OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The overdrive clutch (Fig. 125) is composed of the
pressure plate, clutch plates, holding discs, overdrive
piston retainer, piston, piston spacer, and snap-rings.
The overdrive clutch is the forwardmost component
in the transmission overdrive unit and is considered
a holding component. The overdrive piston retainer,
piston, and piston spacer are located on the rear of
the main transmission case.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the piston retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through passages at the lower rear portion of
the valve body area. With pressure applied between
the piston retainer and piston, the piston moves
away from the piston retainer and compresses the
clutch pack. This action applies the clutch pack,
allowing torque to flow through the intermediate
shaft into the overdrive planetary gear set. The over-
drive clutch discs are attached to the overdrive clutch
hub while the overdrive clutch plates, reaction plate,
and pressure plate are lugged to the overdrive hous-
ing. This allows the intermediate shaft to transferthe engine torque to the planetary gear and overrun-
ning clutch. This drives the planetary gear inside the
annulus, which is attached to the overdrive clutch
drum and output shaft, creating the desired gear
ratio. The waved snap-ring is used to cushion the
application of the clutch pack.
OVERDRIVE OFF SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The overdrive OFF (control) switch is located in
the shifter handle. The switch is a momentary con-
tact device that signals the PCM to toggle current
status of the overdrive function.
OPERATION
At key-on, fourth gear operation is allowed. Press-
ing the switch once causes the overdrive OFF mode
to be entered and the overdrive OFF switch lamp to
be illuminated. Pressing the switch a second time
causes normal overdrive operation to be restored and
the overdrive lamp to be turned off. The overdrive
OFF mode defaults to ON after the ignition switch is
cycled OFF and ON. The normal position for the con-
trol switch is the ON position. The switch must be in
this position to energize the solenoid and allow
upshifts to fourth gear. The control switch indicator
light illuminates only when the overdrive switch is
turned to the OFF position, or when illuminated by
the powertrain control module.
Fig. 125 Overdrive Clutch
1 - REACTION PLATE 2 - PRESSURE PLATE
21 - 86 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)
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped
on the left side of the case just above the oil pan
sealing surface (Fig. 1). Refer to this information
when ordering replacement parts. A label is attached
to the transmission case above the stamped numbers.
The label gives additional information which may
also be necessary for identification purposes.
GEAR RATIOS The 545RFE gear ratios are:
1st .................................3.00:1
2nd.................................1.67:1
2nd Prime............................1.50:1
3rd .................................1.00:1
4th .................................0.75:1
5th .................................0.67:1
Reverse..............................3.00:1
OPERATION
The 545RFE offers full electronic control of all auto-
matic up and downshifts, and features real-time adap-
tive closed-loop shift and pressure control. Electronic
shift and torque converter clutch controls help protect
the transmission from damage due to high tempera-
tures, which can occur under severe operating condi-
tions. By altering shift schedules, line pressure, and
converter clutch control, these controls reduce heat gen-
eration and increase transmission cooling.
To help reduce efficiency-robbing parasitic losses,
the transmission includes a dual-stage transmission
fluid pump with electronic output pressure control.
Under most driving conditions, pump output pres-
sure greatly exceeds that which is needed to keep the
clutches applied. The 545RFE pump-pressure controlsystem monitors input torque and adjusts the pump
pressure accordingly. The primary stage of the pump
works continuously; the second stage is bypassed
when demand is low. The control system also moni-
tors input and output speed and, if incipient clutch
slip is observed, the pressure control solenoid duty
cycle is varied, increasing pressure in proportion to
demand.
A high-travel torque converter damper assembly
allows earlier torque converter clutch engagement to
reduce slippage. Needle-type thrust bearings reduce
internal friction. The 545RFE is packaged in a one-
piece die-cast aluminum case. To reduce NVH, the
case has high lateral, vertical and torsional stiffness.
It is also designed to maximize the benefit of the
structural dust cover that connects the bottom of the
bell housing to the engine bedplate, enhancing over-
all power train stiffness. Dual filters protect the
pump and other components. A pump return filter is
added to the customary main sump filter. Indepen-
dent lubrication and cooler circuits assure ample
pressure for normal transmission operation even if
the cooler is obstructed or the fluid cannot flow due
to extremely low temperatures.
The hydraulic control system design (without elec-
tronic assist) provides the transmission with PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, SECOND, and THIRD gears,
based solely on driver shift lever selection. This
design allows the vehicle to be driven (in ªlimp-inº
mode) in the event of a electronic control system fail-
ure, or a situation that the Transmission Control
Module (TCM) recognizes as potentially damaging to
the transmission.
