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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - SERVICE
INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION ............................... 391
OPERATION ................................. 393
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ............... 398
ROAD TEST ............................... 399
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TESTS............ 400
CLUTCH AIR PRESSURE TESTS........... 402
FLUID LEAKAGE.......................... 403
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR .......................... 404
REMOVAL ................................... 404
DISASSEMBLY .............................. 406
ASSEMBLY .................................. 428
INSTALLATION .............................. 451
SCHEMATICS AND DIAGRAMS
42RLE - WITHOUT VARIABLE LINE
PRESSURE............................... 455
42RLE - WITH VARIABLE LINE PRESSURE . . 469
SPECIFICATIONS
42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........ 479
SPECIAL TOOLS
42RLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ........ 481
ACCUMULATOR
DESCRIPTION ............................... 485
OPERATION ................................. 486
SEAL-ADAPTER HOUSING
REMOVAL ................................... 487
INSTALLATION .............................. 487
BEARINGS
ADJUSTMENTS
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES.... 488
MECHANISM-BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT
INTERLOCK
DESCRIPTION ............................... 489
OPERATION ................................. 489
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE
TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK ......... 489
ADJUSTMENTS - BRAKE TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK ......................... 489
CLUTCHES-DRIVING
DESCRIPTION ............................... 491
OPERATION ................................. 491
SEAL-EXTENSION HOUSING
REMOVAL ................................... 492
INSTALLATION .............................. 492
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CAUSES OF BURNT FLUID ................. 493EFFECTS OF INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL . . . . 493
FLUID CONTAMINATION ................... 493
STANDARD PROCEDURE
FLUID LEVEL CHECK...................... 493
FLUID/FILTER SERVICE .................... 494
TRANSMISSION FILL ...................... 495
CABLE-GEARSHIFT
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GEARSHIFT
CABLE .................................... 496
REMOVAL ................................... 496
INSTALLATION .............................. 497
ADJUSTMENTS - GEARSHIFT CABLE ......... 498
CLUTCHES-HOLDING
DESCRIPTION ............................... 499
OPERATION ................................. 499
ASSEMBLY-INPUT CLUTCH
DISASSEMBLY .............................. 500
ASSEMBLY .................................. 509
SENSOR-INPUT SPEED
DESCRIPTION ............................... 523
OPERATION ................................. 523
REMOVAL ................................... 523
INSTALLATION .............................. 524
SENSOR-VARIABLE LINE PRESSURE
DESCRIPTION ............................... 525
OPERATION ................................. 525
REMOVAL ................................... 525
INSTALLATION .............................. 526
PUMP-OIL
DESCRIPTION ............................... 527
OPERATION ................................. 527
DISASSEMBLY .............................. 527
ASSEMBLY .................................. 529
SENSOR-OUTPUT SPEED
DESCRIPTION ............................... 530
OPERATION ................................. 530
REMOVAL ................................... 530
INSTALLATION .............................. 531
GEARTRAIN-PLANETARY
DESCRIPTION ............................... 532
OPERATION ................................. 532
SEAL-OIL PUMP
REMOVAL ................................... 533
INSTALLATION .............................. 533
SOLENOID-PRESSURE CONTROL
DESCRIPTION ............................... 534
OPERATION ................................. 534
REMOVAL ................................... 534
INSTALLATION .............................. 535
The 42RLE is a four-speed transmission that is a conventional hydraulic/mechanical assembly controlled with adap-
tive electronic controls and monitors. The hydraulic system of the transmission consists of the transmission fluid,
fluid passages, hydraulic valves, and various line pressure control components. An input clutch assembly which
houses the underdrive, overdrive, and reverse clutches is used. It also utilizes separate holding clutches: 2nd/4th
gear and Low/Reverse. The primary mechanical components of the transmission consist of the following:
Three multiple disc input clutches
Two multiple disc holding clutches
Four hydraulic accumulators
Two planetary gear sets
Hydraulic oil pump
Valve body
Solenoid/Pressure switch assembly
Control of the transmission is accomplished by fully adaptive electronics. Optimum shift scheduling is accomplished
through continuous real-time sensor feedback information provided to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) por-
tion of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The TCM is the heart of the electronic control system and relies on information from various direct and indirect
inputs (sensors, switches, etc.) to determine driver demand and vehicle operating conditions. With this information,
the TCM can calculate and perform timely and quality shifts through various output or control devices (solenoid
pack, transmission control relay, etc.).
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 informationcanbeviewedwiththescantool.
TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
The 42RLE transmission can be identified by a bar-
code label that is affixed to the upper left area of the
bellhousing.
The label contains a series of digits that can be trans-
lated into useful information such as transmission part
number (10), date of manufacture (4, 5), manufactur-
ing origin (2), assembly line identifier (6), build
sequence number (7), etc..
