44re DODGE RAM 2001 Service Manual PDF

FLUID AND FILTER
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 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 main cooler, or severe restrictions in
the coolers and lines caused by debris or kinked lines.
(2) 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
²
overheat that generates sludge (fluid breakdown)
²failure to reverse flush cooler and lines after repair
²failure to replace contaminated converter after
repair
The 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 andother 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 transmission cooler and lines should be
reverse flushed whenever a malfunction generates
sludge and/or debris. The torque converter should
also be replaced at the same time.
Failure to flush the cooler and lines will result in
recontamination. Flushing applies to auxiliary coolers
as well. The torque converter should also be replaced
whenever a failure generates sludge and debris. This is
necessary because normal converter flushing procedures
will not remove all contaminants.
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.
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transmission recondition is
needed. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick
closely. If there is any doubt about its condition,
drain out a sample for a double check.
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.
Fluid level is checked with the engine running at
curb idle speed, the transmission in NEUTRAL and the
transmission fluid at normal operating temperature.
The engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground.
The transmission fluid level can be checked two ways.
21 - 370 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE

PROCEDURE ONE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operat-
ing temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82ÉC (180ÉF).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to NEUTRAL.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep
dirt from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick (Fig. 80) and check fluid level
as follows:
(a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line.
(d)
If fluid is low, add only enough MopartATF +4,
type 9602, to restore correct level. Do not overfill.
PROCEDURE TWO
(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 engine.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
figure. (Fig. 81)
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the figure.
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.
Fig. 80 Dipstick Fluid Level Marks - Typical
1 - DIPSTICK
2 - MAXIMUM CORRECT FLUID LEVEL
3 - ACCEPTABLE FLUID LEVEL
Fig. 81 42/44RE Fluid Fill Graph
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 371
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
REPLACEMENT
For proper service intervals (Refer to LUBRICA-
TION & MAINTENANCE/MAINTENANCE SCHED-
ULES - DESCRIPTION). The service fluid fill after a
filter change is approximately 3.8 liters (4.0 quarts).
(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 (Fig. 82).
(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 bolt 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 screws holding filter to valve body
(Fig. 83).
(10) Separate filter from valve body and pour fluid
in filter into drain pan.
(11) Dispose of used trans fluid and filter properly.
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, type 9602, to transmission:(a) If only fluid and filter were changed, add3
pints (1-1/2 quarts)of ATF +4 to transmission.
(b) If transmission was completely overhauled,
torque converter was replaced or drained, and
cooler was flushed, add12 pints (6 quarts)of ATF
+4 to transmission.
(3) Apply parking brakes.
(4) Start and run engine at normal curb idle
speed.
(5) Apply service brakes, shift transmission
through all gear ranges then back to NEUTRAL, set
parking brake, and leave engine running at curb idle
speed.
(6) Remove funnel, insert dipstick and check fluid
level. If level is low,add fluid to bring level to
MIN mark on dipstick.Check to see if the oil level
is equal on both sides of the dipstick. If one side is
noticably higher than the other, the dipstick has
picked up some oil from the dipstick tube. Allow the
oil to drain down the dipstick tube and re-check.
(7) Drive vehicle until transmission fluid is at nor-
mal operating temperature.
(8) With the engine running at curb idle speed, the
gear selector in NEUTRAL, and the parking brake
applied, check the transmission fluid level.
CAUTION: Do not overfill transmission, fluid foam-
ing and shifting problems can result.
(9) Add fluid to bring level up to MAX arrow
mark.
When fluid level is correct, shut engine off, release
park brake, remove funnel, and install dipstick in fill
tube.
Fig. 82 Transmission Pan
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - GASKET
3-PAN
Fig. 83 Transmission Filter
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - FILTER
21 - 372 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
FLUID AND FILTER (Continued)

FRONT CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The front clutch assembly (Fig. 84) is composed of
the front clutch retainer, pressure plate, clutch
plates, driving discs, piston, piston return spring,
return spring retainer, and snap-rings. The front
clutch is the forward-most component in the trans-
mission geartrain and is directly behind the oil pump
and is considered a driving component.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainerand piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap-ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack.
When pressure is released from the piston, the
spring returns the piston to its fully released position
and disengages the clutch. The release spring also
helps to cushion the application of the clutch assem-
bly. When the clutch is in the process of being
released by the release spring, fluid flows through a
vent and one-way ball-check-valve located in the
clutch retainer. The check-valve is needed to elimi-
nate the possibility of plate drag caused by centrifu-
gal force acting on the residual fluid trapped in the
clutch piston retainer.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove waved snap-ring and remove pressure
plate, clutch plates and clutch discs (Fig. 85).
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 373

