automatic transmission fluid DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Service Manual

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
GROWLING, GRATING OR
SCRAPING NOISES1. Drive Plate Broken. 1. Replace.
2. Torque Converter Bolts Hitting
Dust Shield.2. Dust shield bent. Replace or repair.
3. Planetary Gear Set Broken/
Seized.3. Check for debris in oil pan and repair as
required.
4. Overrunning Clutch Worn/Broken. 4. Inspect and check for debris in oil pan.
Repair as required.
5. Oil Pump Components Scored/
Binding.5. Remove, inspect and repair as required.
6. Output Shaft Bearing or Bushing
Damaged.6. Remove, inspect and repair as required.
7. Clutch Operation Faulty. 7. Perform air pressure check and repair as
required.
8. Front and Rear Bands Mis-
adjusted.8. Adjust bands.
DRAGS OR LOCKS UP 1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Check and adjust level.
2. Clutch Dragging/Failed 2. Air pressure check clutch operation and
repair as required.
3. Front or Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust bands.
4. Case Leaks Internally. 4. Check for leakage between passages in
case.
5. Servo Band or Linkage
Malfunction.5. Air pressure check servo operation and
repair as required.
6. Overrunning Clutch Worn. 6. Remove and inspect clutch. Repair as
required.
7. Planetary Gears Broken. 7. Remove, inspect and repair as required
(look for debris in oil pan).
8. Converter Clutch Dragging. 8. Check for plugged cooler. Perform flow
check. Inspect pump for excessive side
clearance. Replace pump as required.
NO 4-3 DOWNSHIFT 1. Circuit Wiring and/or Connectors
Shorted.1. Test wiring and connectors with test lamp
and volt/ohmmeter. Repair wiring as
necessary. Replace connectors and/or
harnesses as required.
2. PCM Malfunction. 2. Check PCM operation with DRBTscan
tool. Replace PCM only if faulty.
3. TPS Malfunction 3. Check TPS with DRBTscan tool at PCM.
4. Lockup Solenoid Not Venting. 4. Remove valve body and replace solenoid
assembly if plugged or shorted.
5. Overdrive Solenoid Not Venting. 5. Remove valve body and replace solenoid
if plugged or shorted.
6. Valve Body Valve Sticking. 6. Repair stuck 3-4 shift valve or lockup
timing valve.
21 - 152 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO 4-3 DOWNSHIFT
WHEN CONTROL SWITCH
IS TURNED OFF1. Control Switch Open/Shorted. 1. Test and replace switch if faulty.
2. Overdrive Solenoid Connector
Shorted.2. Test solenoids and replace if seized or
shorted.
3. PCM Malfunction. 3. Test with DRBTscan tool. Replace PCM
if faulty.
4. Valve Body Stuck Valves. 4. Repair stuck 3-4, lockup or lockup timing
valve.
CLUNK NOISE FROM
DRIVELINE ON CLOSED
THROTTLE 4-3
DOWNSHIFT1. Transmission Fluid Low. 1. Add Fluid.
2. Throttle Cable Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust cable.
3. Overdrive Clutch Select Spacer
Wrong Spacer.3. Replace overdrive piston thrust plate
spacer.
3-4 UPSHIFT OCCURS
IMMEDIATELY AFTER 2-3
SHIFT1. Overdrive Solenoid Connector or
Wiring Shorted.1. Test connector and wiring for loose
connections, shorts or ground and repair as
needed.
2. TPS Malfunction. 2. Test TPS and replace as necessary.
Check with DRBTscan tool.
3. PCM Malfunction. 3. Test PCM with DRBTscan tool and
replace controller if faulty.
4. Overdrive Solenoid Malfunction. 4. Replace solenoid.
5. Valve Body Malfunction. 5. Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect
valve body components. Make sure all
valves and plugs slide freely in bores.
Polish valves with crocus cloth if needed.
WHINE/NOISE RELATED
TO ENGINE SPEED1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Shift Cable Incorrect Routing. 2. Check shift cable for correct routing.
Should not touch engine or bell housing.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 153
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SLIPS IN OVERDRIVE
FOURTH GEAR1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Overdrive Clutch Pack Worn. 2. Remove overdrive unit and rebuild clutch
pack.
