GOVERNOR BODY, SENSOR AND SOLENOID
(1) Turn valve body assembly over so accumulator
side of transfer plate is facing down.
(2) Install new O-rings on governor pressure sole-
noid and sensor.
(3) Lubricate solenoid and sensor O-rings with
clean transmission fluid.
(4) Install governor pressure sensor in governor
body.
(5) Install governor pressure solenoid in governor
body. Push solenoid in until it snaps into place in
body.
(6) Position governor body gasket on transfer
plate.
(7) Install retainer plate on governor body and
around solenoid. Be sure solenoid connector is posi-
tioned in retainer cutout.
(8) Align screw holes in governor body and trans-
fer plate. Then install and tighten governor body
screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Connect harness wires to governor pressure
solenoid and governor pressure sensor.
(10) Install fluid filter and pan.
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Fill transmission with recommended fluid and
road test vehicle to verify repair.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check condition of O-ring seals on valve body
harness connector (Fig. 330). Replace seals on con-
nector body if cut or worn.
(2) Check condition of manual lever shaft seal in
transmission case. Replace seal if lip is cut or worn.
Install new seal with 15/16 deep well socket (Fig.
331).
(3) Check condition of seals on accumulator piston
(Fig. 332). Install new piston seals, if necessary.
(4) Place valve body manual lever in low (1 posi-
tion) so ball on park lock rod will be easier to install
in sprag.
(5) Lubricate shaft of manual lever with petroleum
jelly. This will ease inserting shaft through seal in
case.
(6) Lubricate seal rings on valve body harness con-
nector with petroleum jelly.
(7) Position valve body in case and work end of
park lock rod into and through pawl sprag. Turn pro-
peller shaft to align sprag and park lock teeth if nec-
essary. The rod will click as it enters pawl. Move rod
to check engagement.
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 this cavity.(8) Install accumulator springs and piston into
case. Then swing valve body over piston and outer
spring to hold it in place.
(9) Align accumulator piston and outer spring,
manual lever shaft and electrical connector in case.
(10) Then seat valve body in case and install one
or two bolts to hold valve body in place.
(11) Tighten valve body bolts alternately and
evenly to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque.
(12) Install new fluid filter on valve body. Tighten
filter screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(13) Install throttle and gearshift levers on valve
body manual lever shaft.
(14) Check and adjust front and rear bands if nec-
essary.
(15) Connect solenoid case connector wires.
(16) Install oil pan and new gasket. Tighten pan
bolts to 13.6 N´m (125 in. lbs.) torque.
(17) Lower vehicle and fill transmission with
MopartATF +4, type 9602, fluid.
(18) Check and adjust gearshift and throttle valve
cables, if necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS - VALVE BODY
CONTROL PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS
There are two control pressure adjustments on the
valve body;
²Line Pressure
²Throttle Pressure
Line and throttle pressures are interdependent
because each affects shift quality and timing. As a
result, both adjustments must be performed properly
and in the correct sequence. Adjust line pressure first
and throttle pressure last.
Fig. 330 Valve Body Harness Connector O-Ring Seal
1 - CONNECTOR O-RINGS
2 - VALVE BODY HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - HARNESS
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 175
VALVE BODY (Continued)
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)
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)
(45) Using Adapter 8266-1 from End-Play Tool Set
8266 and Dial Indicator C-3339, measure and record
the input shaft end-play (Fig. 46). The correct end-
play is 0.46-0.89 mm (0.018-0.035 in.). Adjust as nec-
essary. Install the chosen thrust plate on the number
5 bearing and re-measure end-play to verify selec-
tion.
NOTE: When measuring the input shaft end-play,
two(stops(will be felt. When the input shaft is
pushed inward and the dial indicator zeroed, the
first(stop(felt when the input shaft is pulled out-
ward is the movement of the input shaft in the input
clutch housing hub. This value should not be
included in the end-play measured value and there-
fore must be recorded and subtracted from the dial
indicator reading.
