PARK POWERFLOW
As the engine is running and the crankshaft is
rotating, the flexplate and torque converter, which
are also bolted to it, are all rotating in a clockwise
direction as viewed from the front of the engine. The
notched hub of the torque converter is connected to
the oil pump's internal gear, supplying the transmis-
sion with oil pressure. As the converter turns, it
turns the input shaft in a clockwise direction. As the
input shaft is rotating, the front clutch hub-rear
clutch retainer and all their associated parts are also
rotating, all being directly connected to the input
shaft. The power flow from the engine through the
front clutch hub and rear clutch retainer stops at the
rear clutch retainer. Therefore, no power flow to the
output shaft occurs because no clutches are applied.
The only mechanism in use at this time is the park-
ing sprag (Fig. 3), which locks the parking gear on
the output shaft to the transmission case.
NEUTRAL POWERFLOW
With the gear selector in the NEUTRAL position
(Fig. 4), the power flow of the transmission is essen-
tially the same as in the park position. The only
operational difference is that the parking sprag has
been disengaged, unlocking the output shaft from the
transmission case and allowing it to move freely.
Fig. 3 Park Powerflow
1 - LEVER ENGAGED FOR PARK
2 - PARK SPRAG
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 4 Neutral Powerflow
1 - PAWL DISENGAGED FOR NEUTRAL
2 - PARK SPRAG
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
4 - CAM
5-PAWL
21 - 6 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
REMOVAL
The overdrive unit can be removed and serviced
separately. It is not necessary to remove the entire
transmission assembly to perform overdrive unit
repairs.
If only the overdrive unit requires service, refer to
Overdrive Removal for proper procedures.
CAUTION: The transmission and torque converter
must be removed as an assembly to avoid compo-
nent damage. The converter driveplate, pump bush-
ing, or oil seal can be damaged if the converter is
left attached to the driveplate during removal. Be
sure to remove the transmission and converter as
an assembly.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect and lower or remove necessary
exhaust components.
(3) Disconnect fluid cooler lines at transmission.
(4) Remove starter motor. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
(5) Disconnect and remove crankshaft position sen-
sor. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJEC-
TION/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL) Retain sensor attaching bolts.
CAUTION: The crankshaft position sensor will be
damaged if the transmission is removed, or
installed, while the sensor is still bolted to the
engine block, or transmission (4.0L only). To avoid
damage, be sure to remove the sensor before
removing the transmission.
(6) Remove the bolts holding the bell housing
brace to the transmission.
(7) Remove nut holding the bell housing brace to
the engine to transmission bending brace.
(8) Remove the bell housing brace from the trans-
mission (Fig. 13).
(9) Remove the bolt holding the torque converter
cover to the transmission.
(10) Remove the torque converter cover from the
transmission.
(11) If transmission is being removed for overhaul,
remove transmission oil pan, drain fluid and reinstall
pan.
(12) Remove fill tube bracket bolts and pull tube
out of transmission. Retain fill tube seal. On4x4
models, it will also be necessary to remove bolt
attaching transfer case vent tube to converter hous-
ing.
(13) Rotate crankshaft in clockwise direction until
converter bolts are accessible. Then remove bolts one
at a time. Rotate crankshaft with socket wrench on
dampener bolt.(14) Mark propeller shaft and axle yokes for
assembly alignment. Then disconnect and remove
propeller shaft. On4x4models, remove both propel-
ler shafts.
(15) Disconnect wires from park/neutral position
switch and transmission solenoid.
(16) Disconnect gearshift cable from transmission
manual valve lever (Fig. 14).
Fig. 13 Bell Housing Brace and Converter Cover
1 - Transmission
2 - Torque Converter Cover
3 - Bellhousing Brace
Fig. 14 Transmission Shift Cable
1 - SHIFT CABLE
2 - MANUAL LEVER
3 - MANUAL LEVER
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 27
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
(32) Install valve body as follows:
(a) Align and carefully insert park rod into pawl.
Rod will make click noise as it enters pawl. Move
rod slightly to check engagement.
(b) Align and seat valve body on case. Be sure
manual lever shaft and overdrive connector are
fully seated in case. Also be sure valve body wiring
is not pinched or kinked.
(c) Install and start all valve body attaching
bolts by hand. Then tighten bolts evenly, in a diag-
onal pattern to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque. Do not
overtighten valve body bolts. This could result in
distortion and cross leakage after installation.
CAUTION: It is possible for the park rod to displace
into a cavity just above the pawl sprag during
installation. Make sure the rod is actually engaged
in the pawl and has not displaced into the cavity.
(33) Install new filter on valve body. Tighten filter
screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
(34) Adjust front and rear bands.
(35) Install seal on park/neutral position switch.
Then install and tighten switch to 34 N´m (25 ft.
lbs.).
(36) Install magnet in oil pan. Magnet goes on
small protrusion at corner of pan.
(37) Position new oil pan gasket on case and
install oil pan. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N´m (13 ft.
lbs.).
(38) Install new valve body manual shaft seal in
case (Fig. 60). Lubricate seal lip and manual shaft
with petroleum jelly. Start seal over shaft and into
case. Seat seal with 15/16 inch, deep well socket.
(39) Install throttle valve and shift selector levers
on valve body manual lever shaft.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 during installa-
tion.
(2) Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission
fluid.
(3) Align converter and oil pump.
(4) Carefully insert converter in oil pump. Then
rotate converter back and forth until fully seated in
pump gears.
(5) Check converter seating with steel scale and
straightedge (Fig. 61). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(6) Temporarily secure converter with C-clamp.
(7) Position transmission on jack and secure it
with chains.
(8) 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 trans-
mission in alignment.
(9) Apply a light coating of MopartHigh Temp
grease to the torque converter hub pocket in the rear
of the crankshaft
(10) Raise transmission and align converter with
drive plate and converter housing with engine block.
Fig. 60 Installing Manual Lever Shaft Seal
1 - 15/1688SOCKET
2 - SEAL
Fig. 61 Checking Torque Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 41
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
(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 two bolts to attach converter housing
to engine.
(14) Install the upper transmission bending braces
to the torque converter housing and the overdrive
unit. Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft.lbs.).
(15) Install remaining torque converter housing to
engine bolts. Tighten to 68 N´m (50 ft.lbs.).
(16) Install rear transmission crossmember.
Tighten crossmember to frame bolts to 68 N´m (50
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) Install crankshaft position sensor. (Refer to 14
- FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/CRANKSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION)
(21) Install new plastic retainer grommet on any
shift cable that was disconnected. Grommets should
not be reused. Use pry tool to remove rod from grom-
met and cut away old grommet. Use pliers to snap
new grommet into cable and to snap grommet onto
lever.
(22) Connect gearshift and throttle valve cable to
transmission.
(23) Connect wires to park/neutral position switch
and transmission solenoid connector. Be sure trans-
mission harnesses are properly routed.CAUTION: It is essential that correct length bolts be
used to attach the converter to the driveplate. Bolts
that are too long will damage the clutch surface
inside the converter.
(24) Install all torque converter-to-driveplate bolts
by hand.
(25) Verify that the torque converter is pulled
flush to the driveplate. Tighten bolts to 31 N´m (270
in. lbs.).
(26) Install converter housing access cover. Tighten
bolt to 23 N´m (200 in.lbs.).
(27) Install the bell housing brace to the torque
converter cover and the engine to transmission bend-
ing brace. Tighten the bolts and nut to 41 N´m (30
ft.lbs.).
(28) Install starter motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLA-
TION) and cooler line bracket.
(29) Connect cooler lines to transmission.
(30) Install transmission fill tube. Install new seal
on tube before installation.
(31) Install exhaust components.
(32) Install transfer case. Tighten transfer case
nuts to 35 N´m (26 ft.lbs.).
(33) Install the transfer case shift cable to the
cable support bracket and the transfer case shift
lever.
(34) Align and connect propeller shaft(s).
(35) Adjust gearshift linkage and throttle valve
cable if necessary.
(36) Lower vehicle.
(37) Fill transmission with MopartATF +4, type
9602, fluid.
21 - 42 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
PRESSURE TEST
Overdrive clutch Fourth gear only Pressure should be 469-496 kPa (68-72 psi) with
closed throttle and increase to 620-896 kPa (90-130
psi) at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle.
Line pressure (at
accumulator)Closed throttle 372-414 kPa (54-60 psi).
Front servo Third or Fourth gear only No more than 21 kPa (3 psi) lower than line pressure.
Rear servo 1 range No more than 21 kPa (3 psi) lower than line pressure.
R range 1103 kPa (160 psi) at idle, builds to 1862 kPa (270 psi)
at 1600 rpm.
Governor D range closed throttle Pressure should respond smoothly to changes in mph
and return to 0-7 kPa (0-1.5 psi) when stopped with
transmission in D, 1, 2. Pressure above 7 kPa (1.5 psi)
at stand still will prevent transmission from
downshifting.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Fitting, cooler line at trans 18 13 -
Bolt, torque convertor 31 - 270
Bolt, clevis bracket to crossmember 47 35 -
Bolt, clevis bracket to rear support 68 50 -
Bolt, driveplate to crankshaft 75 55 -
Plug, front band reaction 17 13 -
Locknut, front band adj. 34 25 -
Switch, park/neutral 34 25 -
Bolt, fluid pan 17 13 -
Screws, fluid filter 4 - 35
Bolt, oil pump 20 15 -
Bolt, overrunning clutch cam 17 13 -
Bolt, O/D to trans. 34 25 -
Bolt, O/D piston retainer 17 13 -
Plug, pressure test port 14 10 -
Bolt, reaction shaft support 20 15 -
Locknut, rear band 41 30 -
Bolt, speedometer adapter 11 - 100
Screw, vehicle speed sensor 2.5 - 21
Bolt, valve body to case 12 - 100
Sensor, trans speed 27 20 -
Screw, solenoid wiring connector 4 - 35
Screw, solenoid to transfer plate 4 - 35
21 - 56 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
NOTE: Be sure that as the cable is pulled forward
and centered on the throttle lever stud, the cable
housing moves smoothly with the cable. Due to the
angle at which the cable housing enters the spring
housing, the cable housing may bind slightly and
create an incorrect adjustment.
(8) Reconnect the T.V. cable (B) to the throttle
bellcrank lever (C).
(9) Check cable adjustment. Verify transmission
throttle lever and lever on throttle body move simul-
taneously.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION
The torque converter (Fig. 245) is a hydraulic
device that couples the engine crankshaft to the
transmission. The torque converter consists of an
outer shell with an internal turbine, a stator, an
overrunning clutch, an impeller and an electronically
applied converter clutch. The converter clutch pro-
vides reduced engine speed and greater fuel economy
when engaged. Clutch engagement also provides
reduced transmission fluid temperatures. The torque
converter hub drives the transmission oil (fluid)
pump.
The torque converter is a sealed, welded unit that
is not repairable and is serviced as an assembly.
CAUTION: The torque converter must be replaced if
a transmission failure resulted in large amounts of
metal or fiber contamination in the fluid. If the fluid
is contaminated, flush the all transmission fluid
cooler(s) and lines.
Fig. 244 Throttle Valve Cable at Throttle Linkage
1 - THROTTLE LINKAGE
2 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE LOCKING CLIP
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
Fig. 245 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE
2 - IMPELLER
3 - HUB
4-STATOR
5 - FRONT COVER
6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH DISC
7 - DRIVE PLATE
21 - 128 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE (Continued)
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAK POINTS
Possible sources of converter leaks are:
(1) Leaks at the weld joint around the outside
diameter weld (Fig. 7).
(2) Leaks at the converter hub weld (Fig. 7).
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
CAUTION: The transmission and torque converter
must be removed as an assembly to avoid compo-
nent damage. The converter driveplate, converter
hub o-ring, or oil seal can be damaged if the con-
verter is left attached to the driveplate during
removal. Be sure to remove the transmission and
converter as an assembly.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle
(3) Mark propeller shaft and axle yokes for assem-
bly alignment.
(4) Remove the rear propeller shaft
(5) Remove the front propeller shaft.
(6) Remove the engine to transmission collar (Fig.
8).
(7) Remove the exhaust support bracket from the
rear of the transmission.
(8) Disconnect and lower or remove any necessary
exhaust components.
(9) Remove the starter motor.
(10) Rotate crankshaft in clockwise direction until
converter bolts are accessible. Then remove bolts one
at a time. Rotate crankshaft with socket wrench on
dampener bolt.
(11) Disconnect wires from solenoid and pressure
switch assembly, input and output speed sensors, and
line pressure sensor.
Fig. 7 Torque Converter Assembly
1 - TURBINE ASSEMBLY
2-STATOR
3 - CONVERTER HUB
4 - O-RING
5 - IMPELLER ASSEMBLY
6 - CONVERTER CLUTCH PISTON
7 - TURBINE HUB
Fig. 8 Transmission Collar
1 - ENGINE
2 - ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION COLLAR
3 - TRANSMISSION
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 183
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)
(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. 52). Surface of converter lugs
should be at least 13 mm (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 seated
in 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 and align the torque con-
verter with the drive plate and the transmission con-
verter housing with the engine block.
(12) Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower,
or tilt transmission to align the converter housing
with the 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 rear transmission crossmember.
Tighten crossmember to frame bolts to 68 N´m (50
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) Install new plastic retainer grommet on any
shift cable that was disconnected. Grommets should
not be reused. Use pry tool to remove rod from grom-
met and cut away old grommet. Use pliers to snap
new grommet into cable and to snap grommet onto
lever.
(21) Connect gearshift cable to transmission.
(22) Connect wires to solenoid and pressure switch
assembly connector, input and output speed sensors,
and line pressure sensor. Be sure transmission har-
nesses are properly routed.
CAUTION: It is essential that correct length bolts be
used to attach the converter to the driveplate. Bolts
that are too long will damage the clutch surface
inside the converter.
(23) Install all torque converter-to-driveplate bolts
by hand.
(24) Verify that the torque converter is pulled
flush to the driveplate. Tighten bolts to 31 N´m (270
in. lbs.).
(25) Install starter motor and cooler line bracket.
(26) Connect cooler lines to transmission.
(27) Install transmission fill tube.
(28) Install exhaust components.
(29) Install transfer case. Tighten transfer case
nuts to 35 N´m (26 ft.lbs.).
(30) Install the transfer case shift cable to the
cable support bracket and the transfer case shift
lever.
(31) Install the transmission collar onto the trans-
mission and the engine. Tighten the bolts to 54 N´m
(40 ft.lbs.).
(32) Align and connect propeller shaft(s).
(33) Adjust gearshift cable if necessary.
(34) Lower vehicle.
(35) Fill transmission with MopartATF +4, type
9602, Automatic Transmission fluid.
Fig. 52 Checking Torque Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
21 - 198 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)