One DODGE RAM 1500 1998 2.G Workshop Manual

(8) Turn valve body over and remove screws that
attach overdrive/converter solenoid assembly to valve
body (Fig. 277).
(9) Remove solenoid and harness assembly from
valve body (Fig. 278).
(10) Remove boost valve cover (Fig. 279).
(11) Remove boost valve retainer, valve spring and
boost valve (Fig. 280).
Fig. 277 Solenoid Assembly Screws
1 - OVERDRIVE/CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID ASSEMBLY
2 - HARNESS
Fig. 278 Solenoid Assembly
1 - GOVERNOR SOLENOID WIRES
2 - CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID
3 - SOLENOID SCREWS
4 - GOVERNOR SENSOR WIRES
5 - OVERDRIVE SOLENOID
6 - HARNESS
7 - CASE CONNECTOR
Fig. 279 Boost Valve Cover Location
1 - BOOST VALVE HOUSING AND COVER
2 - BOOST VALVE TUBE
Fig. 280 Boost Valve Components
1 - SPRING AND VALVE RETAINER
2 - COVER SCREWS
3 - BOOST VALVE COVER
4 - BOOST VALVE PLUG
5 - BOOST VALVE
6 - BOOST VALVE SPRING
21 - 288 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
VALVE BODY (Continued)

(12) Secure detent ball and spring with Retainer
Tool 6583 (Fig. 281).
(13) Remove park rod E-clip and separate rod from
manual lever (Fig. 282).
(14) Remove E-clip and washer that retains throt-
tle lever shaft in manual lever (Fig. 283).
(15) Remove manual lever and throttle lever (Fig.
284). Rotate and lift manual lever off valve body and
throttle lever shaft. Then slide throttle lever out of
valve body.
(16) Position pencil magnet next to detent housing
to catch detent ball and spring. Then carefully
remove Retainer Tool 6583 and remove detent ball
and spring (Fig. 285).
Fig. 281 Detent Ball Spring
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6583 POSITIONED ON DETENT HOUSING
Fig. 282 Park Rod
1 - MANUAL LEVER
2 - E-CLIP
3 - PARK ROD
Fig. 283 Throttle Lever E-Clip And Washer
1 - THROTTLE LEVER SHAFT
2 - E-CLIP AND WASHER
3 - MANUAL SHAFT
Fig. 284 Manual And Throttle Lever
1 - PARK ROD
2 - MANUAL LEVER ASSEMBLY
3 - THROTTLE LEVER
Fig. 285 Detent Ball And Spring
1 - DETENT HOUSING
2 - DETENT SPRING
3 - DETENT BALL
4 - PENCIL MAGNET
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 289
VALVE BODY (Continued)

VALVE BODY UPPER HOUSING
(1) Note location of check balls in valve body upper
housing (Fig. 299). Then remove the one large diam-
eter and the five smaller diameter check balls.
(2) Remove governor plug and shuttle valve covers
(Fig. 301).
(3) Remove E-clip that secures shuttle valve sec-
ondary spring on valve stem (Fig. 300).
(4) Remove throttle plug, primary spring, shuttle
valve, secondary spring, and spring guides (Fig. 301).
(5) Remove boost valve retainer, spring and valve
if not previously removed.
(6) Remove throttle plug and 1-2 and 2-3 governor
plugs (Fig. 288).
(7) Turn upper housing around and remove limit
valve and shift valve covers (Fig. 302).
(8) Remove limit valve housing. Then remove
retainer, spring, limit valve, and 2-3 throttle plug
from limit valve housing (Fig. 302).
(9) Remove 1-2 shift control valve and spring (Fig.
302).
(10) Remove 1-2 shift valve and spring (Fig. 302).
(11) Remove 2-3 shift valve and spring from valve
body (Fig. 302).
(12) Remove pressure plug cover (Fig. 302).
(13) Remove line pressure sleeve, throttle pressure
plug and spring (Fig. 302).
Fig. 299 Check Ball Locations In Upper Housing
1 - SMALL DIAMETER CHECK BALLS (5)
2 - LARGE DIAMETER CHECK BALL (1)
Fig. 300 Shuttle Valve E-Clip And Secondary Spring
1 - E-CLIP
2 - SECONDARY SPRING AND GUIDES
3 - SHUTTLE VALVE
21 - 294 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
VALVE BODY (Continued)