The TCM also performs certain self-diagnostic
functions and provides comprehensive information
(sensor data, DTC's, etc.) which is helpful in proper
diagnosis and repair. This information can be viewed
with the DRB scan tool.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Before attempting any repair on a
545RFE automatic transmission, check for Diagnos-
tic Trouble Codes with the DRBTscan tool.
Transmission malfunctions may be caused by these
general conditions:
²Poor engine performance
²Improper adjustments
²Hydraulic malfunctions
²Mechanical malfunctions
²Electronic malfunctions
Fig. 1 Transmission Part And Serial Number
Location
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 179
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)
(8) Install the transmission in the vehicle.
(9) Fill the transmission with the recommended
fluid.
TRANSMISSION CONTROL
RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The relay is supplied fused B+ voltage, energized
by the TCM, and is used to supply power to the sole-
noid pack when the transmission is in normal oper-
ating mode.
OPERATION
When the relay is ªoffº, no power is supplied to the
solenoid pack and the transmission is in ªlimp-inº
mode. After a controller reset, the TCM energizes the
relay. Prior to this, the TCM verifies that the con-
tacts are open by checking for no voltage at the
switched battery terminals. After this is verified, the
voltage at the solenoid pack pressure switches is
checked. After the relay is energized, the TCM mon-
itors the terminals to verify that the voltage is
greater than 3 volts.
TRANSMISSION RANGE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) is part of
the solenoid module, which is mounted to the top of
the valve body inside the transmission.
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) has five
switch contact pins that:
²Determine shift lever position
²Supply ground to the Starter Relay in Park and
Neutral only.
²Supply +12 V to the backup lamps in Reverse
only.
The TRS also has an integrated temperature sen-
sor (thermistor) that communicates transmission
temperature to the TCM and PCM.
OPERATION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) communi-
cates shift lever position to the TCM as a combina-
tion of open and closed switches. Each shift lever
position has an assigned combination of switch states
(open/closed) that the TCM receives from four sense
circuits. The TCM interprets this information and
determines the appropriate transmission gear posi-
tion and shift schedule.
There are many possible combinations of open and
closed switches (codes). Seven of these possible codes
are related to gear position and five are recognized
as ªbetween gearº codes. This results in many codes
which shouldnever occur. These are called
ªinvalidº codes. An invalid code will result in a DTC,
and the TCM will then determine the shift lever
position based on pressure switch data. This allows
reasonably normal transmission operation with a
TRS failure.
GEAR C5 C4 C3 C2 C1
ParkCL OP OP CL CL
Temp 1CL OP OP CL OP
ReverseOP OP OP CL OP
Temp 2OP OP CL CL OP
Neutral 1OP OP CL CL CL
Neutral 2OP CL CL CL CL
Temp 3OP CL CL CL OP
DriveOP CL CL OP OP
Temp 4OP CL OP OP OP
Manual 2CL CL OP OP OP
Temp 5CL OP OP OP OP
Manual 1CL OP CL OP OP
Fig. 117 Checking Torque Converter Seating-Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
21 - 270 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)
POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The transfer case position sensor (Fig. 95) is an
electronic device whose output can be interpreted to
indicate the transfer case's current operating mode.
The sensor consists of a five position, resistive multi-
plexed circuit which returns a specific resistance
value to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for
each transfer case operating mode. The sensor is
located on the top of the transfer case, just left of the
transfer case centerline and rides against the sector
plate roostercomb. The PCM supplies 5VDC (+/-
0.5V) to the sensor and monitors the return voltage
to determine the sector plate, and therefore the
transfer case, position.
OPERATION
During normal vehicle operation, the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) monitors the transfer case
position sensor return voltage to determine the oper-
ating mode of the transfer case. Refer to the Operat-
ing Mode Versus Resistance table for the correct
resistance for each position (Fig. 96).
OPERATING MODE VERSUS RESISTANCE
SENSOR POSITION OPERATING MODE SENSOR RESISTANCE (ohms)
1 2WD 1124-1243
2 4WD PART TIME 650-719
3 4WD FULL TIME 389-431
4 NEUTRAL 199-221
5 4WD LOW 57-64
Fig. 96 Position Sensor Linear Movement
1 - POSITION 1 - 10mm 0.5mm
2 - POSITION 2 - 12mm 0.5mm
3 - POSITION 3 - 14mm 0.5mm
4 - POSITION 4 - 16mm 0.5mm
5 - POSITION 5 - 18mm 0.5mm
6 - POSITION 6 - 20mm 0.5mm - FULL EXTENSION
Fig. 95 Transfer Case Position Sensor and
Connector
1 - TRANSFER CASE POSITION SENSOR CONNECTOR
2 - TRANSFER CASE POSITION SENSOR
3 - TRANSFER CASE
4 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR
WJTRANSFER CASE - NV242 21 - 311
(23) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors to the following floor panel transmission
tunnel components:
²the Airbag Control Module (ACM) connector
receptacle
²the park brake switch terminal
²the transmission shifter connector receptacle.
