REMOVAL
NOTE: The overdrive unit can be removed and serviced separately. It is not necessary to remove the entire
transmission assembly to perform overdrive unit repairs.
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Remove the transfer case skid plate (2), if
equipped.
4. Disconnect and lower or remove any necessary
exhaust components.
5. Remove engine-to-transmission struts.
6. Remove starter motor. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
7. Disconnect and remove the crankshaft position
sensor. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
INJECTION/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL) Retain the sensor attaching bolts.
8. If transmission is being removed for overhaul,
remove transmission oil pan, drain fluid and rein-
stall pan.
9. Remove torque converter access cover.
10. Rotate crankshaft in clockwise direction until con-
verter bolts are accessible. Then remove bolts
one at a time. Rotate crankshaft with socket
wrench on dampener bolt.
11. Mark propeller shaft and axle yokes for assembly alignment. Then disconnect and remove propeller shaft. On 4
x 4 models, remove both propeller shafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/
PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)
12. Disconnect wires from the transmission range sensor and transmissionsolenoid connector.
13. Disconnect gearshift cable (1) from the transmission manual lever (2).
14. For vehicles with gas engines, disconnect throttle valve cable from transmission bracket andthrottle valve lever.
19. On 4X4 models, disconnect shift rod from transfer
case shift lever.
20. Support rear of engine with safety stand or jack.
21. Raise transmission slightly with service jack to
relieve load on crossmember and supports.
22. Remove the nuts (3) securing rear support (1) to
the transmission crossmember.
23. Remove the bolts(2) holding the rear support (1)
to the transmission (5) remove the rear support.
24. Remove bolts attaching crossmember to frame
and remove crossmember.
25. On 4X4 models, remove transfer case. (Refer to
21 - TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE/
TRANSFER CASE - REMOVAL)
26. Remove fill tube (7) bracket bolts and pull tube
out of transmission. Retain fill tube seal (6). On
4X4 models, it will also be necessary to remove
bolt attaching transfer case vent tube to converter
housing.
27. Disconnect fluid cooler lines (6, 7) at transmission
(5), diesel engines.
4. Removetheoverdriveunitfromthemaintransmis-
sion case. If overdrive unit is not to be serviced,
install Alignment Shaft 6227-2 into the overdrive
unit to prevent misalignment of the overdrive
clutches during service ofmain transmission com-
ponents.
5. Remove throttle and shift levers from valve body
manual shaft and throttle lever shaft.
6. Remove transmission oil pan and gasket.
7. Remove filter (1) from valve body (2). Keep filter
screws separate from other valve body screws. Fil-
ter screws are longer and should be kept with filter.
8. Remove the transmission range sensor. (Refer to
21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC - 48RE/
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR - REMOVAL)
9. Remove hex head bolts (1, 2) attaching valve body
to transmission case. A total of 10 bolts are used.
Note different bolt lengths for assembly reference.
10. Remove valve body assembly (2). Push valve
body harness connector out of case. Then work
park rod (3) and valve body out of case.
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
EFFECTS OF INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
Alowfluidlevelallowsthepumptotakeinairalongwiththefluid.Airinthe fluid will cause fluid pressures to be
low and develop slower than normal. If the transmission is overfilled, thegears churn the fluid into foam. This aer-
ates the fluid and causing the same conditions occurring with a low level. In either case, air bubbles cause fluid
overheating, oxidation, and varnish buildup which interferes with valveand clutch operation. Foaming also causes
fluid expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can easily be
mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful.
CAUSES OF BURNT FLUID
Burnt, discolored fluid is a result of overheating which has two primary causes.
1. A result of restricted fluid flow through the main and/or auxiliary cooler. This condition is usually the result of a
faulty or improperly installed drainback valve, a damaged oil cooler, or severe restrictions in the coolers and lines
caused by debris or kinked lines.
2. Heavy duty operation with a vehicle not properly equipped for this type of operation. Trailer towing 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 system,and the engine/axle ratio combination
needed to handle heavy loads.