3-4 ACCUMULATOR HOUSING
(1) Remove end plate from housing.
(2) Remove piston spring.
(3) Remove piston. Remove and discard piston
seals (Fig. 304).
CLEANING
Clean the valve housings, valves, plugs, springs,
and separator plates with a standard parts cleaning
solution only. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or any
type of caustic solution.
Do not immerse any of the electrical components in
cleaning solution. Clean the governor solenoid and
sensor and the dual solenoid and harness assembly
by wiping them off with dry shop towels only.
Dry all except the electrical parts with compressed
air. Make sure all passages are clean and free from
obstructions.Do not use rags or shop towels to
dry or wipe off valve body components. Lint
from these materials can stick to valve body
parts, interfere with valve operation, and clog
filters and fluid passages.
Wipe the governor pressure sensor and solenoid
valve with dry, lint free shop towels only. The O-rings
on the sensor and solenoid valve are the only service-
able components. Be sure the vent ports in the sole-
noid valve are open and not blocked by dirt or debris.
Replace the valve and/or sensor only when DRB scan
tool diagnosis indicates this is necessary. Or, if eitherpart has sustained physical damage (dented,
deformed, broken, etc.).
CAUTION: Do not turn the small screw at the end of
the solenoid valve for any reason. Turning the
screw in either direction will ruin solenoid calibra-
tion and result in solenoid failure. In addition, the
filter on the solenoid valve is NOT serviceable. Do
not try to remove the filter as this will damage the
valve housing.
INSPECTION
Inspect the throttle and manual valve levers and
shafts. Do not attempt to straighten a bent shaft or
correct a loose lever. Replace these components if
worn, bent, loose or damaged in any way.
Inspect all of the valve body mating surfaces for
scratches, nicks, burrs, or distortion. Use a straight-
edge to check surface flatness. Minor scratches may
be removed with crocus cloth using only very light
pressure.
Minor distortion of a valve body mating surface
may be corrected by smoothing the surface with a
sheet of crocus cloth. Position the crocus cloth on a
surface plate, sheet of plate glass or equally flat sur-
face. If distortion is severe or any surfaces are
heavily scored, the valve body will have to be
replaced.
CAUTION: Many of the valves and plugs, such as
the throttle valve, shuttle valve plug, 1-2 shift valve
and 1-2 governor plug, are made of coated alumi-
num. Aluminum components are identified by the
dark color of the special coating applied to the sur-
face (or by testing with a magnet). Do not sand alu-
minum valves or plugs under any circumstances.
This practice could damage the special coating
causing the valves/plugs to stick and bind.
Inspect the valves and plugs for scratches, burrs,
nicks, or scores. Minor surface scratches on steel
valves and plugs can be removed with crocus cloth
butdo 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 valve
body. Use a penlight to view the bore interiors.
Replace the valve body if any bores are distorted or
scored. Inspect all of the valve body springs. The
springs must be free of distortion, warpage or broken
coils.
Fig. 304 3-4 Accumulator and Housing
1 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR HOUSING
3 - TEFLON SEALS
4 - PISTON SPRING
5 - COVER PLATE AND SCREWS
21 - 298 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
VALVE BODY (Continued)

Check the two separator plates for distortion or
damage of any kind. Inspect the upper housing,
lower housing, 3-4 accumulator housing, and transfer
plate carefully. Be sure all fluid passages are clean
and clear. Check condition of the upper housing and
transfer plate check balls as well. The check balls
and ball seats must not be worn or damaged.
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.
Valve body bores do not change dimensionally with
use. If the valve body functioned correctly when new,
it will continue to operate properly after cleaning and
inspection. It should not be necessary to replace a
valve body assembly unless it is damaged in han-
dling.
The only serviceable valve body components are
listed below. The remaining valve body components
are serviced only as part of a complete valve body
assembly. Serviceable parts are:
²dual solenoid and harness assembly
²solenoid gasket
²solenoid case connector O-rings and shoulder
bolt
²switch valve and spring
²pressure adjusting screw and bracket assembly
²throttle lever
²manual lever and shaft seal
²throttle lever shaft seal, washer, and E-clip
²fluid filter and screws
²detent ball and spring
²valve body screws
²governor pressure solenoid
²governor pressure sensor and retaining clip
²park lock rod and E-clipASSEMBLY
CAUTION: Do not force valves or plugs into place
during reassembly. If the valve body bores, valves
and plugs are free of distortion or burrs, the valve
body components should all slide into place easily.
In addition, do not overtighten the transfer plate
and valve body screws during reassembly. Over-
tightening can distort the housings resulting in
valve sticking, cross leakage and unsatisfactory
operation. Tighten valve body screws to recom-
mended torque only.
LOWER HOUSING
(1) Lubricate valves, springs, and the housing
valve and plug bores with clean transmission fluid
(Fig. 305).
(2) Install 3-4 timing valve spring and valve in
lower housing.
(3) Install 3-4 quick fill valve in lower housing.
(4) Install 3-4 quick fill valve spring and plug in
housing.
(5) Install timing valve end plate. Tighten end
plate screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 299
VALVE BODY (Continued)

