engine DODGE RAM 2001 Service Repair Manual

vehicle begins to go uphill or the throttle pressure is
increased.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove transmission and torque converter
from vehicle.
(2) Place a suitable drain pan under the converter
housing end of the transmission.
CAUTION: Verify that transmission is secure on the
lifting device or work surface, the center of gravity
of the transmission will shift when the torque con-
verter is removed creating an unstable condition.
The torque converter is a heavy unit. Use caution
when separating the torque converter from the
transmission.
(3) Pull the torque converter forward until the cen-
ter hub clears the oil pump seal.
(4) Separate the torque converter from the trans-
mission.
INSTALLATION
Check converter hub and drive notches for sharp
edges, burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the hub and
notches with 320/400 grit paper or crocus cloth if nec-
essary. The hub must be smooth to avoid damaging
the pump seal at installation.
(1) Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission
fluid.
(2) Place torque converter in position on transmis-
sion.CAUTION: Do not damage oil pump seal or bushing
while inserting torque converter into the front of the
transmission.
(3) Align torque converter to oil pump seal open-
ing.
(4) Insert torque converter hub into oil pump.
(5) While pushing torque converter inward, rotate
converter until converter is fully seated in the oil
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with a scale and
straightedge (Fig. 242). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(7) If necessary, temporarily secure converter with
C-clamp attached to the converter housing.
(8) Install the transmission in the vehicle.
(9) Fill the transmission with the recommended
fluid.
Fig. 241 Stator Operation
1 - DIRECTION STATOR WILL FREE WHEEL DUE TO OIL
PUSHING ON BACKSIDE OF VANES
2 - FRONT OF ENGINE
3 - INCREASED ANGLE AS OIL STRIKES VANES
4 - DIRECTION STATOR IS LOCKED UP DUE TO OIL PUSHING
AGAINST STATOR VANES
Fig. 242 Checking Torque Converter Seating -
Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 261
TORQUE CONVERTER (Continued)

REGULATOR VALVE
The pressure regulator valve is needed to control
the hydraulic pressure within the system and reduce
the amount of heat produced in the fluid. The pres-
sure regulator valve is located in the valve body near
the manual valve. The pressure regulator valve train
controls the maximum pressure in the lines by
metering the dumping of fluid back into the sump.
Regulated pressure is referred to as ªline pressure.º
The regulator valve (Fig. 248) has a spring on one
end that pushes the valve to the left. This closes a
dump (vent) that is used to lower pressure. The clos-
ing of the dump will cause the oil pressure to
increase. Oil pressure on the opposite end of the
valve pushes the valve to the right, opening the
dump and lowering oil pressure. The result is spring
pressure working against oil pressure to maintain
the oil at specific pressures. With the engine run-
ning, fluid flows from the pump to the pressure reg-
ulator valve, manual valve, and the interconnected
circuits. As fluid is sent through passages to the reg-
ulator valve, the pressure pushes the valve to the
right against the large spring. It is also sent to the
reaction areas on the left side of the throttle pressure
plug and the line pressure plug. With the gear selec-
tor in the PARK position, fluid recirculates through
the regulator and manual valves back to the sump.Meanwhile, the torque converter is filled slowly. In
all other gear positions (Fig. 249), fluid flows
between two right side lands to the switch valve and
torque converter. At low pump speeds, the flow is
controlled by the pressure valve groove to reduce
pressure to the torque converter. After the torque
converter and switch valve fill with fluid, the switch
valve becomes the controlling metering device for
torque converter pressure. The regulator valve then
begins to control the line pressure for the other
transmission circuits. The balance of the fluid pres-
sure pushing the valve to the right and the spring
pressure pushing to the left determines the size of
the metering passage at land #2 (land #1 being at
the far right of the valve in the diagram). As fluid
leaks past the land, it moves into a groove connected
to the filter or sump. As the land meters the fluid to
the sump, it causes the pressure to reduce and the
spring decreases the size of the metering passage.
When the size of the metering passage is reduced,
the pressure rises again and the size of the land is
increased again. Pressure is regulated by this con-
stant balance of hydraulic and spring pressure.
The metering at land #2 establishes the line pres-
sure throughout the transmission. It is varied accord-
ing to changes in throttle position and the
transmission's internal condition within a range of
Fig. 248 Regulator Valve in PARK Position
21 - 268 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REBR/BE
VALVE BODY (Continued)