3. Overdrive Piston Retainer Bleed
Orifice Blown Out.3. Disassemble transmission, remove
retainer and replace orifice.
4. Overdrive Piston or Seal
Malfunction.4. Remove overdrive unit. Replace seals if
worn. Replace piston if damaged. If piston
retainer is damaged, remove and
disassemble the transmission.
5. 3-4 Shift Valve, Timing Valve or
Accumulator Malfunction.5. Remove and overhaul valve body.
Replace accumulator seals. Make sure all
valves operate freely in bores and do not
bind or stick. Make sure valve body screws
are correctly tightened and separator plates
are properly positioned.
6. Overdrive Unit Thrust Bearing
Failure.6. Disassemble overdrive unit and replace
thrust bearing (NO. 1 thrust bearing is
between overdrive piston and clutch hub;
NO. 2 thrust bearing is between the
planetary gear and the direct clutch spring
plate; NO. 3 thrust bearing is between
overrunning clutch hub and output shaft).
7. O/D Check Valve/Bleed Orifice
Failure.7. Check for function/secure orifice insert in
O/D piston retainer.
DELAYED 3-4 UPSHIFT
(SLOW TO ENGAGE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Throttle Valve Cable Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust throttle valve cable.
3. Overdrive Clutch Pack Worn/
Burnt.3. Remove unit and rebuild clutch pack.
4. TPS Faulty. 4. Test with DRBTscan tool and replace as
necessary
5. Overdrive Clutch Bleed Orifice
Plugged.5. Disassemble transmission and replace
orifice.
6. Overdrive Solenoid or Wiring
Shorted/Open.6. Test solenoid and check wiring for
loose/corroded connections or shorts/
grounds. Replace solenoid if faulty and
repair wiring if necessary.
7. Overdrive Excess Clearance. 7. Remove unit. Measure end play and
select proper spacer.
8. O/D Check Valve Missing or
Stuck.8. Check for presence of check valve.
Repair or replace as required.
TORQUE CONVERTER
LOCKS UP IN SECOND
AND/OR THIRD GEARLockup Solenoid, Relay or Wiring
Shorted/Open.Test solenoid, relay and wiring for
continuity, shorts or grounds. Replace
solenoid and relay if faulty. Repair wiring
and connectors as necessary.
HARSH 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 OR
3-2 SHIFTSLockup Solenoid Malfunction. Remove valve body and replace solenoid
assembly.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 155
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OIL LEAKS. 1. Fluid Lines and Fittings Loose/
Leaks/Damaged.1. Tighten fittings. If leaks persist, replace
fittings and lines if necessary.
2. Fill Tube (where tube enters case)
Leaks/Damaged.2. Replace tube seal. Inspect tube for
cracks in fill tube.
3. Pressure Port Plug Loose
Loose/Damaged.3. Tighten to correct torque. Replace plug
or reseal if leak persists.
4. Pan Gasket Leaks. 4. Tighten pan screws (150 in. lbs.). If leaks
persist, replace gasket.
5. Valve Body Manual Lever Shaft
Seal Leaks/Worn.5. Replace shaft seal.
6. Rear Bearing Access Plate Leaks. 6. Replace gasket. Tighten screws.
7. Gasket Damaged or Bolts are
Loose.7. Replace bolts or gasket or tighten both.
8. Adapter/Extension Gasket
Damaged Leaks/Damaged.8. Replace gasket.
9. Park/Neutral Switch, or
Transmission Range Sensor
Leaks/Damaged.9. Replace switch and gasket.
10. Converter Housing Area Leaks. 10. Check for leaks at seal caused by worn
seal or burr on converter hub (cutting seal),
worn bushing, missing oil return, oil in front
pump housing or hole plugged. Check for
leaks past O-ring seal on pump or past
pump-to-case bolts; pump housing porous,
oil coming out vent due to overfill or leak
past front band shaft access plug.
11. Pump Seal Leaks/Worn/
Damaged.11. Replace seal.
12. Torque Converter Weld
Leak/Cracked Hub.12. Replace converter.