FLUID CONTAMINATION
Transmission fluid contamination is generally a result of:
adding incorrect fluid
failure to clean dipstick and fill tube when checking level
engine coolant entering the fluid
internal failure that generates debris
overheat that generates sludge (fluid breakdown)
failure to replace contaminated converter after repair
The use of non-recommended fluids can result in transmission failure. Theusual results are erratic shifts, slippage,
abnormal wear and eventual failure due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation. Avoid this condition by using rec-
ommended fluids only.
The dipstick cap and fill tube should be wiped clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease and other foreign mate-
rial 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 withdrawing the dipstick.
Engine coolant in the transmission fluid is generally 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 torque converter should also be replaced whenever a failure generatessludge and debris. This is necessary
because normal converter flushing procedures will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions because it allows the pumpto take in air along with the fluid. As
in any hydraulic system, air bubbles make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the geartrain
churns up foam and cause the same conditions which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating and/or fluid oxidation,and varnishing. This can interfere with nor-
mal valve, clutch, and accumulator operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the transmission vent
where it may be mistaken for a leak.
PROCEDURE TWO
1. Start engine and apply parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approximately 2 seconds.
3. Shift the transmission into REVERSE for approximately 2 seconds.
4. Shift the transmission into PARK.
5. Hook up DRB
scan tool and select engine.
6. Select sensors.
7. Read the transmission temperature value.
8. Compare the fluid temperature value with the chart.
9. Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the dipstick according to the chart.
NOTE: After adding any fluid to the transmission, wait a minimum of 2 minutes for the oil to fully drain from
the fill tube into the transmission before rechecking the fluid level.
10. Check transmission for leaks.
FLUID AND FILTER REPLACEMENT
For proper service intervals (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - DESCRIP-
TION). The service fluid fill after a filter change is approximately 3.8 liters (4.0 quarts).
3. Clean the gasket surfaces of the transmission oil
pan (3) and transmission pan rail.
NOTE: The transmission pan oil gasket (2) is reus-
able. Inspect the sealing surfaces of the gasket. If
the sealing ribs on both surfaces appear to be in
good condition, clean the gasket of any foreign
material and reinstall.
4. Position the oil pan gasket (2) onto the oil pan (3).
5. Position the oil pan and gasket onto the transmis-
sion and install several bolts to hold the pan and
gasket to the transmission.
6. Install the remainder of the oil pan bolts. Tighten
the bolts to 13.6 Nꞏm (125 in.lbs.).
7. Lower vehicle and fill transmission. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/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 Mopar
ATF+4totransmission:
a. If only fluid and filter were changed, add3 pints (1-1/2 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
b. If transmission was completely overhauled, torque converter was replaced or drained, and cooler was
flushed, add12 pints (6 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
3. Apply parking brakes.
4. Start and run engine at normal curb idle speed.
5. Apply service brakes, shift transmission through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set parking brake, and
leave engine running at curb idle speed.
6. Remove funnel, insert dipstick andcheck fluid level. If level is low,add fluid to bring level to MIN mark on
dipstick.Check to see if the oil level is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is noticably higher than
the other, the dipstick has picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allowthe oil to drain down the dipstick tube
and re-check.
7. Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at normal operating temperature.
8. With the engine running at curb idle speed, the gear selector in NEUTRAL,and the parking brake applied, check
the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION: Do not overfill transmission, fluid foaming and shifting problems can result.
9. Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow mark.
When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release park brake, remove funnel, and install dipstick in fill tube.
UNIT-OVERDRIVE
REMOVAL
1. Shift transmission into PARK.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Remove transfer case, if equipped.
4. Mark propeller shaft universal joint(s) and axle pinion yoke, or the companion flange and flange yoke, for align-
ment reference at installation, if necessary.
5. Disconnect and remove the rear propeller shaft, if necessary. (Refer to3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PRO-
PELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)
6. Remove transmission oil pan, remove gasket, drain oil and reinstall pan.
7. If overdrive unit had malfunctioned, or if fluid is contaminated, remove entire transmission. If diagnosis indicated
overdrive problems only, remove just the overdrive unit.