THROTTLE VALVE
In all gear positions the throttle valve (Fig. 262) is
being supplied with line pressure. The throttle valve
meters and reduces the line pressure that now
becomes throttle pressure. The throttle valve is
moved by a spring and the kickdown valve, which is
mechanically connected to the throttle. The larger
the throttle opening, the higher the throttle pressure
(to a maximum of line pressure). The smaller the
throttle opening, the lower the throttle pressure (to a
minimum of zero at idle). As engine speed increases,
the increase in pump speed increases pump output.
The increase in pressure and volume must be regu-
lated to maintain the balance within the transmis-
sion. To do this, throttle pressure is routed to the
reaction area on the right side of the throttle pres-
sure plug (in the regulator valve).
The higher engine speed and line pressure would
open the vent too far and reduce line pressure too
much. Throttle pressure, which increases with engine
speed (throttle opening), is used to oppose the move-
ment of the pressure valve to help control the meter-
ing passage at the vent. The throttle pressure is
combined with spring pressure to reduce the force of
the throttle pressure plug on the pressure valve. The
larger spring at the right closes the regulator valve
passage and maintains or increases line pressure.
The increased line pressure works against the reac-
tion area of the line pressure plug and the reactionarea left of land #3 simultaneously moves the regu-
lator valve train to the right and controls the meter-
ing passage.
The kickdown valve, along with the throttle valve,
serve to delay upshifts until the correct vehicle speed
has been reached. It also controls downshifts upon
driver demand, or increased engine load. If these
valves were not in place, the shift points would be at
the same speed for all throttle positions. The kick-
down valve is actuated by a cam connected to the
throttle. This is accomplished through either a link-
age or a cable. The cam forces the kickdown valve
toward the throttle valve compressing the spring
between them and moving the throttle valve. As the
throttle valve land starts to uncover its port, line
pressure is ªmeteredº out into the circuits and viewed
as throttle pressure. This increased throttle pressure
is metered out into the circuits it is applied to: the
1-2 and 2-3 shift valves. When the throttle pressure
is high enough, a 3-2 downshift will occur. If the
vehicle speed is low enough, a 2-1 downshift will
occur.
Fig. 262 Throttle Valve
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 277
VALVE BODY (Continued)

OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE
PISTON RETAINER
DESCRIPTION..........................405
OPERATION............................405
DISASSEMBLY..........................405
CLEANING.............................406
INSPECTION...........................406
ASSEMBLY............................406
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING................408
PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH.......408
REMOVAL.............................408
INSTALLATION..........................408
PISTONS
DESCRIPTION..........................408
OPERATION............................409
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN/OUTPUT SHAFT
DESCRIPTION..........................410
OPERATION............................410
DISASSEMBLY..........................411
INSPECTION...........................411
ASSEMBLY............................412
REAR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION..........................417
OPERATION............................417
DISASSEMBLY..........................418
CLEANING.............................418
INSPECTION...........................419
ASSEMBLY............................419
REAR SERVO
DESCRIPTION..........................421
OPERATION............................421
DISASSEMBLY..........................421
CLEANING.............................422
ASSEMBLY............................422
SHIFT MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION..........................422OPERATION............................422
ADJUSTMENTS.........................423
SOLENOID
DESCRIPTION..........................423
OPERATION............................424
SPEED SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................424
OPERATION............................424
THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
DESCRIPTION..........................424
ADJUSTMENTS.........................425
TORQUE CONVERTER
DESCRIPTION..........................427
OPERATION............................430
REMOVAL.............................432
INSTALLATION..........................432
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE
DESCRIPTION..........................432
OPERATION............................432
STANDARD PROCEDURE.................432
TORQUE CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE . 432
TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION..........................433
OPERATION............................433
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION..........................433
OPERATION............................438
REMOVAL.............................452
DISASSEMBLY..........................453
CLEANING.............................465
INSPECTION...........................465
ASSEMBLY............................466
INSTALLATION..........................475
ADJUSTMENTS.........................476
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION -
44RE
DESCRIPTION
The 44RE is a four speed fully automatic transmis-
sion (Fig. 1) with an electronic governor. The 44RE is
equipped with a lock-up clutch in the torque con-
verter. First through third gear ranges are provided
by the clutches, bands, overrunning clutch, and plan-
etary gear sets in the transmission. Fourth gear
range is provided by the overdrive unit that contains
an overdrive clutch, direct clutch, planetary gear set,
and overrunning clutch.
The transmission contains a front, rear, and direct
clutch which function as the input driving compo-
nents. It also contains the kickdown (front) and thelow/reverse (rear) bands which, along with the over-
running clutch and overdrive clutch, serve as the
holding components. The driving and holding compo-
nents combine to select the necessary planetary gear
components, in the front, rear, or overdrive planetary
gear set, transfer the engine power from the input
shaft through to the output shaft.
The valve body is mounted to the lower side of the
transmission and contains the valves to control pres-
sure regulation, fluid flow control, and clutch/band
application. The oil pump is mounted at the front of
the transmission and is driven by the torque con-
verter hub. The pump supplies the oil pressure nec-
essary for clutch/band actuation and transmission
lubrication.
21 - 306 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE

IDENTIFICATION
Transmission identification numbers are stamped
on the left side of the case just above the oil pan gas-
ket surface (Fig. 2). Refer to this information when
ordering replacement parts.
GEAR RATIOS The 44RE gear ratios are:
1st.................................2.74:1
2nd................................1.54:1
3rd.................................1.00:1
4th.................................0.69:1
Rev.................................2.21:1
OPERATION
The application of each driving or holding compo-
nent is controlled by the valve body based upon the
manual lever position, throttle pressure, and gover-
nor pressure. The governor pressure is a variable
pressure input to the valve body and is one of the
signals that a shift is necessary. First through fourth
gear are obtained by selectively applying and releas-
ing the different clutches and bands. Engine power is
thereby routed to the various planetary gear assem-
blies which combine with the overrunning clutch
assemblies to generate the different gear ratios. The
torque converter clutch is hydraulically applied and
is released when fluid is vented from the hydraulic
circuit by the torque converter control (TCC) solenoid
on the valve body. The torque converter clutch is con-
trolled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The
torque converter clutch engages in fourth gear, and
in third gear under various conditions, such as when
the O/D switch is OFF, when the vehicle is cruising
on a level surface after the vehicle has warmed up.
The torque converter clutch will disengage momen-
tarily when an increase in engine load is sensed by
the PCM, such as when the vehicle begins to go
uphill or the throttle pressure is increased. The
torque converter clutch feature increases fuel econ-
omy and reduces the transmission fluid temperature.
Since the overdrive clutch is applied in fourth gear
only and the direct clutch is applied in all ranges
except fourth gear, the transmission operation for
park, neutral, and first through third gear will be
described first. Once these powerflows are described,
the third to fourth shift sequence will be described.
1 - CONVERTER CLUTCH 15 - HOUSING
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER 16 - REAR BEARING
3 - OIL PUMP AND REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT ASSEMBLY 17 - OUTPUT SHAFT
4 - FRONT BAND 18 - SEAL
5 - FRONT CLUTCH 19 - OVERDRIVE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH
6 - DRIVING SHELL 20 - OVERDRIVE PLANETARY GEAR
7 - REAR BAND 21 - DIRECT CLUTCH SPRING
8 - TRANSMISSION OVERRUNNING CLUTCH 22 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH PISTON
9 - OVERDRIVE UNIT 23 - VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY
10 - PISTON RETAINER 24 - FILTER
11 - OVERDRIVE CLUTCH 25 - FRONT PLANETARY GEAR
12 - DIRECT CLUTCH 26 - REAR CLUTCH
13 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 27 - TRANSMISSION
14 - FRONT BEARING 28 - REAR PLANETARY GEAR
Fig. 2 Transmission Part And Serial Number
Location
1 - PART NUMBER
2 - BUILD DATE
3 - SERIAL NUMBER
21 - 308 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