13. Case Porosity Leaks. 13. Replace case.
NOISY OPERATION IN
FOURTH GEAR ONLY1. Overdrive Clutch Discs, Plates or
Snap Rings Damaged.1. Remove unit and rebuild clutch pack.
2. Overdrive Piston or Planetary
Thrust Bearing Damaged.2. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace
either thrust bearing if damaged.
3. Output Shaft Bearings Scored/
Damaged.3. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace
either bearing if damaged.
4. Planetary Gears Worn/Chipped. 4. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit.
5. Overdrive Unit Overrunning Clutch
Rollers Worn/Scored.5. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 157
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - ALUMINUM
THREAD REPAIR
Damaged or worn threads in the aluminum trans-
mission case and valve body can be repaired by the
use of Heli-CoilsŸ, or equivalent. This repair con-
sists of drilling out the worn-out damaged threads.
Then tap the hole with a special Heli-CoilŸ tap, or
equivalent, and installing a Heli-CoilŸ insert, or
equivalent, into the hole. This brings the hole back to
its original thread size.
Heli-CoilŸ, or equivalent, tools and inserts are
readily available from most automotive parts suppli-
ers.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The overdrive unit can be removed and ser-
viced 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 (Fig. 12), if
equipped.(4) Disconnect and lower or remove necessary
exhaust components.
(5) Remove engine-to-transmission struts.
(6) Remove starter motor. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
(7) Disconnect and remove the crankshaft position
sensor. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJEC-
TION/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL) Retain the sensor attaching bolts.
(8) If transmission is being removed for overhaul,
remove transmission oil pan, drain fluid and reinstall
pan.
(9) Remove torque converter access cover.
(10) Rotate crankshaft in clockwise direction until
converter 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. On4x4models, remove both propel-
ler shafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIV-
ELINE/PROPELLER SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT -
REMOVAL)
(12) Disconnect wires from the transmission range
sensor and transmission solenoid connector.
(13) Disconnect gearshift cable (Fig. 13) from the
transmission.
Fig. 12 Transfer Case Skid Plate
1 - FRAME RAIL
2 - SKID PLATE
3 - BOLTS (6)
Fig. 13 Gearshift Cable At Transmission
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - TRANSMISSION MANUAL LEVER
3 - CABLE SUPPORT BRACKET
21 - 158 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

(14) Disconnect throttle valve cable from transmis-
sion bracket and throttle valve lever.
(15) On 4X4 models, disconnect shift rod from
transfer case shift lever.
(16) Support rear of engine with safety stand or
jack.
(17) Raise transmission slightly with service jack
to relieve load on crossmember and supports.
(18) Remove bolts securing rear support and cush-
ion (Fig. 14) and (Fig. 15) to transmission and cross-
member and remove rear support.
(19) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to frame
and remove crossmember.
(20) On 4X4 models, remove transfer case with
transmission jack or aid of helper.
(21) Disconnect fluid cooler lines at transmission.
(22) Remove fill tube bracket bolts and pull tube
out of transmission. Retain fill tube seal. On 4X4
models, it will also be necessary to remove bolt
attaching transfer case vent tube to converter hous-
ing (Fig. 16).
(23) Remove all converter housing bolts.
(24) Carefully work transmission and torque con-
verter assembly rearward off engine block dowels.
(25) Lower transmission and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.
(26) To remove torque converter, remove C-clamp
from edge of bell housing and carefully slide torque
converter out of the transmission.
Fig. 14 Engine Rear Mount - 4X2 Automatic
Transmission
1 - ENGINE REAR MOUNT
2 - BOLT
3 - NUT
4 - THROUGH BOLT NUT
5 - TRANSMISSION
Fig. 15 Engine Rear Mount - 4X4 Automatic
Transmission
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - ENGINE REAR MOUNT
3 - BOLT
Fig. 16 Fill Tube Attachment
1 - TRANSFER CASE VENT TUBE
2 - FILL TUBE (V8)
3 - TUBE SEAL
4 - FILL TUBE (V6)
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 159
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

(33) Remove tools and remove servo piston and
spring.
(34) Compress rear servo piston with C-clamp and
Tool C-4470, or Valve Spring Compressor C-3422-B
(Fig. 39). Compress servo spring retainer only
enough to permit snap-ring removal.