3-4 ACCUMULATOR
(1) Position converter clutch valve and 3-4 shift
valve springs in housing (Fig. 321).
(2) Loosely attach accumulator housing with right-
side screw (Fig. 321). Install only one screw at this
time as accumulator must be free to pivot upward for
ease of installation.
(3) Install 3-4 shift valve and spring.
(4) Install converter clutch timing valve and
spring.
(5) Position plug on end of converter clutch valve
spring. Then compress and hold springs and plug in
place with fingers of one hand.
(6) Swing accumulator housing upward over valve
springs and plug.
(7) Hold accumulator housing firmly in place and
install remaining two attaching screws. Be sure
springs and clutch valve plug are properly seated
(Fig. 322). Tighten screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
VALVE BODY FINAL
(1) Install boost valve, valve spring, retainer and
cover plate. Tighten cover plate screws to 4 N´m (35
in. lbs.) torque.
(2) Insert manual lever detent spring in upper
housing.
(3) Position detent ball on end of spring. Then hold
detent ball and spring in detent housing with
Retainer Tool 6583 (Fig. 323).(4) Install throttle lever in upper housing. Then
install manual lever over throttle lever and start
manual lever into housing.
(5) Align manual lever with detent ball and man-
ual valve. Hold throttle lever upward. Then press
down on manual lever until fully seated. Remove
detent ball retainer tool after lever is seated.
(6) Then install manual lever seal, washer and
E-clip.
Fig. 323 Detent Ball Spring
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6583 POSITIONED ON DETENT HOUSING
Fig. 321 Converter Clutch And 3-4 Shift Valve
Springs
1 - RIGHT-SIDE SCREW
2 - 3-4 ACCUMULATOR
3 - 3-4 SHIFT VALVE SPRING
4 - CONVERTER CLUTCH VALVE SPRING
Fig. 322 Seating 3-4 Accumulator On Lower
Housing
1 - ACCUMULATOR BOX
2 - CONVERTER CLUTCH VALVE PLUG
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 307
VALVE BODY (Continued)

GOVERNOR BODY, SENSOR AND SOLENOID
(1) Turn valve body assembly over so accumulator
side of transfer plate is facing down.
(2) Install new O-rings on governor pressure sole-
noid and sensor.
(3) Lubricate solenoid and sensor O-rings with
clean transmission fluid.
(4) Install governor pressure sensor in governor
body.
(5) Install governor pressure solenoid in governor
body. Push solenoid in until it snaps into place in
body.
(6) Position governor body gasket on transfer
plate.
(7) Install retainer plate on governor body and
around solenoid. Be sure solenoid connector is posi-
tioned in retainer cutout.
(8) Align screw holes in governor body and trans-
fer plate. Then install and tighten governor body
screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(9) Connect harness wires to governor pressure
solenoid and governor pressure sensor.
(10) Install fluid filter and pan.
(11) Lower vehicle.
(12) Fill transmission with recommended fluid and
road test vehicle to verify repair.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check condition of O-ring seals on valve body
harness connector (Fig. 327). Replace seals on con-
nector body if cut or worn.
(2) Check condition of manual lever shaft seal in
transmission case. Replace seal if lip is cut or worn.
Install new seal with 15/16 deep well socket (Fig.
328).
(3) Check condition of seals on accumulator piston.
Install new piston seals, if necessary.
(4) Place valve body manual lever in low (1 posi-
tion) so ball on park lock rod will be easier to install
in sprag.
(5) Lubricate shaft of manual lever with petroleum
jelly. This will ease inserting shaft through seal in
case.
(6) Lubricate seal rings on valve body harness con-
nector with petroleum jelly.
(7) Position valve body in case and work end of
park lock rod into and through pawl sprag. Turn pro-
peller shaft to align sprag and park lock teeth if nec-
essary. The rod will click as it enters pawl. Move rod
to check engagement.
CAUTION: It is possible for the park rod to displace
into a cavity just above the pawl sprag during
installation. Make sure the rod is actually engaged
in the pawl and has not displaced into this cavity.(8) Install accumulator spring and piston into case.
Then swing valve body over piston and outer spring
to hold it in place.
(9) Align accumulator piston and outer spring,
manual lever shaft and electrical connector in case.
(10) Then seat valve body in case and install one
or two bolts to hold valve body in place.
(11) Tighten valve body bolts alternately and
evenly to 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.) torque.
(12) Install new fluid filter on valve body. Tighten
filter screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.) torque.
(13) Install throttle and gearshift levers on valve
body manual lever shaft.
(14) Check and adjust front and rear bands if nec-
essary.
(15) Install the transmission range sensor (Refer
to 21 - TRANSMISSION/AUTOMATIC/TRANSMIS-
SION RANGE SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(16) Connect solenoid case connector wires.
(17) Install oil pan and new gasket. Tighten pan
bolts to 13.6 N´m (125 in. lbs.) torque.
(18) Lower vehicle and fill transmission with
MopartATF +4, Automatic Transmission fluid.
(19) Check and adjust gearshift and throttle valve
cables, if necessary.
Fig. 327 Valve Body Harness Connector O-Ring Seal
1 - CONNECTOR O-RINGS
2 - VALVE BODY HARNESS CONNECTOR
3 - HARNESS
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 309
VALVE BODY (Continued)

