SPECIFICATIONS
TRANSMISSION
GENERAL
Component Metric Inch
Output Shaft End Play 0.22-0.55
mm0.009-0.021
in.
Input Shaft End Play 0.46-0.89
mm0.018-0.035
in.
2C Clutch Pack
Clearance0.455-1.335
mm0.018-0.053
in.
4C Clutch Pack
Clearance0.770-1.390
mm0.030-0.055
in.
L/R Clutch Pack
Clearance1.00-1.74
mm0.039-0.069
in.
OD Clutch Pack
Clearance1.103-1.856
mm0.043-0.073
in.
Component Metric Inch
UD Clutch Pack
Clearance0.84-1.54
mm0.033-0.061
in.
Reverse Clutch Pack
Clearance0.81-1.24
mm0.032-0.049
in.
Recommended fluid MoparTATF +4, type 9602
GEAR RATIOS
1ST 3.00:1
2ND 1.67:1
2ND Prime 1.50:1
3RD 1.0:1
4TH 0.75:1
5TH 0.67:1
REVERSE 3.00:1
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Fitting, cooler line at trans 17.5 - 155
Bolt, torque convertor 31 23 -
Bolt/nut, crossmember 68 50 -
Bolt, driveplate to crankshaft 75 55 -
Bolt, oil pan 11.8 - 105
Screw, primary fluid filter 4.5 - 40
Bolt, oil pump 28.2 - 250
Bolt, oil pump body to cover 4.5 - 40
Screw, plate to oil pump body 4.5 - 40
Bolt, valve body to case 11.8 - 105
Plug, pressure test port 5.1 - 45
Bolt, reaction shaft support 11.8 - 105
Screw, valve body to transfer plate 5.6 - 50
Screw, solenoid module to transfer plate 5.7 - 50
Screw, accumulator cover 4.5 - 40
Screw, detent spring 4.5 - 40
Bolt, input speed sensor 11.8 - 105
Bolt, output speed sensor 11.8 - 105
Bolt, line pressure sensor 11.8 - 105
Bolt, extension housing 54 40 -
Valve, cooler return filter bypass 4.5 - 40
Screw, manual valve cam retaining 4.5 - 40
Bolt, manual lever 28.2 - 250
21 - 220 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE (Continued)
4C RETAINER/BULKHEAD
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the 2C piston belleville spring snap-
ring from the 4C retainer /bulkhead (Fig. 53).
(2) Remove the 2C piston Belleville spring from
the retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 53).
(3) Remove the 2C piston from the retainer/bulk-
head. Use 20 psi of air pressure to remove the piston
if necessary.
(4) Remove the 4C clutch snap-ring from the
retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 53).
(5) Remove the 4C clutch pack from the retainer/
bulkhead (Fig. 53).
(6) Using Spring Compressor 8250 and a suitable
shop press, compress the 4C piston return spring and
remove the snap-ring (Fig. 53).(7) Remove the 4C piston return spring and piston
from the retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 53). Use 20 psi of
air pressure to remove the piston if necessary.ASSEMBLY
(1) Clean and inspect all components. Replace any
components which show evidence of excessive wear
or scoring.
(2) Install new seals on the 2C and 4C pistons
(Fig. 53).
(3) Lubricate all seals with MopartATF +4, type
9602 prior to installation.
(4) Install the 4C piston into the 4C retainer/bulk-
head (Fig. 53).
(5) Position the 4C piston return spring onto the
4C piston.
Fig. 53 4C Retainer/Bulkhead Components
1 - SEAL 8 - REACTION PLATE
2 - 2C PISTON 9 - SNAP-RING
3 - PLATE 10 - RETURN SPRING
4 - DISC 11 - SEAL
5 - 2C BELLEVILLE SPRING 12 - 4C PISTON
6 - SNAP-RING 13 - 4C RETAINER/BULKHEAD
7 - SNAP-RING (SELECT)
21 - 224 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
(8) Engine starts must be possible with shifter
lever in PARK or NEUTRAL gate positions only.
Engine starts must not be possible in any other gate
positions other than PARK or NEUTRAL.