(35) Remove servo piston snap-ring (Fig. 39). Start
one end of ring out of bore. Then carefully work
removal tool around back of snap-ring until free of
ring groove.Exercise caution when removing
snap-ring. Servo bore can be scratched or
nicked if care is not exercised.
(36) Remove tools and remove rear servo retainer,
spring and piston assembly.
CLEANING
Clean the case in a solvent tank. Flush the case
bores and fluid passages thoroughly with solvent.
Dry the case and all fluid passages with compressed
air. Be sure all solvent is removed from the case and
that all fluid passages are clear.
NOTE: Do not use shop towels or rags to dry the
case (or any other transmission component) unless
they are made from lint-free materials. Lint will stick
to case surfaces and transmission components and
circulate throughout the transmission after assem-
bly. A sufficient quantity of lint can block fluid pas-
sages and interfere with valve body operation.
Lubricate transmission parts with MopartATF +4,
Automatic Transmission fluid, during overhaul and
assembly. Use petroleum jelly to prelubricate seals,
O-rings, and thrust washers. Petroleum jelly can also
be used to hold parts in place during reassembly.
INSPECTION
Inspect the case for cracks, porous spots, worn
bores, or damaged threads. Damaged threads can be
repaired with Helicoil thread inserts. However, the
case will have to be replaced if it exhibits any type of
damage or wear.
Lubricate the front band adjusting screw threads
with petroleum jelly and thread the screw part-way
into the case. Be sure the screw turns freely.
Inspect the transmission bushings during overhaul.
Bushing condition is important as worn, scored bush-
ings contribute to low pressures, clutch slip and
accelerated wear of other components. However, do
not replace bushings as a matter of course. Replace
bushings only when they are actually worn, or
scored.
The use of crocus cloth is permissible where neces-
sary, providing it is used carefully. When used on
shafts, or valves, use extreme care to avoid rounding
off sharp edges. Sharp edges are vital as they pre-
vent foreign matter from getting between the valve
and valve bore.
Do not reuse oil seals, gaskets, seal rings, or
O-rings during overhaul. Replace these parts as a
matter of course. Also do not reuse snap rings or
E-clips that are bent or distorted. Replace these parts
as well.
ASSEMBLY
Do not allow dirt, grease, or foreign material to
enter the case or transmission components during
assembly. Keep the transmission case and compo-
nents clean. Also make sure the tools and workbench
area used for reassembly operations are equally
clean.
Shop towels used for wiping off tools and your
hands must be made fromlint freematerials. Lint
will stick to transmission parts and could interfere
with valve operation or even restrict fluid passages.
Lubricate transmission clutch and gear compo-
nents with MopartATF +4 during reassembly. Soak
clutch discs in transmission fluid before installation.
Use petroleum jelly on piston seals and o-rings to
ease installation. Petroleum jelly can also be used to
lubricate and hold thrust washers and plates in posi-
tion during assembly.
Do not use chassis grease, bearing grease,
white grease, or similar lubricants on any part.
These types of lubricants can eventually block or
restrict fluid passages and valve operation. Use
petroleum jelly only.
Do not force parts into place. The transmission
components and sub-assemblies are easily installed
by hand when properly aligned. If a part seems dif-
ficult to install, it is either misaligned or incorrectly
Fig. 39 Rear Servo Retaining Snap-Ring
1 - TOOL C-4470
2 - C-CLAMP
3 - REAR SERVO SPRING RETAINER
4 - RETAINER SNAP-RING
21 - 166 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

assembled. Verify that thrust washers, thrust plates
and seal rings are correctly positioned.
The planetary geartrain, front/rear clutch assem-
blies and oil pump are all much easier to install
when the transmission case is upright. Either tilt the
case upward with wood blocks, or cut a hole in the
bench large enough for the intermediate shaft and
rear support. Then lower the shaft and support into
the hole and support the rear of the case directly on
the bench.
FRONT/REAR SERVO
(1) Lubricate rear servo piston seal with ATF +4.
Lubricate servo bore in case with ATF +4.
(2) Install rear servo piston in case. Position piston
at slight angle to bore and insert piston with twisting
motion (Fig. 40).