If the tag is not legible or is missing, the “PK” number,
which is stamped into the left rear flange of the trans-
mission case, can be referred to for identification. The
entire part number, build code, and sequence number
are stamped into the flange.
OPERATION
The 42RLE transmission ratios are:
1 - DRIVEPLATE 6 - REVERSE CLUTCH 11 - STUB SHAFT
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER 7 - FRONT PLANET CARRIER 12 - LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH
3 - INPUT SHAFT 8 - REAR PLANET CARRIER 13 - 2/4 CLUTCH
4 - UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH 9 - OUTPUT SHAFT 14 - OIL PUMP
5 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH 10 - SNAP RING
5. Iftheunderdriveclutchpressureisgreaterthan5psiinStep4ofTestTwo-A, a defective solenoid/pressure
switch assembly or controller is the cause.
ALL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS ARE PSI (on hoist, with wheels free to turn)
Gear Selector Position Actual Gear PRESSURE TAPS
Under-
drive
ClutchOver-
drive
ClutchReverse
ClutchTo r q u e
Converter
Clutch
OffTo r q u e
Converter
Clutch
On2/4
ClutchLow/
Reverse
Clutch
PARK - 0 mph * PARK 0-2 0-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 0-2 115-145
REVERSE - 0 mph * REVERSE 0-2 0-7 165-235 50-100 35-85 0-2 165-235
NEUTRAL - 0 mph * NEUTRAL 0-2 0-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 0-2 115-145
Low - 20 mph # FIRST 110-
1450-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 0-2 115-145
Third-30mph# SECOND 110-
1450-5 0-2 60-110 45-100 115-
1450-2
Third - 45 mph # DIRECT 75-95 75-95 0-2 60-90 45-80 0-2 0-2
OD - 30 mph # OVERDRIVE 0-2 75-95 0-2 60-90 45-80 75-95 0-2
OD - 50 mph # OVERDRIVE WITH
TCC0-2 75-95 0-2 0-5 60-95 75-95 0-2
* Engine Speed at 1500 rpm
# CAUTION: Both wheels must be turning at same speed.
CLUTCH AIR PRESSURE TESTS
Inoperative clutches can be located by substituting air
pressure for fluid pressure. The clutches may be
tested by applying air pressure to their respective pas-
sages after the valve body has been removed. Use
Plate Set 6599-1 (1) and 6599-2 (1) to perform test.
To make air pressure tests, proceed as follows:
NOTE: The compressed air supply must be free of
all dirt and moisture. Use a pressure of 30 psi.
1. Remove oil pan and valve body. (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC - 42RLE/VALVE
BODY - REMOVAL)
2. Apply air pressure to the holes in the plates (1),
one at a time.
3. Listen for the clutch to apply. It will give a slight
thud sound. If a large amount of air is heard escap-
ing, the transmission must be removed from vehi-
cle, disassembled and all seals inspected.
2/4 CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the feed hole located on the 2/4 clutch retainer (2). Look in the area where the 2/4 piston
contacts the first separator plate and watch carefully for the 2/4 piston tomoverearward.Thepistonshouldreturn
to its original position after the air pressure is removed.
Air Pressure Test Plate
1 - AIR PRESSURE TEST PLATES
2 - 2/4 CLUTCH RETAINER HOLE
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the overdrive clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move forward. The
piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed.
REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the reverse clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move rearward. The
piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed.
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH
Apply air pressure to the low/reverse clutch feed hole passage. Look in thearea where the low/reverse piston con-
tacts the first separator plate. Watch carefully for the piston to move forward. The piston should return to its original
position after the air pressure is removed.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH
Because this clutch piston cannot be seen, its opera-
tion is checked by function. Use an air nozzle (2) to
apply air pressure is to the low/reverse or the 2/4
clutch opening in Test Plate 6599-1 (2). This locks the
output shaft. Use a piece of rubber hose wrapped
around the input shaft and a pair of clamp-on pliers to
turn the input shaft. Next apply air pressure to the
underdrive clutch. The input shaft should not rotate
with hand torque. Release the air pressure and con-
firm that the input shaft will rotate.
FLUID LEAKAGE
FLUID LEAKAGE - TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING AREA
When diagnosing converter housing (5) fluid leaks,
three actions must be taken before repair:
1. Verify proper transmission fluid level.
2. Verify that the leak originates from the converter
housing area and is transmission fluid.
3. Determine the true source of the leak.
Fluid leakage at or around the torque converter area
may originate from an engine oil leak (7). The area
should be examined closely. Factory fill fluid is red
and, therefore, can be distinguished from engine oil.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess fluid
spilled during factory fill, or fill after repair. Converter
housing leaks have several potential sources. Through
careful observation, a leak source can be identified
before removing the transmission for repair.