8. Support transmission with transmission jack.
9. Remove bolts (2) attaching overdrive unit (1) to
transmission.
CAUTION: Support the overdrive unit with a jack
before moving it rearward. This is necessary to
prevent damaging the intermediate shaft. Do not
allow the shaft to support the entire weight of the
overdrive unit.
10. Carefully work overdrive unit off intermediate
shaft. Do not tilt unit during removal. Keep it as
level as possible.
11. If overdrive unit does not require service, immedi-
ately insert Alignment Tool 6227-2 in splines of
planetary gear and overrunning clutch to prevent
splines from rotating out of alignment. If misalign-
ment occurs, overdrive unit will have to be disas-
sembled in order to realign splines.
12. Remove and retain overdrive piston thrust bearing. Bearing may remainon piston or in clutch hub during
removal.
13. Position drain pan on workbench.
14. Place overdrive unit over drain pan. Tilt unit to drain residual fluid from case.
15. Examine fluid for clutch material or metal fragments. If fluid contains these items, overhaul will be necessary.
16. If overdrive unit does not require any service, leave alignment tool inposition. Tool will prevent accidental mis-
alignment of planetary gear and overrunning clutch splines.
CLEANING
Clean the geartrain and case components with solvent. Dry all parts exceptthebearingswithcompressedair.Allow
bearings to air dry.
Do not use shop towels for wiping parts dry unless the towels are made from a lint-free material. A sufficient quan-
tity of lint (from shop towels, cloths, rags, etc.) could plug the transmission filter and fluid passages.
Discard the old case gasket and seals.Do not attempt to salvage these parts. They are not reusable. Replace any
of the overdrive unit snap-rings if distorted or damaged.
Minor nicks or scratches on components can be smoothed with crocus cloth. However, do not attempt to reduce
severescoringonanycomponentswithabrasive materials. Replace severely scored components; do not try to
salvage them.
INSPECTION
Check condition of the park lock components and the overdrive case.
Check the bushings in the overdrive case. Replace the bushings if severelyscored or worn. Also replace the case
seal if loose, distorted, or damaged.
Examine the overdrive and direct clutch discs and plates. Replace the discs if the facing is worn, severely scored,
or burned and flaking off. Replace the clutch plates if worn, heavily scored, or cracked. Check the lugs on the clutch
plates for wear. The plates should slide freely in the drum. Replace the plates or drum if binding occurs.
Check condition of the annulus gear, direct clutch hub, clutch drum and clutch spring. Replace the gear, hub and
drum if worn or damaged. Replace the spring if collapsed, distorted, or cracked.
Be sure the splines and lugs on the gear, drum and hub are in good condition. The clutch plates and discs should
slide freely in these components.
Inspect the thrust bearings and spring plate. Replace the plate if worn or scored. Replace the bearings if rough,
noisy, brinnelled, or worn.
Inspect the planetary gear assembly and the sun gear and bushings. If either the sun gear or the bushings are
damaged, replace the gear and bushings as an assembly. The gear and bushings are not serviced separately.
The planetary carrier and pinions must be in good condition. Also be sure the pinion pins are secure and in good
condition. Replace the carrier if worn or damaged.
Inspect the overrunning clutch and race. The race surface should be smoothand free of scores. Replace the over-
running clutch assembly or the race if either assembly is worn or damaged inany way.
Replace the shaft pilot bushing and inner bushing if damaged. Replace either shaft bearing if rough or noisy.
Replace the bearing snap-rings if distorted or cracked.
Check the machined surfaces on the output shaft. These surfaces should clean and smooth. Very minor nicks or
scratches can be smoothed with crocus cloth. Replace the shaft if worn, scored or damaged in any way.
Inspect the output shaft bushings. The small bushing is the intermediate shaft pilot bushing. The large bushing is the
overrunning clutch hub bushing. Replace either bushing if scored, pitted, cracked, or worn.