
WARNING: THE NEXT STEP IN GEARTRAIN
ASSEMBLY INVOLVES COMPRESSING THE DIRECT
CLUTCH HUB AND SPRING. IT IS EXTREMELY
IMPORTANT THAT PROPER EQUIPMENT BE USED
TO COMPRESS THE SPRING AS SPRING FORCE IS
APPROXIMATELY 830 POUNDS. USE COMPRES-
SOR TOOL C-6227-1 AND A HYDRAULIC-TYPE
SHOP PRESS WITH A MINIMUM RAM TRAVEL OF 6
INCHES. THE PRESS MUST ALSO HAVE A BED
THAT CAN BE ADJUSTED UP OR DOWN AS
REQUIRED. RELEASE CLUTCH SPRING TENSION
SLOWLY AND COMPLETELY TO AVOID PERSONAL
INJURY.
(20) Position Compressor Tool 6227-1 on clutch
hub.
(21) Compress clutch hub and spring just enough
to place tension on hub and hold it in place.
(22) Slowly compress clutch hub and spring. Com-
press spring and hub only enough to expose ring
grooves for clutch pack snap ring and clutch hub
retaining ring.
(23) Realign clutch pack on hub and seat clutch
discs and plates in clutch drum.
(24) Install direct clutch pack snap-ring (Fig. 171).
Be very sure snap-ring is fully seated in clutch drum
ring groove.
(25) Install clutch hub retaining ring (Fig. 172). Be
very sure retaining ring is fully seated in sun gear
ring groove.
(26) Slowly release press ram, remove compressor
tools and remove geartrain assembly.
GEAR CASE
(1) Position park pawl and spring in case and
install park pawl shaft. Verify that end of spring
with 90É bend is hooked to pawl and straight end of
spring is seated against case.
(2) Install pawl shaft retaining bolt. Tighten bolt
to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install park lock reaction plug. Note that plug
has locating pin at rear (Fig. 173). Be sure pin is
seated in hole in case before installing snap-ring.
(4) Install reaction plug snap-ring (Fig. 174). Com-
press snap ring only enough for installation; do not
distort it.
Fig. 170 Direct Clutch
1 - CLUTCH HUB
2 - DIRECT CLUTCH PACK
3 - CLUTCH DRUM
Fig. 171 Direct Clutch Pack Snap-Ring Installation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6227-1
2 - DIRECT CLUTCH PACK SNAP-RING
Fig. 172 Clutch Hub Retaining Ring Installation
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6227-1
2 - CLUTCH HUB RETAINING RING
21 - 100 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)

(5) Install new seal in gear case. On 4x4 gear case,
use Tool Handle C-4171 and Installer C-3860-A to
seat seal in case. On4x2gear case, use same Han-
dle C-4171 and Installer C-3995-A to seat seal in
case.
(6) Verify that tab ends of rear bearing locating
ring extend into access hole in gear case (Fig. 175).
(7) Support geartrain on Tool 6227-1 (Fig. 176). Be
sure tool is securely seated in clutch hub.
(8) Install overdrive gear case on geartrain (Fig.
176).
(9) Expand front bearing locating ring with snap-
ring pliers (Fig. 177). Then slide case downward until
locating ring locks in bearing groove and release
snap-ring.
(10) Install locating ring access cover and gasket
in overdrive unit case (Fig. 178).
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
(1) Install overdrive clutch reaction ring first.
Reaction ring is flat with notched ends (Fig. 179).
(2) Install wave spring on top of reaction ring (Fig.
180). Reaction ring and wave ring both fit in same
ring groove. Use screwdriver to seat each ring
securely in groove. Also ensure that the ends of the
two rings are offset from each other.
NOTE: The 42RE transmission has 3 overdrive
clutch discs and 2 plates.
(3) Assemble overdrive clutch pack (Fig. 181).
(4) Install overdrive clutch reaction plate first.