(9) With shifter lever handle push-button not
depressed and lever detent in:
²PARK position- apply forward force on center of
handle and remove pressure. Engine start must be
possible.
²PARK position- apply rearward force on center
of handle and remove pressure. Engine start must be
possible.
²NEUTRAL position- engine start must be possi-
ble.
²NEUTRAL position, engine running and brakes
applied- Apply forward force on center of shift han-
dle. Transmission should not be able to shift into
REVERSE detent.
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - EFFECTS OF
INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxi-
dation and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid
expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the
transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can eas-
ily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CAUSES OF
BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating
which has three primary causes.
(1) Internal clutch slippage, usually caused by low
line pressure, inadequate clutch apply pressure, or
clutch seal failure.
(2) A result of restricted fluid flow through the
main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usu-
ally the result of a faulty or improperly installed
drainback valve, a damaged main cooler, or severe
restrictions in the coolers and lines caused by debris
or kinked lines.(3) Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not prop-
erly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer tow-
ing or similar high load operation will overheat the
transmission fluid if the vehicle is improperly
equipped. Such vehicles should have an auxiliary
transmission fluid cooler, a heavy duty cooling sys-
tem, and the engine/axle ratio combination needed to
handle heavy loads.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a
result of:
²adding incorrect fluid
²failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when
checking level
²engine coolant entering the fluid
²internal failure that generates debris
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
²failure to reverse flush cooler and lines after
repair
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in
transmission failure. The usual results are erratic
shifts, slippage, abnormal wear and eventual failure
due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid
this condition by using recommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped
clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and
other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall
into the tube if not removed beforehand. Take the
time to wipe the cap and tube clean before withdraw-
ing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is gener-
ally caused by a cooler malfunction. The only remedy
is to replace the radiator as the cooler in the radiator
is not a serviceable part. If coolant has circulated
through the transmission, an overhaul is necessary.
The transmission cooler and lines should be
reverse flushed whenever a malfunction generates
sludge and/or debris. The torque converter should
also be replaced at the same time.
Failure to flush the cooler and lines will result in
recontamination. Flushing applies to auxiliary cool-
ers as well. The torque converter should also be
replaced whenever a failure generates sludge and
debris. This is necessary because normal converter
flushing procedures will not remove all contami-
nants.
21 - 228 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM (Continued)
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
REPLACEMENT
For proper service intervals (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE SCHED-
ULES - DESCRIPTION).
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Place a large diameter shallow drain pan
beneath the transmission pan.
(3) Remove bolts holding front and sides of pan to
transmission.
(4)
Loosen bolts holding rear of pan to transmission.
(5) Slowly separate front of pan away from trans-
mission allowing the fluid to drain into drain pan.
(6) Hold up pan and remove remaining bolts hold-
ing pan to transmission.
(7) While holding pan level, lower pan away from
transmission.
(8) Pour remaining fluid in pan into drain pan.
(9)
Remove screw holding filter to valve body (Fig. 60).
(10) Separate filter from valve body and oil pump
and pour fluid in filter into drain pan.
(11) Remove and discard the oil filter seal from the
bottom of the oil pump.
(12) If replacing the cooler return filter, use Oil
Filter Wrench 8321 to remove the filter from the
transmission.
(13) Dispose of used trans fluid and filter(s) prop-
erly.
INSPECTION
Inspect bottom of pan and magnet for excessive
amounts of metal. A light coating of clutch material
on the bottom of the pan does not indicate a problemunless accompanied by a slipping condition or shift
lag. If fluid and pan are contaminated with excessive
amounts of debris, refer to the diagnosis section of
this group.
CLEANING
(1) Using a suitable solvent, clean pan and mag-
net.
(2) Using a suitable gasket scraper, clean original
sealing material from surface of transmission case
and the transmission pan.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install a new primary oil filter seal in the oil
pump inlet bore. Seat the seal in the bore with the
butt end of a hammer, or other suitable tool.