ADJUSTMENTS - VALVE BODY
CONTROL PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS
There are two control pressure adjustments on the
valve body;
²Line Pressure
²Throttle Pressure
Line and throttle pressures are interdependent
because each affects shift quality and timing. As a
result, both adjustments must be performed properly
and in the correct sequence. Adjust line pressure first
and throttle pressure last.
LINE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT
Measure distance from the valve body to the inner
edge of the adjusting screw with an accurate steel
scale (Fig. 329).
Distance should be 33.4 mm (1-5/16 in.).
If adjustment is required, turn the adjusting screw
in, or out, to obtain required distance setting.
NOTE: The 33.4 mm (1-5/16 in.) setting is an
approximate setting. Manufacturing tolerances may
make it necessary to vary from this dimension to
obtain desired pressure.
One complete turn of the adjusting screw changes
line pressure approximately 1-2/3 psi (9 kPa).
Turning the adjusting screw counterclockwise
increases pressure while turning the screw clockwise
decreases pressure.THROTTLE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT
Insert Gauge Tool C-3763 between the throttle
lever cam and the kickdown valve stem (Fig. 330).
Push the gauge tool inward to compress the kick-
down valve against the spring and bottom the throt-
tle valve.
Maintain pressure against kickdown valve spring.
Turn throttle lever stop screw until the screw head
touches throttle lever tang and the throttle lever cam
touches gauge tool.
NOTE: The kickdown valve spring must be fully
compressed and the kickdown valve completely
bottomed to obtain correct adjustment.
Fig. 328 Manual Lever Shaft Seal
1 - 15/1688SOCKET
2 - SEALFig. 329 Line Pressure Adjustment
1 - WRENCH
2 - 1±5/16 INCH
Fig. 330 Throttle Pressure Adjustment
1 - HEX WRENCH (IN THROTTLE LEVER ADJUSTING SCREW)
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3763 (POSITIONED BETWEEN THROTTLE
LEVER AND KICKDOWN VALVE)
21 - 310 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
VALVE BODY (Continued)