Fig. 173 Reaction Plug Locating Pin And Snap-Ring
1 - REACTION PLUG SNAP-RING (DO NOT OVERCOMPRESS
TO INSTALL)
2 - LOCATING PIN
3 - PARK LOCK REACTION PLUG
Fig. 174 Reaction Plug And Snap-Ring Installation
1 - REACTION PLUG SNAP-RING
2 - SNAP-RING PLIERS
Fig. 175 Correct Rear Bearing Locating Ring
Position
1 - CASE ACCESS HOLE
2 - TAB ENDS OF LOCATING RING
Fig. 176 Overdrive Gear Case Installation
1 - GEARTRAIN ASSEMBLY
2 - GEAR CASE
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 101
OVERDRIVE UNIT (Continued)

between the rollers and cam. This increased clear-
ance between the rollers and cam results in a free-
wheeling condition. When the inner race attempts to
rotate counterclockwise, the action causes the rollers
to roll in the same direction as the race, aided by the
pushing of the springs. As the rollers try to move in
the same direction as the inner race, they are
wedged between the inner and outer races due to the
design of the cam. In this condition, the clutch is
locked and acts as one unit.
DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: To service the overrunning clutch cam and
the overdrive piston retainer, the transmission
geartrain and the overdrive unit must be removed
from the transmission.
(1) Remove the overdrive piston (Fig. 190).
(2) Remove the overdrive piston retainer bolts.
(3) Remove overdrive piston retainer.
(4) Remove case gasket.
(5) Mark the position of the overrunning clutch
cam in the case (Fig. 191).
(6) Remove the overrunning clutch cam bolts.
(7) Remove the overrunning clutch cam.
CLEANING
Clean the overrunning clutch assembly, clutch cam,
low-reverse drum, and overdrive piston retainer in
solvent. Dry them with compressed air after clean-
ing.
INSPECTION
Inspect condition of each clutch part after cleaning.
Replace the overrunning clutch roller and spring
assembly if any rollers or springs are worn or dam-
aged, or if the roller cage is distorted, or damaged.
Replace the cam if worn, cracked or damaged.
Replace the low-reverse drum if the clutch race,
roller surface or inside diameter is scored, worn or
damaged.Do not remove the clutch race from
the low-reverse drum under any circumstances.
Replace the drum and race as an assembly if
either component is damaged.
Examine the overdrive piston retainer carefully for
wear, cracks, scoring or other damage. Be sure the
retainer hub is a snug fit in the case and drum.
Replace the retainer if worn or damaged.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Examine bolt holes in overrunning clutch cam.
Note that one hole isnot threaded(Fig. 192). This
hole must align with blank area in clutch cam bolt
circle (Fig. 193). Mark hole location on clutch cam
and blank area in case with grease pencil, paint
stripe, or scribe mark for assembly reference.
(2) Mark location of non-threaded hole in clutch
cam and blank area in bolt circle with grease pencil.
(3) Align and install overrunning clutch and cam
in case (Fig. 194). Be sure cam is correctly installed.
Bolt holes in cam are slightly countersunk on one
side. Be sure this side of cam faces rearward (toward
piston retainer).
(4) Verify that non-threaded hole in clutch cam is
properly aligned. Check alignment by threading a
bolt into each bolt hole. Adjust clutch cam position if
necessary.
Fig. 190 Overdrive Piston Removal
1 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH PISTON
2 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
3 - SELECTIVE SPACER
4 - PISTON RETAINER
Fig. 191 Overrunning Clutch Cam Removal
1 - ALIGN MARKS IDENTIFYING NON-THREADED HOLE IN
CAM AND CASE
2 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
21 - 106 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER (Continued)

PLANETARY GEARTRAIN/
OUTPUT SHAFT
DESCRIPTION
The planetary gearsets (Fig. 203) are designated as
the front, rear, and overdrive planetary gear assem-
blies and located in such order. A simple planetary
gearset consists of three main members:
²The sun gear which is at the center of the sys-
tem.
²The planet carrier with planet pinion gears
which are free to rotate on their own shafts and are
in mesh with the sun gear.
²The annulus gear, which rotates around and is
in mesh with the planet pinion gears.
NOTE: The number of pinion gears does not affect
the gear ratio, only the duty rating.
OPERATION
With any given planetary gearset, several condi-
tions must be met for power to be able to flow:
²One member must be held.
²Another member must be driven or used as an
input.
²The third member may be used as an output for
power flow.
²For direct drive to occur, two gear members in
the front planetary gearset must be driven.
NOTE: Gear ratios are dependent on the number of
teeth on the annulus and sun gears.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove planetary snap-ring (Fig. 204).