(24) Reconnect the left and right body wire har-
ness connectors, the Ignition Off Draw (IOD) wire
harness connector and the fused B(+) wire harness
connector to the connector receptacles of the Junction
Block (JB) and tighten the connector screws (Fig. 5).
Tighten the screws to 4 N´m (36 in. lbs.).
(25) Engage the lower steering column shaft with
the steering shaft coupler and position the steering
column to the mounting studs on the instrument
panel steering column support bracket (Fig. 4).
(26) Install and tighten the four nuts that secure
the steering column to the studs on the instrument
panel steering column support bracket. Tighten the
nuts to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(27) Install and tighten the bolt that secures the
coupler to the lower steering column shaft. Tighten
the bolt to 49 N´m (36 ft. lbs.).
(28) Turn the ignition switch to the On position,
then install the shifter interlock cable connector into
the ignition lock housing receptacle.
(29) Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness
connectors to the following steering column compo-
nents (Fig. 3):
²the two lower clockspring connector receptacles
²the left multi-function switch connector recepta-
cle
²the right multi-function switch connector recep-
tacle
²the two ignition switch connector receptacles
²the shifter interlock solenoid connector recepta-
cle
²if the vehicle is so equipped, the Sentry Key
Immobilizer Module (SKIM) connector receptacle.
(30) Position the lower tilting steering column
shroud to the steering column multi-function switchmounting housing, then install and tighten the screw
that secures the shroud to the housing (Fig. 2).
Tighten the screw to 1.9 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(31) Position the upper tilting steering column
shroud over the steering column. Align the upper and
lower shrouds with each other and snap the two
halves together.
(32) Reinstall the steering column bracket onto the
instrument panel steering column support bracket.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IP
STEERING COLUMN BRACKET - INSTALLA-
TION).
(33) Reinstall the steering column opening cover
onto the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPEN-
ING COVER - INSTALLATION).
(34) Reinstall the cluster bezel onto the instru-
ment panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT
PANEL/CLUSTER BEZEL - INSTALLATION).
(35) Reinstall the fuse cover onto the Junction
Block (JB). (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER DIS-
TRIBUTION/FUSE COVER - INSTALLATION).
(36) Reinstall the console onto the floor panel
transmission tunnel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERI-
OR/FLOOR CONSOLE - INSTALLATION).
(37) Reinstall the trim panels onto the right and
left inner cowl sides. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERI-
OR/COWL TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(38) Reinstall the scuff plates onto the right and
left front door sills. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
DOOR SILL SCUFF PLATE - INSTALLATION).
(39) Reinstall the top cover onto the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP COVER - INSTALLA-
TION).
(40) Reinstall the trim onto the right and left
A-pillars. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/A-PILLAR
TRIM - INSTALLATION).
(41) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
23 - 44 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ
INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEM (Continued)
(5) Reach under the steering column opening cover
to access and remove the screw that secures the cour-
tesy lamp bracket and the inboard side of the JB to
the instrument panel steering column support
bracket.
(6) Remove the courtesy lamp bracket from the
inboard side of the JB and the instrument panel
steering column support bracket.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Reach under the instrument panel to position
the upper end of the courtesy lamp bracket to the
inboard side of the Junction Block (JB) and the
instrument panel steering column support bracket
(Fig. 30).(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
courtesy lamp bracket and the inboard side of the JB
to the instrument panel steering column support
bracket. Tighten the screw to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(3) Position the courtesy lamp to the lower end of
the courtesy lamp bracket.
(4) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
courtesy lamp to the lower end of the courtesy lamp
bracket. Tighten the screw to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(5) Reinstall the instrument panel fuse cover to
the bottom of the JB and Body Control Module
(BCM) unit. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DISTRIBUTION/FUSE COVER - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
INTERMEDIATE BRACKET
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the accelerator pedal assembly from
the shoulder studs on the dash panel. (Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/ACCELERATOR
PEDAL - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the one nut that secures the instru-
ment panel intermediate bracket to the stud on the
dash panel (Fig. 31).
(5) Remove the instrument panel intermediate
bracket from the two shoulder studs and the one
stud on the dash panel.
Fig. 30 Instrument Panel Courtesy Lamp Bracket
Remove/Install
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - SCREW
3 - COURTESY LAMP BRACKET
4 - DRIVER SIDE COURTESY LAMP
5 - JUNCTION BLOCK
6 - SCREW
23 - 60 INSTRUMENT PANEL SYSTEMWJ
INSTRUMENT PANEL COURTESY LAMP BRACKET (Continued)