(3) Install rear servo spring and retainer in case
bore (Fig. 41). Be sure spring is seated on piston.
(4) Compress rear servo piston with C-clamp or
Valve Spring Compressor C-3422-B and install servo
piston snap-ring (Fig. 42).
(5) Lubricate front servo piston components and
servo bore in case with transmission fluid.
(6) Install front servo piston in bore. Carefully
ªrunº small, suitable tool around piston ring to press
it back into groove and ease installation (Fig. 43).
Rotate piston into bore at same time. Rock piston
slightly to ease piston ring past snap-ring groove and
into bore.
Fig. 40 Rear Servo Piston
1 - REAR SERVO PISTON
Fig. 41 Rear Servo Piston Spring And Retainer
1 - PISTON SPRING
2 - REAR SERVO PISTON
3 - SPRING RETAINER
Fig. 42 Rear Servo Snap Ring
1 - TOOL C-4470
2 - C-CLAMP
3 - REAR SERVO SPRING RETAINER
4 - RETAINER SNAP-RING
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 167
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

(11) Slide front band over front clutch retainer and
install front band strut and anchor (Fig. 52).
(12) Tighten front band adjusting screw until band
is tight on clutch retainer. This will hold clutches in
place while oil pump is being installed.Verify that
front/rear clutch assembly is still properly
seated before tightening band.
OIL PUMP
(1) Install oil pump Pilot Studs C-3288-B in case
(Fig. 53).(2) Install new oil pump gasket on pilot studs and
seat it in case. Be sure gasket is properly aligned
with fluid passages in case (Fig. 53).
(3) Coat the reaction shaft thrust washer with
petroleum jelly to hold it in place. Then install
washer over reaction shaft hub and seat it on pump
(Fig. 54).
CAUTION: The thrust washer bore (I.D.), is cham-
fered on one side. Make sure the chamfered side is
installed so it faces the pump.
Fig. 53 Oil Pump Gasket And Pilot Studs
1 - OIL PUMP GASKET
2 - PILOT STUDS C-3288-B
Fig. 54 Front Clutch Thrust Washer Installation
1 - THRUST WASHER
2 - CHAMFERED SIDE OF WASHER BORE GOES TOWARD
PUMP
Fig. 55 Reaction Shaft Seal Ring And Thrust Washer
1 - SEAL RINGS
2 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
3 - THRUST WASHER (FIBER)
Fig. 52 Front Band And Linkage
1 - LEVER
2 - STRUT
3 - ANCHOR
4 - FRONT BAND
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 171
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)

(a) Start park rod into park pawl. If rod will not
slide past park pawl, pawl is engaged in park gear.
Rotate overdrive output shaft with suitable size 12
point socket; this will free pawl and allow rod to
engage.
(b) Align and seat valve body on case. Be sure
manual lever shaft and overdrive connector are
fully seated in case.
(c) Install and start all valve body attaching
bolts by hand. Then tighten bolts evenly, in a diag-
onal pattern to 12 N´m (105 in. lbs.) torque.Do
not overtighten valve body bolts. This could
result in distortion and cross leakage after
installation..
(5) Install new filter on valve body. Tighten filter
screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: If the condition of the transmission
before the overhaul procedure caused excessive
metallic or fiber contamination in the fluid, replace
the torque converter and reverse flush the cooler(s)
and cooler lines. Fluid contamination and transmis-
sion failure can result if not done.(6) Move the transmission manual shaft lever to
the manual LOW position.
(7) Install the TRS mounting bracket into the
transmission case. Using Adapter 8581 (Fig. 60),
tighten the mounting bracket to 34 N´m (300 in.lbs.).
(8) Install the TRS (Fig. 61) into the mounting
bracket with the wiring connector facing the front of
the transmission.
Fig. 58 Accumulator Piston And Springs
1 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
2 - OUTER SPRING
3 - INNER SPRING
Fig. 59 Manual Lever Shaft Seal
1 - 15/1688SOCKET
2 - SEAL
Fig. 60 Tighten the TRS Mounting Bracket
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - ADAPTER 8581
Fig. 61 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 173
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)