(2) Remove front annulus and planetary assembly
from driving shell (Fig. 204).
(3) Remove snap-ring that retains front planetary
gear in annulus gear (Fig. 205).
(4) Remove tabbed thrust washer and tabbed
thrust plate from hub of front annulus (Fig. 206).
(5) Separate front annulus and planetary gears
(Fig. 206).
(6) Remove front planetary gear front thrust
washer from annulus gear hub.
(7) Separate and remove driving shell, rear plane-
tary and rear annulus from output shaft (Fig. 207).
(8) Remove front planetary rear thrust washer
from driving shell.
(9) Remove tabbed thrust washers from rear plan-
etary gear.
(10) Remove lock ring that retains sun gear in
driving shell. Then remove sun gear, spacer and
thrust plates.
Fig. 203 Planetary Gearset
1 - ANNULUS GEAR
2 - SUN GEAR
3 - PLANET CARRIER
4 - PLANET PINIONS (4)
Fig. 204 Front Annulus And Planetary Assembly
Removal
1 - DRIVING SHELL
2 - FRONT ANNULUS AND PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
3 - PLANETARY SNAP-RING
Fig. 205 Front Planetary Snap-Ring Removal
1 - FRONT ANNULUS GEAR
2 - PLANETARY SNAP-RING
21 - 112 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ

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-
stant ON, or duty cycle. The variable force and pulse-
width modulated versions utilize similar methods to
control the current flow through the solenoid to posi-
tion the solenoid plunger at a desired position some-
where between full ON and full OFF. The constant
ON and duty cycled versions control the voltage
across the solenoid to allow either full flow or no flow
through the solenoid's valve.
OPERATION
When an electrical current is applied to the sole-
noid coil, a magnetic field is created which produces
an attraction to the plunger, causing the plunger to
move and work against the spring pressure and the
load applied by the fluid the valve is controlling. The
plunger is normally directly attached to the valve
which it is to operate. When the current is removed
from the coil, the attraction is removed and the
plunger will return to its original position due to
spring pressure.
The plunger is made of a conductive material and
accomplishes this movement by providing a path for
the magnetic field to flow. By keeping the air gap
between the plunger and the coil to the minimum
necessary to allow free movement of the plunger, the
magnetic field is maximized.
SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The speed sensor (Fig. 240) is located in the over-
drive gear case. The sensor is positioned over the
park gear and monitors transmission output shaft
rotating speed.
OPERATION
Speed sensor signals are triggered by the park
gear lugs as they rotate past the sensor pickup face.
Input signals from the sensor are sent to the trans-
mission control module for processing. Signals from
this sensor are shared with the powertrain control
module.
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
DESCRIPTION
Transmission throttle valve cable adjustment is
extremely important to proper operation. This adjust-
ment positions the throttle valve, which controls shift
speed, quality, and part-throttle downshift sensitivity.
If cable setting is too loose, early shifts and slip-
page between shifts may occur. If the setting is too
tight, shifts may be delayed and part throttle down-
shifts may be very sensitive.
The transmission throttle valve is operated by a
cam on the throttle lever. The throttle lever is oper-
ated by an adjustable cable (Fig. 241). The cable is
attached to an arm mounted on the throttle lever
shaft. A retaining clip at the engine-end of the cable
is removed to provide for cable adjustment. The
retaining clip is then installed back onto the throttle
valve cable to lock in the adjustment.
ADJUSTMENTS - TRANSMISSION THROTTLE
VALVE CABLE
A correctly adjusted throttle valve cable (Fig. 242)
will cause the throttle lever on the transmission to
move simultaneously with the throttle body lever
from the idle position. Proper adjustment will allow
Fig. 240 Transmission Output Speed Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR
2 - SEAL
Fig. 241 Throttle Valve Cable
1 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
2 - THROTTLE VALVE LEVER
3 - THROTTLE BODY
21 - 126 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
SOLENOID (Continued)

TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC)
The torque converter clutch is hydraulically
applied and is released when fluid is vented from the
hydraulic circuit by the torque converter control
(TCC) solenoid on the valve body. The torque con-
verter clutch is controlled by the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The torque converter clutch engages
in fourth gear, and in third gear under various con-
ditions, such as when the O/D switch is OFF, when
the vehicle is cruising on a level surface after the
vehicle has warmed up. The torque converter clutch
will disengage momentarily when an increase in
engine load is sensed by the PCM, such as when the
vehicle begins to go uphill or the throttle pressure is
increased.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission and torque converter
from vehicle.