(46) Install the transmission front cover into the
transmission case (Fig. 47).
(47) Install the outer snap-ring to hold the trans-
mission front cover into the transmission case (Fig.
47).
(48) Partially install the inner transmission front
cover snap-ring onto the oil pump (Fig. 47).(49) Using Installer 8255, install the inner trans-
mission front cover snap-ring the remainder of the
way onto the oil pump (Fig. 48).
(50) Install the valve body (Fig. 49). Verify that
the pin on the manual lever has properly engaged
the TRS selector plate. Tighten the valve body to
transmission case bolts to 12 N´m (105 in.lbs.).
Fig. 46 Measure Input Shaft End Play
1 - TOOL 8266
2 - TOOL C-3339
Fig. 47 Install the Transmission Front Cover
1 - INNER SNAP-RING
2 - TRANSMISSION COVER
3 - OUTER SNAP-RING
Fig. 48 Seat Snap-Ring Using Tool 8255
1 - TOOL 8255
2 - SNAP-RING
21 - 196 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
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)
(3) Install nuts to hold seal plate to floor pan.
Tighten nuts to 7 N´m (65 in.lbs.).
(4) Install the shift cable to the shifter assembly
bracket. Push cable into the bracket until secure.
(5) Place the floor shifter lever in PARK position.
(6) Loosen the adjustment screw on the shift cable.
(7) Snap the shift cable onto the shift lever pin.
(8) Raise the vehicle.
(9) Install the shift cable to the shift cable support
bracket.
(10) Shift the transmission into PARK. PARK is
the rearmost detent position on the transmission
manual shift lever.
(11) Snap the shift cable onto the transmission
manual shift lever.
(12) Lower vehicle.
(13) Verify that the shift lever is in the PARK posi-
tion.
(14) Tighten the adjustment screw to 7 N´m (65
in.lbs.).
(15) Verify correct shifter operation.
(16) Install any console parts removed for access to
shift lever assembly and shift cable. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLA-
TION)
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 park/neutral position switch or TRS
may be faulty.
(1) Shift transmission into PARK.
(2) Remove floor console as necessary for access to
the shift cable adjustment. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
TERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL)
(3) Loosen the shift cable adjustment screw (Fig.
64).
(4) Raise vehicle.
(5) Unsnap cable eyelet from transmission shift
lever (Fig. 65).
(6) Verify transmission shift lever is in PARK
detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward
detent is PARK position.
(7) Verify positive engagement of transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft.
Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
(8) Snap cable eyelet onto transmission shift lever.
(9) Lower vehicle
(10) Tighten the shift cable adjustment screw to 7
N´m (65 in.lbs.).
(11) Verify correct operation.(12) Install any floor console components removed
for access. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR
CONSOLE - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 64 Shift Cable at the Shifter
1 - SHIFT LEVER PIN
2 - ADJUSTMENT SCREW
3 - SHIFT CABLE
4 - SHIFTER ASSEMBLY BRACKET
Fig. 65 Shift Cable at Transmission
1 - TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE
2 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
3 - TRANSFER CASE SHIFTER CABLE
4 - TRANSFER CASE SHIFTER CABLE BRACKET RETAINING
BOLT(S)
5 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE BRACKET RETAINING BOLT
6 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
7 - TRANSMISSION FLUID LINES
21 - 232 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)
(23) Install the reverse clutch pack into the input
clutch retainer (Fig. 77).
(24) Install the reverse reaction plate into the
input clutch retainer.
(25) Install the reverse reaction plate selective
snap-ring into the input clutch retainer.
(26) Mount a dial indicator to the assembly, push
down on the clutch discs, pull up on the reaction
plate to ensure the plate is properly seated and zero
the indicator against the reverse clutch discs (Fig.
