DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
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.
21 - 326 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO 3-4 UPSHIFT 1. O/D Switch In OFF Position. 1. Turn control switch to ON position.
2. Overdrive Circuit Fuse Blown. 2. Replace fuse. Determine why fuse failed
and repair as necessary (i.e., shorts or
grounds in circuit).
3. O/D Switch Wire Shorted/Open
Cut.3. Check wires/connections with 12V test
lamp and voltmeter. Repair damaged or
loose wire/connection as necessary.
4. Distance or Coolant Sensor
Malfunction.4. Check with DRBTscan tool and repair or
replace as necessary.
5. TPS Malfunction. 5. Check with DRBTscan tool and replace
if necessary.
6. Neutral Sense to PCM Wire
Shorted/Cut.6. Test switch/sensor as described in
service section and replace if necessary.
Engine no start.
7. PCM Malfunction. 7. Check with DRBTscan tool and replace
if necessary.
8. Overdrive Solenoid Shorted/Open. 8. Replace solenoid if shorted or open and
repair loose or damaged wires (DRBTscan
tool).
9. Solenoid Feed Orifice in Valve
Body Blocked.9. Remove, disassemble, and clean valve
body thoroughly. Check feed orifice.
10. Overdrive Clutch Failed. 10. Disassemble overdrive and repair as
needed.
11. Hydraulic Pressure Low. 11. Pressure test transmission to determine
cause.
12. Valve Body Valve Stuck. 12. Repair stuck 3-4 shift valve, 3-4 timing
valve.
13. O/D Piston Incorrect Spacer. 13. Remove unit, check end play and install
correct spacer.
14. Overdrive Piston Seal Failure. 14. Replace both seals.
15. O/D Check Valve/Orifice Failed. 15. Check for free movement and secure
assembly (in piston retainer). Check ball
bleed orifice.
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.
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 327
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
NO START IN PARK OR
NEUTRAL1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Mis-adjusted.1. Adjust linkage/cable.
2. Neutral Sense Wire Open/Cut. 2. Check continuity with test lamp. Repair
as required.
3. Park/Neutral Switch, or
Transmission Range Sensor Faulty.3. Refer to service section for test and
replacement procedure.
4. Park/Neutral Switch, or
Transmission Range Sensor
Connection Faulty.4. Connectors spread open. Repair.
5. Valve Body Manual Lever
Assembly Bent/Worn/Broken.5. Inspect lever assembly and replace if
damaged.
21 - 328 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO REVERSE (OR SLIPS
IN REVERSE)1. Direct Clutch Pack (front clutch)
Worn.1. Disassemble unit and rebuild clutch
pack.
2. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust band.
3. Front Clutch Malfunctioned/
Burned.3. Air-pressure test clutch operation.
Remove and rebuild if necessary.
4. Overdrive Thrust Bearing Failure. 4. Disassemble geartrain and replace
bearings.
5. Direct Clutch Spring Collapsed/
Broken.5. Remove and disassemble unit. Check
clutch position and replace spring.
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.
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 329
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (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
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) Disconnect and lower or remove necessary
exhaust components.
(3) Remove engine-to-transmission struts, if
equipped (Fig. 13).
(4) Disconnect fluid cooler lines at transmission.
(5) Remove starter motor. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)(6) Disconnect and remove the crankshaft position
sensor. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJEC-
TION/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL) Retain the sensor attaching bolts.
(7) Remove torque converter access cover.
(8) If transmission is being removed for overhaul,
remove transmission oil pan, drain fluid and reinstall
pan.
(9) Remove fill tube bracket bolts and pull tube
out of transmission. Retain fill tube seal (Fig. 13). On
4 x 4 models, it will also be necessary to remove bolt
attaching transfer case vent tube to converter hous-
ing (Fig. 14).
(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 park/neutral position
switch and transmission solenoid.
(13) Disconnect gearshift rod and torque shaft
assembly from transmission.
(14) Disconnect throttle valve cable from transmis-
sion bracket and throttle valve lever.
(15) On4x4models, disconnect shift rod from
transfer case shift lever.
(16) Support rear of engine with safety stand or
jack.
Fig. 13 Transmission-To-Engine Strut Attachment
1 - ENGINE BLOCK
2 - STRUT (PASSENGER SIDE)
3 - ENGINE MOUNT
4 - STRUT (DRIVER SIDE)
Fig. 14 Fill Tube Attachment
1 - TRANSFER CASE VENT TUBE
2 - FILL TUBE (V8)
3 - TUBE SEAL
4 - FILL TUBE (V6)
21 - 330 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