Fig. 84 Front Clutch Components
1 - SNAP-RING (WAVE) 7 - SEAL
2 - REACTION PLATE 8 - PISTON
3 - CLUTCH DISC 9 - SPRING
4 - CLUTCH PLATE 10 - SNAP-RING
5 - SEAL 11 - SPRING RETAINER
6 - CLUTCH RETAINER
21 - 374 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)

Fig. 85 Front Clutch Components - Typical
1 - SNAP-RING (WAVE) 7 - SEAL
2 - REACTION PLATE 8 - PISTON
3 - CLUTCH DISC 9 - SPRING
4 - CLUTCH PLATE 10 - SNAP-RING
5 - SEAL 11 - SPRING RETAINER
6 - CLUTCH RETAINER
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 375
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)

(2) Compress clutch piston spring with Compressor
Tool C-3575-A (Fig. 86). Be sure legs of tool are
seated squarely on spring retainer before compress-
ing spring.
(3) Remove retainer snap-ring and remove com-
pressor tool.
(4) Remove spring retainer and clutch spring. Note
position of retainer on spring for assembly reference.
(5) Remove clutch piston from clutch retainer.
Remove piston by rotating it up and out of retainer.
(6) Remove seals from clutch retainer piston bore
and clutch retainer hub. Discard both seals as they
are not reusable.
INSPECTION
Inspect the front clutch components. Replace the
clutch discs if warped, worn, scored, burned or
charred, or if the facing is flaking off. Replace the
steel plates if heavily scored, warped, or broken. Be
sure the driving lugs on the plates are in good con-
dition. The lugs must not be bent, cracked or dam-
aged in any way.
Replace the clutch spring and spring retainer if
either is distorted, warped or broken.
Check the lug grooves in the clutch retainer. The
steel plates should slide freely in the slots. Replace
the retainer if the grooves are worn or damaged.
Check action of the check ball in the retainer (Fig.
87). The ball must move freely and not stick.NOTE: Inspect the clutch retainer bushings care-
fully (Fig. 88). The retainer bushings are NOT ser-
viceable. It will be necessary to replace the retainer
if either bushing is scored, or worn.
Inspect the piston and retainer seal surfaces for
nicks or scratches. Minor scratches can be removed
with crocus cloth. However, replace the piston and/or
retainer if the seal surfaces are seriously scored.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The 44RE transmission uses five (5) plates
and discs for the front clutch.
(1) Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid while
assembling other clutch parts.
Fig. 86 Compressing Front Clutch Piston Spring
1 - FRONT CLUTCH SPRING
2 - COMPRESSOR TOOL C-3575-A
3 - RETAINER SNAP-RING
4 - SPRING RETAINER
Fig. 87 Front Clutch Piston Retainer Check Ball
Location
1 - RETAINER CHECK BALL
Fig. 88 Retainer Bushing Location/Inspection
1 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER BUSHINGS (NON-
SERVICEABLE)
21 - 376 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)

(2) Install new seals in the clutch retainer lower
groove and on the outer diameter of the retainer hub.
Be sure lip of each seal faces interior of clutch
retainer.
(3) Lubricate lips of the retainer seals with liberal
quantity of MopartDoor Ease. Then lubricate
retainer hub, bore, and piston with light coat of
transmission fluid.
(4) Install clutch piston in retainer (Fig. 89). Use
twisting motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer.
CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in.
This will fold the seals over causing leakage and
clutch slip.
(5) Position spring in clutch piston (Fig. 90).
(6) Position spring retainer on top of piston spring.
Make sure retainer is properly installed (Fig. 85).(7) Compress piston spring and retainer with Com-
pressor Tool C-3575-A (Fig. 86). Then install new
snap ring to secure spring retainer and spring.
(8) Install clutch plates and discs. Install steel
plate then disc until all plates and discs are
installed. The front clutch uses 5 clutch discs and
plates in a 44RE transmission.
(9) Install pressure plate and waved snap-ring.
Clearance should be 1.70 to 3.40 mm (0.067 to
0.134 in.). If clearance is incorrect, clutch discs,
plates, pressure plates and snap ring may have to be
changed.
FRONT SERVO
DESCRIPTION
The kickdown servo (Fig. 91) consists of a two-land
piston with an inner piston, a piston rod and guide,
and a return spring. The dual-land piston uses seal
rings on its outer diameters and an O-ring for the
inner piston.
OPERATION
The application of the piston is accomplished by
applying pressure between the two lands of the pis-
ton. The pressure acts against the larger lower land
to push the piston downward, allowing the piston rod
to extend though its guide against the apply lever.
Release of the servo at the 2-3 upshift is accom-
plished by a combination of spring and line pressure,
acting on the bottom of the larger land of the piston.
Fig. 89 Front Clutch Piston Installation
1 - CLUTCH PISTON
2 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
Fig. 90 Clutch Piston Spring Installation
1 - RETAINER
2 - CLUTCH SPRING
3 - PISTON
Fig. 91 Front Servo
1 - VENT
2 -PISTON ROD
3 - PISTON
4 - SPRING
5 - RELEASE PRESSURE
6 - APPLY PRESSURE
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 377
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)