81). Apply 20 psi of air pressure to the reverse clutch
and record the dial indicator reading. Measure and
record Reverse clutch pack measurement in four (4)
places, 90É apart. Take average of four measurements
and compare with Reverse clutch pack clearance
specification. The correct clutch clearance is 0.58-1.47
mm (0.023-0.058 in.). Adjust as necessary. Install the
chosen snap-ring and re-measure to verify selection.
(27) Remove the reverse clutch pack from the
input clutch retainer.
(28) Install the number 2 bearing onto the under-
drive hub with outer race against the hub with petro-
leum jelly.
(29) Install the underdrive hub into the input
clutch retainer.
(30) Install the number 3 bearing into the over-
drive hub with the outer race against the hub with
petroleum jelly.
(31) Install the overdrive hub into the input clutch
retainer.
(32) Install the number 4 bearing into the reverse
hub with outer race against the hub with petroleum
jelly.(33) Install the reverse hub into the input clutch
retainer.
(34) Install the complete reverse clutch pack.
(35) Install the reverse reaction plate and snap-
ring.
(36) Push up on reaction plate to allow reverse
clutch to move freely.
INPUT SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Input and Output Speed Sensors are two-wire
magnetic pickup devices that generate AC signals as
rotation occurs. They are mounted in the left side of
the transmission case and are considered primary
inputs to the Transmission Control Module (TCM).
OPERATION
The Input Speed Sensor provides information on
how fast the input shaft is rotating. As the teeth of
the input clutch hub pass by the sensor coil, an AC
voltage is generated and sent to the TCM. The TCM
interprets this information as input shaft rpm.
The Output Speed Sensor generates an AC signal
in a similar fashion, though its coil is excited by rota-
tion of the rear planetary carrier lugs. The TCM
interprets this information as output shaft rpm.
The TCM compares the input and output speed
signals to determine the following:
²Transmission gear ratio
²Speed ratio error detection
²CVI calculation
The TCM also compares the input speed signal and
the engine speed signal to determine the following:
²Torque converter clutch slippage
²Torque converter element speed ratio
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Place a suitable fluid catch pan under the
transmission.
(3) Remove the wiring connector from the input
speed sensor (Fig. 82).
(4) Remove the bolt holding the input speed sensor
to the transmission case.
(5) Remove the input speed sensor from the trans-
mission case.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the input speed sensor into the trans-
mission case.
(2) Install the bolt to hold the input speed sensor
into the transmission case. Tighten the bolt to 11.9
N´m (105 in.lbs.).
Fig. 81 Measuring Reverse Clutch Clearance
1 - TOOL C-3339
2 - REVERSE CLUTCH PACK
21 - 244 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - OIL PUMP VOLUME
CHECK
Measuring the oil pump output volume will deter-
mine if sufficient oil flow to the transmission oil
cooler exists, and whether or not an internal trans-
mission failure is present.
Verify that the transmission fluid is at the proper
level. Refer to the Fluid Level Check procedure in
this section. If necessary, fill the transmission to the
proper level with MopartATF +4, type 9602, Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.
(1) Disconnect theTo coolerline at the cooler
inlet and place a collecting container under the dis-
connected line.CAUTION: With the fluid set at the proper level,
fluid collection should not exceed (1) quart or inter-
nal damage to the transmission may occur.
(2) Run the engineat 1800 rpm, with the shift
selector in neutral. Verify that the transmission fluid
temperature is below 104.5É C (220É F) for this test.
(3) If one quart of transmission fluid is collected in
the container in 30 seconds or less, oil pump flow vol-
ume is within acceptable limits. If fluid flow is inter-
mittent, or it takes more than 30 seconds to collect
one quart of fluid, refer to the Hydraulic Pressure
tests in this section for further diagnosis.
(4) Re-connect theTo coolerline to the transmis-
sion cooler inlet.
Fig. 90 Oil Pump Reaction Shaft
1 - PUMP HOUSING 4 - SEAL RING (5)
2 - SEAL 5 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
3 - OIL FILTER SEAL 6 - PUMP VALVE BODY
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 249
OIL PUMP (Continued)