CAUTION: The primary oil filter seal MUST be fully
installed flush against the oil pump body. DO NOT
install the seal onto the filter neck and attempt to
install the filter and seal as an assembly. Damage to
the transmission will result.
(2) Place replacement filter in position on valve
body and into the oil pump.
(3) Install screw to hold filter to valve body (Fig.
60). Tighten screw to 4.5 N´m (40 in. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install new cooler return filter onto the trans-
mission, if necessary. Torque the filter to 14.12 N´m
(125 in.lbs.).
(5) Place bead of MopartRTV sealant onto the
transmission case sealing surface.
(6) Place pan in position on transmission.
(7) Install bolts to hold pan to transmission.
Tighten bolts to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Lower vehicle and fill transmission with
MopartATF +4, type 9602 fluid.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TRANSMISSION
FILL
To avoid overfilling transmission after a fluid
change or overhaul, perform the following procedure:
(1) Remove dipstick and insert clean funnel in
transmission fill tube.
(2) Add following initial quantity of MopartAT F
+4 to transmission:
(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add10
pints (5 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled,
torque converter was replaced or drained, and
cooler was flushed, add24 pints (12 quarts)of
ATF +4 to transmission.
(3) Check the transmission fluid (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/AUTOMATIC -
45RFE/FLUID - STANDARD PROCEDURE) and
adjust as required.
Fig. 60 Transmission Filters - 4X4 Shown
1 - PRIMARY OIL FILTER
2 - COOLER RETURN FILTER
3 - COOLER RETURN FILTER BYPASS VALVE
4 - VALVE BODY
21 - 230 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)
(9) Remove the number 2 bearing from the input
clutch hub.
(10) Remove the overdrive clutch wave snap-ring
from the input clutch retainer.
(11) Remove the UD/OD reaction plate tapered
snap-ring from the input clutch retainer.
(12) Remove the UD/OD reaction plate from the
input clutch retainer.
(13) Remove the UD/OD reaction plate flat snap-
ring from the input clutch retainer (Fig. 70).
(14) Remove the underdrive clutch pack from the
input clutch retainer (Fig. 72).
(15) Using Spring Compressor 8251, compress the
UD/OD balance piston and remove the snap-ring
from the input clutch hub (Fig. 71).
(16) Remove the UD/OD balance piston and piston
return spring from the input clutch retainer (Fig. 72).
(17) Remove the underdrive piston from the input
clutch retainer (Fig. 72).NOTE: Both the UD/OD balance piston and the
underdrive piston have seals molded onto them. If
the seal is damaged, do not attempt to install a new
seal onto the piston. The piston/seal must be
replaced as an assembly.
(18) Remove the input clutch retainer tapered
snap-ring.
(19) Separate input clutch retainer from input
clutch hub.
(20) Separate OD/reverse piston from input clutch
hub retainer (Fig. 72).
(21) Remove all seals and o-rings from the input
shaft and input hub. The o-rings on the input hub
are color coded. Be sure to make note of which o-ring
belongs in which location.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Install all new seals and o-rings onto the input
shaft and input hub. The o-rings on the input hub
are color coded. Be sure to install the correct o-ring
in the correct location.
(2) Check the transmission lubrication check valve
located in the input shaft using shop air. The valve
should only allow air flow in one direction. If the
valve allows no air flow, or air flow in both direc-
tions, the valve will need to be replaced.
(3) Lubricate all seals with MopartATF +4, type
9602, prior to installation.
(4) Assemble the OD/reverse piston onto the input
clutch hub (Fig. 73).
(5) Assemble the input clutch retainer onto the
input clutch hub.
(6) Install the input clutch retainer tapered snap-
ring with tapered side up onto the input clutch hub.
Fig. 71 Compressing UD/OD Balance Piston Using
Tool 8251
1 - PRESS
2 - TOOL 8251
3 - BALANCE PISTON
21 - 238 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFEWJ
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)
holding the Belleville spring into the low/reverse
clutch retainer.
(10) Remove the low/reverse clutch Belleville
spring and piston from the low/reverse clutch
retainer. Use 20 psi of air pressure to remove the pis-
ton if necessary.
