of 30 psi to test
clutch operation.Apply air pressure at each port. If the clutch is
functioning, a soft thump will be heard as the clutch
is applied. The clutch application can also be felt by
touching the appropriate element while applying air
pressure. As the air pressure is released, the clutch
should also release.
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. Torque converter seal leaks tend to move
along the drive hub and onto the rear of the con-
verter. Pump cover seal tend to run down the cover
and the inside surface of the bellhousing.
Some leaks, or suspected leaks, may be particu-
larly difficult to locate. If necessary, a Mopart
approved dye may be used to locate a leak.
Fig. 5 Valve Body Pressure Tap Adapter 8258-A
1 - 545RFE TRANSMISSION
2 - TOOL 8258-A
Fig. 6 Air Pressure Test Passages
1 - LOW REVERSE CLUTCH
2 - 4TH CLUTCH
3 - 2ND CLUTCH
4 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
5 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
6 - REVERSE CLUTCH
21 - 182 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)

INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION
Three hydraulically applied input clutches are used
to drive planetary components. The underdrive, over-
drive, and reverse clutches are considered input
clutches and are contained within the input clutch
assembly (Fig. 68) and (Fig. 69). The input clutch
assembly also contains:
²Input shaft
²Input hub
²Clutch retainer
²Underdrive piston²Overdrive/reverse piston
²Overdrive hub
²Underdrive hubOPERATION
The three input clutches are responsible for driving
different components of the planetary geartrain.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
The underdrive clutch is hydraulically applied in
first, second, second prime, and third (direct) gears
by pressurized fluid against the underdrive piston.
Fig. 68 Input Clutch Assembly - Part 1
1 - INPUT CLUTCH HUB 11 - UD CLUTCH
2 - O-RING SEALS 12 - PLATE
3 - SEAL 13 - CLUTCH RETAINER
4 - SNAP-RING 14 - SEAL
5 - SNAP-RING 15 - OD/REV PISTON
6 - UD BALANCE PISTON 16 - BELLEVILLE SPRING
7 - SNAP-RING 17 - SNAP-RING
8 - UD PISTON 18 - SEAL RINGS
9 - SPRING 19 - INPUT SHAFT
10 - DISC 20 - LUBRICATION CHECK VALVE AND SNAP-RING
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 235

When the underdrive clutch is applied, the under-
drive hub drives the input sun gear.
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
The overdrive clutch is hydraulically applied in
third (direct), fourth, and fifth gears by pressurized
fluid against the overdrive/reverse piston. When the
overdrive clutch is applied, the overdrive hub drives
the reverse carrier/input annulus assembly.
REVERSE CLUTCH
The reverse clutch is hydraulically applied in
reverse gear by pressurized fluid against the over-
drive/reverse piston. When the reverse clutch is
applied, the reaction annulus gear is driven.
Fig. 69 Input Clutch Assembly - Part 2
1 - BEARING NUMBER 3 10 - SNAP-RING (SELECT)
2 - OD HUB/SHAFT 11 - PLATE
3 - SNAP-RING (WAVE) 12 - DISC
4 - REV/OD REACTION PLATE 13 - OD CLUTCH
5 - BEARING NUMBER 4 14 - SNAP-RING (TAPERED)
6 - SNAP-RING (FLAT) 15 - UD/OD REACTION PLATE
7 - REVERSE HUB/SHAFT 16 - SNAP-RING (FLAT)
8 - REVERSE CLUTCH 17 - UD HUB/SHAFT
9 - REVERSE REACTION PLATE 18 - BEARING NUMBER 2
21 - 236 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the reverse reaction plate selective
snap-ring from the input clutch retainer (Fig. 70).
(2) Remove the reverse reaction plate from the
input clutch retainer.
(3) Remove the reverse hub and reverse clutch
pack from the input clutch retainer.
(4) Remove the number 4 bearing from the over-
drive hub.
(5) Remove the overdrive hub from the input
clutch retainer (Fig. 70).(6) Remove the number 3 bearing from the under-
drive hub.
(7) Remove the OD/reverse reaction plate snap-
ring from the input clutch retainer.
(8) Remove the underdrive hub, overdrive clutch,
and overdrive reaction plate from the input clutch
retainer (Fig. 70).
NOTE: The overdrive friction discs and steel discs
are thicker than the matching components in the
underdrive and reverse clutches.
Fig. 70 Input Clutch Assembly - Part 2
1 - BEARING NUMBER 3 10 - SNAP-RING (SELECT)
2 - OD HUB/SHAFT 11 - PLATE
3 - SNAP-RING (WAVE) 12 - DISC
4 - REV/OD REACTION PLATE 13 - OD CLUTCH
5 - BEARING NUMBER 4 14 - SNAP-RING (TAPERED)
6 - SNAP-RING (FLAT) 15 - UD/OD REACTION PLATE
7 - REVERSE HUB/SHAFT 16 - SNAP-RING (FLAT)
8 - REVERSE CLUTCH 17 - UD HUB/SHAFT
9 - REVERSE REACTION PLATE 18 - BEARING NUMBER 2
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 237
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)