Pump seal (1) leaks tend to move along the drive hub and onto the rear of the converter. Pump o-ring or pump
body leaks follow the same path as a seal leak. Pump attaching bolt (3) leaksare generally deposited on the inside
of the converter housing (5) and not on the converter itself. Pump seal (1) or gasket (4) leaks usually travel down
the inside of the converter housing.
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAKAGE
Possible sources of torque converter leakage are:
Torque converter weld leaks at the outside diam-
eter weld (1).
Torque converter hub weld (2).
STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM THREAD REPAIR
DamagedorwornthreadsinthealuminumtransmissioncaseandvalvebodycanberepairedbytheuseofHeli-
Coils
, or equivalent. This repair consists of drilling out the worn-out damagedthreads. Then tap the hole with a
special Heli-Coil
tap, or equivalent, and installing a Heli-Coilinsert, or equivalent, into the hole. This brings the
hole back to its original thread size.
Heli-Coil
, or equivalent, tools, and inserts are readily available from most automotive parts suppliers.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle
3. Remove any necessary skid plates. (Refer to 13 -
FRAMES & BUMPERS/FRAME/TRANSFER CASE
SKID PLATE - REMOVAL)
4. Mark propeller shaft and axle companion flanges
for assembly alignment.
5. Remove the rear propeller shaft. (Refer to 3 - DIF-
FERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/
PROPELLER SHAFT - REMOVAL)
6. Remove the front propeller shaft, if necessary.
(Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PRO-
PELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT -
REMOVAL)
7. Disconnect the input (1) and output (2) speed sen-
sors.
8. Disconnect the transfer case shift motor and mode
sensor assembly (3).
9. Disconnect the variable line pressure connector (4)
from the transmission, if equipped.
10. Disconnect the transmission range sensor (5).
NOTE: Before installing the oil pan bolt in the bolt
hole located between the torque converter clutch
on and U/D clutch pressure tap circuits , it will be
necessary to replenish the sealing patch on the
bolt using MOPAR
Lock & Seal Adhesive.
60. Install and torque the oil pan-to-case bolts to 20
Nꞏm (14.5 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Before installing either speed sensor bolt,
it will be necessary to replentish the sealing patch
on the bolt using Mopar
Lock & Seal Adhesive.
61. Install both speed sensors (1, 2) into the transmis-
sion case. Torque the speed sensor bolts to 9
Nꞏm (80 in. lbs.).
62. As a final check of the transmission, measure the
input shaft end play. This will indicate when a #4
thrust plate change is required. The #4 thrust
plate is located behind the overdrive clutch hub.
Attach a dial indicator to transmission bell housing
with its plunger seated against end of input shaft.
Move input shaft in and out to obtain end play
reading.Input shaft end play must be 0.127 to
0.635 mm (0.005 to 0.025 inch).If not within
specifications, make the necessary thrust plate
adjustment.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Description Nꞏm Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Bolt, Torque Converter Housing to Engine 68 50 -
Bolt, Converter-to-Driveplate 88 65 -
Bolt, Fluid Filter-to-Valve Body 5 - 45
Bolt, L/R Piston Retainer-to-Case 5 - 45
Bolt, Adapter/Extension Housing 54 40 -
Bolt, Manual Valve Lever-to-Manual Valve 5 - 45
Bolt, Oil Pan-to-Case 20 14.5 -
Bolt, Oil Pump-to-Case 30 - 265
Bolt, Park Sprag Retainer 4.5 - 40
Bolt, Reaction Shaft Support Halves 28 - 250
Bolt, Solenoid/Pressure Switch Assembly-to-
Valve Body5.5 - 50
Bolt, Valve Body-to-Case 12 - 105
Bolt, Valve Body-to-Transfer Plate 5 - 45
Fitting, Cooler Line 47.5 35 -
Nut, Output Shaft 271 200 -
Plug, Pressure Tap 5 - 45
Bolt, Input Speed-to-Case Sensor 9 - 80
Bolt, Output Speed-to-Case Sensor 9 - 80
Nut, Transfer Case 47 35 -
Bolt, Crossmember to Frame 68 50 -
Bolt, Rear Support to Transmission 47 35 -
Bolt, Clevis Bracket to Crossmember 47 35 -
Bolt, Clevis Bracket to Transmission 68 50 -
Screw, TRS/Manual Shaft Retaining 5 - 45
Screw, 2/4 Accumulator Retainer Plate 5 - 45
FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
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.
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.
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
The transmission sump has a dipstick to check oil similar to most automatictransmissions. It is located on the left
side of the engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the PARK and NEUTRAL positions. Place the selector lever in PARK to be sure
that the fluid level check is accurate.The engine should be running at idle speed for at least one minute, with
the vehicle on level ground.At normal operating temperature (approximately 82° C or 180° F), the fluidlevel is
correct if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid level should be in COLD
region at 21° C (70° F) fluid temperature. Adjust fluid level as necessary.Use only Mopar
ATF+4, Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid.