transmission oil DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

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 replace contaminated converter after
repairThe 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 torque converter should also be replaced when-
ever a failure generates sludge and debris. This is
necessary because normal converter flushing proce-
dures will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL
CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to 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 condi-
tions 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 normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mis-
taken for a leak.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P (PARK)
and N (NEUTRAL) positions. Place the selector lever
in P (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 fluid level is cor-
rect if it is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on
the oil level indicator. The fluid level will be approx-
21 - 366 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR

imately at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at
70É F fluid temperature.
NOTE: Engine and Transmission should be at nor-
mal operating temperature before performing this
procedure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into DRIVE for approxi-
mately 2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into REVERSE for
approximately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into PARK.
(5) Hook up DRBtscan tool and select transmis-
sion.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart. (Fig. 66)
(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.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 transmis-
sion.
(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.
67).
(10) Separate filter from valve body and oil pump
and pour fluid in filter into drain pan.
Fig. 66 Transmission Fluid Temperature Chart
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 367
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

(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 problem
unless 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
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.
(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.(2) Place replacement filter in position on valve
body and into the oil pump.
(3) Install screw to hold filter to valve body (Fig.
67). 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.
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
and the torque converter was replaced or drained,
add24 pints (12 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmis-
sion.
(3) Check the transmission fluid (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC - RFE/FLUID -
STANDARD PROCEDURE) and adjust as required.
GEARSHIFT CABLE
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - GEARSHIFT
CABLE
(1) Engine starts must be possible with shift lever
in PARK or NEUTRAL positions only. Engine starts
must not be possible in any other gear position.
(2) With the shift lever in the:
(a) PARK position - Apply upward force on the
shift arm and remove pressure. Engine starts must
be possible.
(b) PARK position - Apply downward force on
the shift arm and remove pressure. Engine starts
must be possible.
(c) NEUTRAL position - Normal position. Engine
starts must be possible.
(d) NEUTRAL position - Engine running and
brakes applied, apply upward force on the shift
arm. Transmission shall not be able to shift from
neutral to reverse.
Fig. 67 Transmission Filters - 4X4 Shown
1 - PRIMARY OIL FILTER
2 - COOLER RETURN FILTER
3 - COOLER RETURN FILTER BYPASS VALVE
4 - VALVE BODY
21 - 368 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

(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. 91).
(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.).
(3) Install the wiring connector onto the input
speed sensor
(4) Verify the transmission fluid level. Add fluid as
necessary.
(5) Lower vehicle.
LINE PRESSURE (LP) SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The TCM utilizes a closed-loop system to control
transmission line pressure. The system contains a
variable force style solenoid, the Pressure Control
Solenoid, mounted on the side of the solenoid and
pressure switch assembly. The solenoid is duty cycle
controlled by the TCM to vent the unnecessary line
pressure supplied by the oil pump back to the sump.
The system also contains a variable pressure style
sensor, the Line Pressure Sensor, which is a direct
input to the TCM. The line pressure solenoid moni-
tors the transmission line pressure and completes the
Fig. 91 Input Speed Sensor
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - LINE PRESSURE SENSOR
3 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
21 - 382 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(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.
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump (Fig. 96) is located at the front of the
transmission inside the bell housing and behind the
transmission front cover. The oil pump consists of
two independent pumps (Fig. 97), a number of valves
(Fig. 98), a front seal (Fig. 99), and a bolt on reaction
shaft. The converter clutch switch and regulator
valves, pressure regulator valve, and converter pres-
sure limit valve are all located in the oil pump valve
body.
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the oil pump drive gear. As the drive gear
rotates both driven gears, a vacuum is created when
the gear teeth come out of mesh. This suction draws
fluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
gear teeth come back into mesh, pressurized fluid is
forced into the pump outlet and to the oil pump
valves.
At low speeds, both sides of the pump supply fluid
to the transmission. As the speed of the torque con-verter increases, the flow from both sides increases
until the flow from the primary side alone is suffi-
cient to meet system demands. At this point, the
check valve located between the two pumps closes.
The secondary side is shut down and the primary
side supplies all the fluid to the transmission.
CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
The converter clutch switch valve is used to control
the hydraulic pressure supplied to the front (OFF)
side of the torque converter clutch.
Fig. 96 Oil Pump
1 - OIL PUMP TO CASE BOLT (6)
2 - OIL PUMP
Fig. 97 Oil Pump Gears
1 - PUMP HOUSING
2 - DRIVE GEAR
3 - DRIVEN GEARS
Fig. 98 Oil Pump Valves
1 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ACCUMULATOR VALVE
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE
3 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SWITCH VALVE
4 - PUMP VALVE BODY
5 - PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE
6 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH LIMIT VALVE
21 - 386 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH (Continued)

CONVERTER CLUTCH REGULATOR VALVE
The converter clutch regulator valve is used to con-
trol the hydraulic pressure supplied to the back (ON)
side of the torque converter clutch.
TORQUE CONVERTER LIMIT VALVE
The torque converter limit valve serves to limit the
available line pressure to the torque converter clutch.
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, Automatic Trans-
mission 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.
Fig. 99 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
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 387
OIL PUMP (Continued)

(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.
(5) Refill the transmission to proper level.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove the bolts holding the reaction shaft
support to the oil pump (Fig. 100).
(2) Remove the reaction shaft support from the oil
pump (Fig. 100).(3) Remove all bolts holding the oil pump halves
together (Fig. 100).
(4) Using suitable prying tools, separate the oil
pump sections by inserting the tools in the supplied
areas and prying the halves apart.
NOTE: The oil pump halves are aligned to each
other through the use of two dowels. Be sure to pry
upward evenly to prevent damage to the oil pump
components.
(5) Remove the screws holding the separator plate
onto the oil pump body (Fig. 101).
(6) Remove the separator plate from the oil pump
body (Fig. 101).
Fig. 100 Oil Pump Assembly
1 - PUMP HOUSING 4 - SEAL RING (5)
2 - SEAL 5 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
3 - OIL FILTER SEAL 6 - PUMP VALVE BODY
21 - 388 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
OIL PUMP (Continued)

(7) Mark all gears for location. The gears are
select fit and if the oil pump is to be reused, the
gears must be returned to their original locations.
(8) Remove the oil pump gears from the oil pump
case (Fig. 101).
Fig. 101 Oil Pump Housing and Gears
1 - SEPARATOR PLATE 5 - DOWEL (2)
2 - DRIVEN GEAR (2) 6 - DRIVE GEAR
3 - CHECK VALVE 7 - SCREW
4 - PUMP HOUSING
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 389
OIL PUMP (Continued)

(9) Remove the oil pump valve retainers and asso-
ciated valve and spring one at a time (Fig. 102) (Fig.
103). Mark the combination of components as a
group and tag them as to the location from which
they were removed.
CLEANING
Clean pump and support components with solvent
and dry them with compressed air.
INSPECTION
Check condition of the seal rings and thrust
washer on the reaction shaft support. The seal rings
do not need to be replaced unless cracked, broken, or
severely worn.
Inspect the pump and support components. Replace
the pump or support if the seal ring grooves or
machined surfaces are worn, scored, pitted, or dam-
aged. Replace the pump gears if pitted, worn
chipped, or damaged.
Inspect the pump reaction shaft support bushings.
Replace either bushing only if heavily worn, scored or
damaged. It is not necessary to replace the bushings
unless they are actually damaged.
Inspect the valves and plugs for scratches, burrs,
nicks, or scores. Minor surface scratches on steel
valves and plugs can be removed with crocus clothbutdo not round off the edges of the valve or
plug lands.Maintaining sharpness of these edges is
vitally important. The edges prevent foreign matter
from lodging between the valves and plugs and the
bore.
Inspect all the valve and plug bores in the oil
pump cover. Use a penlight to view the bore interi-
ors. Replace the oil pump if any bores are distorted
or scored. Inspect all of the valve springs. The
springs must be free of distortion, warpage or broken
coils.
Trial fit each valve and plug in its bore to check
freedom of operation. When clean and dry, the valves
and plugs should drop freely into the bores.
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 and install
into their original locations.
(3) Lubricate the oil pump valves with Mopart
ATF +4 and install the valve, spring and retainer
Fig. 102 Oil Pump Valve Body
1 - T/C REGULATOR VALVE
2 - T/C LIMIT VALVE
3 - REGULATOR VALVE
4 - OIL PUMP VALVE BODY
Fig. 103 T/C Switch Valve
1 - RETAINER
2 - T/C SWITCH VALVE
3 - OIL PUMP VALVE BODY
21 - 390 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
OIL PUMP (Continued)

into the appropriate oil pump valve body bore (Fig.
102) (Fig. 103).
(4) Place the separator plate onto the oil pump
body (Fig. 101).
(5) Install the screws to hold the separator plate
onto the oil pump body (Fig. 101). Tighten the screws
to 4.5 N´m (40 in.lbs.).
(6) Position the oil pump cover onto the locating
dowels (Fig. 100).
(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. 100).
(11) Install and torque the bolts to hold the reac-
tion shaft support to the oil pump (Fig. 100). 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. 104).
OUTPUT 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 output
speed sensor (Fig. 105).
(4) Remove the bolt holding the output speed sen-
sor to the transmission case.
(5) Remove the output speed sensor from the
transmission case.
Fig. 104 Install Oil Pump Front Seal
1 - TOOL C-3860-A
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 391
OIL PUMP (Continued)