The small piston is used to cushion the application of
the band by bleeding oil through a small orifice in
the larger piston. The release timing of the kickdown
servo is very important to obtain a smooth but firm
shift. The release has to be very quick, just as the
front clutch application is taking place. Otherwise,
engine runaway or a shift hesitation will occur. To
accomplish this, the band retains its holding capacity
until the front clutch is applied, giving a small
amount of overlap between them.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Remove seal ring from rod guide (Fig. 92).
(2) Remove small snap-ring from servo piston rod.
Then remove piston rod, spring and washer from pis-
ton.
(3) Remove and discard servo component o-ring
and seal rings.
CLEANING
Clean the servo piston components (Fig. 93) with
solvent and dry them with compressed air.
INSPECTION
Inspect the servo components (Fig. 94). Replace the
springs if collapsed, distorted or broken. Replace the
guide, rod and piston if cracked, bent, or worn. Dis-
card the servo snap-ring if distorted or warped.Check the servo piston bore for wear. If the bore is
severely scored, or damaged, it will be necessary to
replace the case.
Fig. 92 Front Servo
1 - PISTON RINGS
2 - O-RING
3 - SNAP-RING
4 - SEAL RING
5 - PISTON ROD GUIDE
6 - SNAP-RING
7 - SERVO SPRING
8 - PISTON ROD
9 - SERVO PISTON
Fig. 93 Front Servo Piston
1 - PISTON RINGS
2 - O-RING
3 - SNAP-RING
4 - SEAL RING
5 - PISTON ROD GUIDE
6 - SNAP-RING
7 - SERVO SPRING
8 - PISTON ROD
9 - SERVO PISTON
Fig. 94 Front Servo Piston
1 - PISTON RINGS
2 - O-RING
3 - SNAP-RING
4 - SEAL RING
5 - PISTON ROD GUIDE
6 - SNAP-RING
7 - SERVO SPRING
8 - PISTON ROD
9 - SERVO PISTON
21 - 378 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
FRONT SERVO (Continued)

Replace any servo component if doubt exists about
condition. Do not reuse suspect parts.
ASSEMBLY
Clean and inspect front servo components.
(1) Lubricate new o-ring and seal rings with petro-
leum jelly and install them on piston, guide and rod.
(2) Install rod in piston. Install spring and washer
on rod. Compress spring and install snap-ring (Fig.
95).
OIL PUMP
DESCRIPTION
The oil pump (Fig. 96) is located in the pump hous-
ing inside the bell housing of the transmission case.
The oil pump consists of an inner and outer gear
(Fig. 97), a housing, and a cover that also serves as
the reaction shaft support.
OPERATION
As the torque converter rotates, the converter hub
rotates the inner and outer gears. As the gears
rotate, the clearance between the gear teeth
increases in the crescent area, and creates a suction
at the inlet side of the pump. This suction draws
fluid through the pump inlet from the oil pan. As the
clearance between the gear teeth in the crescent areadecreases, it forces pressurized fluid into the pump
outlet and to the valve body.
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, type 9602, Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.
(1) Disconnect theTo coolerline at the cooler
inlet and place a collecting container under the dis-
connected line.
Fig. 95 Front Servo
1 - PISTON RINGS
2 - O-RING
3 - SNAP-RING
4 - SEAL RING
5 - PISTON ROD GUIDE
6 - SNAP-RING
7 - SERVO SPRING
8 - PISTON ROD
9 - SERVO PISTON
Fig. 96 Oil Pump and Reaction Shaft Support
1 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
2 - PUMP
Fig. 97 Pump Gear Removal
1 - REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT
2 - INNER GEAR
3 - OUTER GEAR
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 379
FRONT SERVO (Continued)