(17) Raise transmission slightly with service jack
to relieve load on crossmember and supports.
(18) Remove bolts securing rear support and cush-
ion to transmission and crossmember. Raise trans-
mission slightly, slide exhaust hanger arm from
bracket (Fig. 15) and remove rear support.
(19) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to frame
and remove crossmember.
(20) On4x4models, remove transfer case with
transmission jack or aid of helper.
(21) Remove all converter housing bolts.
(22) Carefully work transmission and torque con-
verter assembly rearward off engine block dowels.
(23) Lower transmission and remove assembly
from under the vehicle.
(24) To remove torque converter, remove C-clamp
from edge of bell housing and carefully slide torque
converter out of the transmission.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Clean transmission exterior with steam gun or
with solvent. Wear eye protection during cleaning
operations.
(2) Place transmission in a vertical position.
(3)
Measure input shaft end play as follows (Fig. 16).
(a) Attach Adapter 8266-6 to Handle 8266-8.
(b) Attach dial indicator C-3339 to Handle
8266-8.
(c)
Install the assembled tool onto the input shaft
of the transmission and tighten the retaining screw
on Adapter 8266-6 to secure it to the input shaft.
(d)Position the dial indicator plunger against a
flat spot on the oil pump and zero the dial indicator.
(e) Move the input shaft in and out. Record the
maximum travel for assembly reference.(4) Remove shift and throttle levers from valve
body manual lever shaft.
(5) Place transmission in horizontal position.
(6) Remove transmission oil pan and gasket.
(7) Remove filter from valve body (Fig. 17). Keep
filter screws separate from other valve body screws.
Filter screws are longer and should be kept with fil-
ter.
Fig. 15 Rear Support Cushion
1 - EXHAUST PIPE ARM AND BRACKET
2 - CROSSMEMBER
3 - REAR SUPPORT AND CUSHION
Fig. 16 Checking Input Shaft End Play
1 - TOOL 8266-8
2 - TOOL 8266-6
3 - TOOL C-3339
Fig. 17 Oil Filter Removal
1 - OIL FILTER
2 - VALVE BODY
3 - FILTER SCREWS (2)
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 331
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

(8) Remove park/neutral position switch.
(9) Remove hex head bolts attaching valve body to
transmission case (Fig. 18). A total of 10 bolts are
used. Note different bolt lengths for assembly refer-
ence.
(10) Remove valve body assembly. Push valve body
harness connector out of case. Then work park rod
and valve body out of case (Fig. 19).
(11) Remove accumulator piston and inner and
outer springs (Fig. 20).
(12) Remove pump oil seal with suitable pry tool
or slide-hammer mounted screw.
Fig. 18 Valve Body Bolt Locations
1 - VALVE BODY BOLTS
2 - VALVE BODY BOLTS
Fig. 19 Valve Body Removal
1 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR
2 - VALVE BODY
3 - PARK ROD
4 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
5 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE SOLENOID
Fig. 20 Accumulator Piston And Springs
1 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
2 - OUTER SPRING
3 - INNER SPRING
21 - 332 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

(13) Loosen front band adjusting screw locknut 4-5
turns. Then tighten band adjusting screw until band
is tight around front clutch retainer. This prevents
front/rear clutches from coming out with pump and
possibly damaging clutch or pump components.
(14) Remove oil pump bolts.
(15) Thread bolts of Slide Hammer Tools C-3752
into threaded holes in pump body flange (Fig. 21).
(16) Bump slide hammer weights outward to
remove pump and reaction shaft support assembly
from case (Fig. 21).
(17) Loosen front band adjusting screw until band
is completely loose.
(18) Squeeze front band together and remove band
strut (Fig. 22).
(19) Remove front band lever (Fig. 23).
(20) Remove front band lever shaft plug, if neces-
sary, from converter housing.
(21) Remove front band lever shaft.
Fig. 21 Removing Oil Pump And Reaction Shaft
Support Assembly
1 - OIL PUMP AND REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
2 - SLIDE HAMMER TOOLS C-3752
Fig. 22 Removing Front Band Strut
1 - BAND LEVER
2 - BAND STRUT
3 - FRONT BAND
Fig. 23 Removing Front Band Lever
1 - FRONT BAND LEVER
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 333
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

(22) Remove front and rear clutch units as assem-
bly. Grasp input shaft, hold clutch units together and
remove them from case (Fig. 24).
(23) Lift front clutch off rear clutch (Fig. 25). Set
clutch units aside for overhaul.(24) Remove intermediate shaft thrust washer
from front end of shaft or from rear clutch hub (Fig.
26).
(25) Remove output shaft thrust plate from inter-
mediate shaft hub (Fig. 27).
Fig. 26 Removing Intermediate Shaft Thrust Washer
1 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THRUST WASHER
2 - INPUT SHAFT
3 - REAR CLUTCH RETAINER HUB
Fig. 27 Removing Intermediate Shaft Thrust Plate
1 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HUB
2 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THRUST PLATE
Fig. 24 Removing Front/Rear Clutch Assemblies
1 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - FRONT CLUTCH
3 - REAR CLUTCH
Fig. 25 Separating Front/Rear Clutch Assemblies
1 - FRONT CLUTCH
2 - REAR CLUTCH
21 - 334 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

(26) Slide front band off driving shell (Fig. 28) and
remove band from case.
(27) Remove planetary geartrain as assembly (Fig.
29). Support geartrain with both hands during
removal. Do not allow machined surfaces on interme-
diate shaft or overdrive piston retainer to become
nicked or scratched.
(28) If overdrive unit is not to be serviced, install
Alignment Shaft 6227-2 into the overdrive unit to
prevent misalignment of the overdrive clutches dur-
ing service of main transmission components.
(29) Loosen rear band adjusting screw 4-5 turns.
(30) Remove low-reverse drum snap-ring (Fig. 30).
Fig. 28 Front Band Removal
1 - DRIVING SHELL
2 - FRONT BAND
Fig. 29 Removing Planetary Geartrain And
Intermediate Shaft Assembly
1 - PLANETARY GEARTRAIN AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
ASSEMBLY
Fig. 30 Removing Low-Reverse Drum Snap-Ring
1 - LOW-REVERSE DRUM
2 - HUB OF OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER
3 - LOW-REVERSE DRUM SNAP-RING
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 335
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)