(2) Place a suitable drain pan under the converter
housing end of the transmission.
CAUTION: Verify that transmission is secure on the
lifting device or work surface, the center of gravity
of the transmission will shift when the torque con-
verter is removed creating an unstable condition.
The torque converter is a heavy unit. Use caution
when separating the torque converter from the
transmission.
(3) Pull the torque converter forward until the cen-
ter hub clears the oil pump seal.
(4) Separate the torque converter from the trans-
mission.
INSTALLATION
Check converter hub and drive notches for sharp
edges, burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the hub and
notches with 320/400 grit paper or crocus cloth if nec-
essary. The hub must be smooth to avoid damaging
the pump seal at installation.
(1) Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission
fluid.
(2) Place torque converter in position on transmis-
sion.
CAUTION: Do not damage oil pump seal or bushing
while inserting torque converter into the front of the
transmission.
(3) Align torque converter to oil pump seal open-
ing.
(4) Insert torque converter hub into oil pump.
(5) While pushing torque converter inward, rotate
converter until converter is fully seated in the oil
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with a scale and
straightedge (Fig. 253). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(7) If necessary, temporarily secure converter with
C-clamp attached to the converter housing.
(8) Install the transmission in the vehicle.
(9) Fill the transmission with the recommended
fluid.
Fig. 252 Stator Operation
1 - DIRECTION STATOR WILL FREE WHEEL DUE TO OIL
PUSHING ON BACKSIDE OF VANES
2 - FRONT OF ENGINE
3 - INCREASED ANGLE AS OIL STRIKES VANES
4 - DIRECTION STATOR IS LOCKED UP DUE TO OIL PUSHING
AGAINST STATOR VANES
Fig. 253 Checking Torque Converter Seating -
Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 133
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)

THROTTLE VALVE
In all gear positions the throttle valve (Fig. 273) is
being supplied with line pressure. The throttle valve
meters and reduces the line pressure that now
becomes throttle pressure. The throttle valve is
moved by a spring and the kickdown valve, which is
mechanically connected to the throttle. The larger
the throttle opening, the higher the throttle pressure
(to a maximum of line pressure). The smaller the
throttle opening, the lower the throttle pressure (to a
minimum of zero at idle). As engine speed increases,
the increase in pump speed increases pump output.
The increase in pressure and volume must be regu-
lated to maintain the balance within the transmis-
sion. To do this, throttle pressure is routed to the
reaction area on the right side of the throttle pres-
sure plug (in the regulator valve).
The higher engine speed and line pressure would
open the vent too far and reduce line pressure too
much. Throttle pressure, which increases with engine
speed (throttle opening), is used to oppose the move-
ment of the pressure valve to help control the meter-
ing passage at the vent. The throttle pressure is
combined with spring pressure to reduce the force of
the throttle pressure plug on the pressure valve. The
larger spring at the right closes the regulator valvepassage and maintains or increases line pressure.
The increased line pressure works against the reac-
tion area of the line pressure plug and the reaction
area left of land #3 simultaneously moves the regu-
lator valve train to the right and controls the meter-
ing passage.
The kickdown valve, along with the throttle valve,
serve to delay upshifts until the correct vehicle speed
has been reached. It also controls downshifts upon
driver demand, or increased engine load. If these
valves were not in place, the shift points would be at
the same speed for all throttle positions. The kick-
down valve is actuated by a cam connected to the
throttle. This is accomplished through either a link-
age or a cable. The cam forces the kickdown valve
toward the throttle valve compressing the spring
between them and moving the throttle valve. As the
throttle valve land starts to uncover its port, line
pressure is ªmeteredº out into the circuits and viewed
as throttle pressure. This increased throttle pressure
is metered out into the circuits it is applied to: the
1-2 and 2-3 shift valves. When the throttle pressure
is high enough, a 3-2 downshift will occur. If the
vehicle speed is low enough, a 2-1 downshift will
occur.
Fig. 273 Throttle Valve
21 - 150 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