INSTALLATION........................391
OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................391
OPERATION..........................391
REMOVAL............................391
INSTALLATION........................392
TOW/HAUL OVERDRIVE SWITCH
DESCRIPTION........................392
OPERATION..........................392
REMOVAL............................392
INSTALLATION........................393
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION........................393
OPERATION..........................393
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
DESCRIPTION........................395
OPERATION..........................396
DISASSEMBLY........................396
CLEANING...........................396
INSPECTION.........................397
ASSEMBLY...........................397
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION........................398
OPERATION..........................398
SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE
DESCRIPTION........................398
OPERATION..........................398
SOLENOIDS
DESCRIPTION........................398OPERATION..........................399
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION........................399
OPERATION..........................403
REMOVAL............................404
INSTALLATION........................404
TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
DESCRIPTION........................405
OPERATION..........................405
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................405
OPERATION..........................405
TRANSMISSION SOLENOID/TRS ASSEMBLY
DESCRIPTION........................406
OPERATION..........................406
REMOVAL............................407
INSTALLATION........................408
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION........................408
OPERATION..........................408
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION........................408
OPERATION..........................408
REMOVAL............................410
DISASSEMBLY........................410
CLEANING...........................412
INSPECTION.........................413
ASSEMBLY...........................414
INSTALLATION........................414
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION -
45RFE/545RFE
DESCRIPTION
The 45RFE/545RFE automatic transmissions is a
sophisticated, multi-range, electronically controlled
transmission which combines optimized gear ratios
for responsive performance, state of the art efficiency
features and low NVH. Other features include driver
adaptive shifting and three planetary gear sets to
provide wide ratio capability with precise ratio steps
for optimum driveability. The three planetary gear
sets also make available a unique alternate second
gear ratio. The primary 2nd gear ratio fits between
1st and 3rd gears for normal through-gear accelera-
tions. The alternate second gear ratio (2prime) allows
smoother 4-2 kickdowns at high speeds to provide
2nd gear passing performance over a wider highway
cruising range.
The hydraulic portion of the transmission consists
of the transmission fluid, fluid passages, hydraulic
valves, and various line pressure control components.The primary mechanical components of the trans-
mission consist of the following:
²Three multiple disc input clutches
²Three multiple disc holding clutches
²Five hydraulic accumulators
²Three planetary gear sets
²Dual Stage Hydraulic oil pump
²Valve body
²Solenoid pack
The TCM is the ªheartº or ªbrainº of the electronic
control system and relies on information from vari-
ous direct and indirect inputs (sensors, switches, etc.)
to determine driver demand and vehicle operating
conditions. With this information, the TCM can cal-
culate and perform timely and quality shifts through
various output or control devices (solenoid pack,
transmission control relay, etc.).
21 - 312 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR

TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped
on the left side of the case just above the oil pan
sealing surface (Fig. 1). Refer to this information
when ordering replacement parts. A label is attached
to the transmission case above the stamped numbers.
The label gives additional information which may
also be necessary for identification purposes.
GEAR RATIOS
The 45RFE gear ratios are:
1st .................................3.00:1
2nd.................................1.67:1
2nd Prime...........................1.50:1
3rd.................................1.00:1
4th .................................0.75:1
Reverse.............................3.00:1
GEAR RATIOS
The 545RFE gear ratios are:
1st .................................3.00:1
2nd.................................1.67:1
2nd Prime...........................1.50:1
3rd.................................1.00:1
4th .................................0.75:1
5th .................................0.67:1
Reverse.............................3.00:1
OPERATION
The 45RFE/545RFE offers full electronic control of
all automatic up and downshifts, and features real-
time adaptive closed-loop shift and pressure control.
Electronic shift and torque converter clutch controls
help protect the transmission from damage due to
high temperatures, which can occur under severe
operating conditions. By altering shift schedules, line
pressure, and converter clutch control, these controls
reduce heat generation and increase transmission
cooling.
To help reduce efficiency-robbing parasitic losses,
the transmissions includes a dual-stage transmission
fluid pump with electronic output pressure control.
Under most driving conditions, pump output pres-
sure greatly exceeds that which is needed to keep the
clutches applied. The 45RFE/545RFE pump-pressure
control system monitors input torque and adjusts the
pump pressure accordingly. The primary stage of the
pump works continuously; the second stage is
bypassed when demand is low. The control system
also monitors input and output speed and, if incipi-
ent clutch slip is observed, the pressure control sole-
noid duty cycle is varied, increasing pressure in
proportion to demand.
A high-travel torque converter damper assembly
allows earlier torque converter clutch engagement to
reduce slippage. Needle-type thrust bearings reduce
internal friction. The 45RFE/545RFE is packaged in
a one-piece die-cast aluminum case. To reduce NVH,
the case has high lateral, vertical and torsional stiff-
ness. It is also designed to maximize the benefit of
the structural dust cover that connects the bottom of
the bell housing to the engine bedplate, enhancing
overall power train stiffness. Dual filters protect the
pump and other components. A pump return filter is
added to the customary main sump filter. Indepen-
dent lubrication and cooler circuits assure ample
pressure for normal transmission operation even if
the cooler is obstructed or the fluid cannot flow due
to extremely low temperatures.
The hydraulic control system design (without elec-
tronic assist) provides the transmission with PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, SECOND, and THIRD gears,
based solely on driver shift lever selection. This
design allows the vehicle to be driven (in ªlimp-inº
mode) in the event of a electronic control system fail-
ure, or a situation that the Transmission Control
Module (TCM) recognizes as potentially damaging to
the transmission.
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 information can be viewed
with the DRBtscan tool.
Fig. 1 Transmission Part And Serial Number
Location
1 - IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (STAMPED)
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 313
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)