CLEANING
Clean the overrunning clutch assembly, clutch cam,
and low-reverse clutch retainer. Dry them with com-
pressed air after cleaning.
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 clutch retainer if the
clutch race, roller surface or inside diameter is
scored, worn or damaged.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Check the bleed orifice to ensure that it is not
plugged or restricted.
(2) Install a new seal on the low/reverse piston.
Lubricate the seal with MopartATF +4, type 9602,
prior to installation.
(3) Install the low/reverse piston into the low/re-
verse clutch retainer.
(4) Position the low/reverse piston Belleville spring
on the low/reverse piston.
(5) Using Spring Compressor 8285 and a suitable
shop press (Fig. 86), compress the low/reverse piston
Belleville spring and install the split retaining ring
to hold the Belleville spring into the low/reverse
clutch retainer.
(6) Install the lower overrunning clutch snap-ring
(Fig. 85).
(7) Assemble the inner and outer races of the over-
running clutch (Fig. 85).
(8) Position the overrunning clutch spacer on the
overrunning clutch.
(9) Install the upper overrunning clutch snap-ring
(Fig. 85).
(10) Assemble and install the low/reverse clutch
pack into the low/reverse clutch retainer (Fig. 84).
(11) Install the low/reverse reaction plate into the
low/reverse clutch retainer (Fig. 84). The reaction
plate is directional and must be installed with the
flat side down.
(12) Install the low/reverse clutch pack snap-ring
(Fig. 84). The snap-ring is selectable and should be
chosen to give the correct clutch pack clearance.
(13) Measure the low/reverse clutch pack clearance
and adjust as necessary. The correct clutch clearance
is 1.00-1.74 mm (0.039-0.075 in.).
(14) Install the overrunning clutch into the low/re-
verse clutch retainer making sure that the index
splines are aligned with the retainer.
(15) Install the overrunning clutch inner snap-
ring.
Fig. 85 Overrunning Clutch
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - OUTER RACE
3 - OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
4 - SPACER
Fig. 86 Compress Low/Reverse Belleville Spring
Using Tool 8285
1 - PRESS
2 - TOOL 8285
3 - BELLEVILLE SPRING
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 247
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH (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)
ASSEMBLY
(1) Clean and inspect all components. Make sure
that all passages are thoroughly cleaned and are free
from dirt or debris. Make sure that all valves move
freely in their proper bore. Make sure that all gear
pockets and bushings are free from excessive wear
and scoring. Replace the oil pump if any excessive
wear or scoring is found.
(2) Coat the gears with MopartATF +4, type 9602,
and install into their original locations.
(3) Lubricate the oil pump valves with Mopart
ATF +4, type 9602, and install the valve, spring and
retainer into the appropriate oil pump valve body
bore (Fig. 93) (Fig. 94).
(4) Place the separator plate onto the oil pump
body (Fig. 92).
(5) Install the screws to hold the separator plate
onto the oil pump body (Fig. 92). Tighten the screws
to 4.5 N´m (40 in.lbs.).
(6) Position the oil pump cover onto the locating
dowels (Fig. 91).
(7) Seat the two oil pump halves together and
install all bolts finger tight.
(8) Torque all bolts down slowly starting in the
center and working outward. The correct torque is
4.5 N´m (40 in.lbs.).
(9) Verify that the oil pump gears rotate freely and
smoothly.
(10) Position the reaction shaft support into the oil
pump (Fig. 91).
(11) Install and torque the bolts to hold the reac-
tion shaft support to the oil pump (Fig. 91). The cor-
rect torque is 12 N´m (105 in.lbs.).
OIL PUMP FRONT SEAL
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission from the vehicle.
(2) Remove the torque converter from the trans-
mission.
(3) Using a screw mounted in a slide hammer,
remove the oil pump front seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean seal bore of the oil pump of any residue
or particles from the original seal.
(2) Install new oil seal in the oil pump housing
using Seal Installer C-3860-A (Fig. 95).
Fig. 95 Install Oil Pump Front Seal
1 - TOOL C-3860-A
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 545RFE 21 - 253
OIL PUMP (Continued)