PARK POWERFLOW
As the engine is running and the crankshaft is
rotating, the flexplate and torque converter, which
are also bolted to it, are all rotating in a clockwise
direction as viewed from the front of the engine. The
notched hub of the torque converter is connected to
the oil pump's internal gear, supplying the transmis-
sion with oil pressure. As the converter turns, it
turns the input shaft in a clockwise direction. As the
input shaft is rotating, the front clutch hub-rear
clutch retainer and all their associated parts are also
rotating, all being directly connected to the input
shaft. The power flow from the engine through the
front clutch hub and rear clutch retainer stops at the
rear clutch retainer. Therefore, no power flow to the
output shaft occurs because no clutches are applied.
The only mechanism in use at this time is the park-
ing sprag (Fig. 3), which locks the parking gear on
the output shaft to the transmission case.
NEUTRAL POWERFLOW
With the gear selector in the NEUTRAL position
(Fig. 4), the power flow of the transmission is essen-
tially the same as in the park position. The only
operational difference is that the parking sprag has
been disengaged, unlocking the output shaft from the
transmission case and allowing it to move freely.
Fig. 3 Park Powerflow
1 - PAWL ENGAGED FOR PARK
2 - PARK SPRAG
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
Fig. 4 Neutral Powerflow
1 - PAWL DISENGAGED FOR NEUTRAL
2 - PARK SPRAG
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT
4 - CAM
5-PAWL
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 309
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

REVERSE POWERFLOW
When the gear selector is moved into the
REVERSE position (Fig. 5), the front clutch and the
rear band are applied. With the application of the
front clutch, engine torque is applied to the sun gear,
turning it in a clockwise direction. The clockwise
rotation of the sun gear causes the rear planet pin-
ions to rotate against engine rotation in a counter-
clockwise direction. The rear band is holding the low
reverse drum, which is splined to the rear carrier.
Since the rear carrier is being held, the torque fromthe planet pinions is transferred to the rear annulus
gear, which is splined to the output shaft. The output
shaft in turn rotates with the annulus gear in a
counterclockwise direction giving a reverse gear out-
put. The entire transmission of torque is applied to
the rear planetary gearset only. Although there is
torque input to the front gearset through the sun
gear, no other member of the gearset is being held.
During the entire reverse stage of operation, the
front planetary gears are in an idling condition.
Fig. 5 Reverse Powerflow
1 - FRONT CLUTCH ENGAGED 5 - OUTPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT 6 - INPUT SHAFT
3 - LOW/REVERSE BAND APPLIED 7 - FRONT CLUTCH ENGAGED
4 - INPUT SHAFT 8 - LOW/REVERSE BAND APPLIED
21 - 310 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

FIRST GEAR POWERFLOW
When the gearshift lever is moved into the DRIVE
position the transmission goes into first gear (Fig. 6).
As soon as the transmission is shifted from PARK or
NEUTRAL to DRIVE, the rear clutch applies, apply-
ing the rear clutch pack to the front annulus gear.
Engine torque is now applied to the front annulus
gear turning it in a clockwise direction. With the
front annulus gear turning in a clockwise direction, it
causes the front planets to turn in a clockwise direc-
tion. The rotation of the front planets cause the sun
to revolve in a counterclockwise direction. The sun
gear now transfers its counterclockwise rotation tothe rear planets which rotate back in a clockwise
direction. With the rear annulus gear stationary, the
rear planet rotation on the annulus gear causes the
rear planet carrier to revolve in a counterclockwise
direction. The rear planet carrier is splined into the
low-reverse drum, and the low reverse drum is
splined to the inner race of the over-running clutch.
With the over-running clutch locked, the planet car-
rier is held, and the resulting torque provided by the
planet pinions is transferred to the rear annulus
gear. The rear annulus gear is splined to the output
shaft and rotated along with it (clockwise) in an
underdrive gear reduction mode.
Fig. 6 First Gear Powerflow
1 - OUTPUT SHAFT 5 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH HOLDING
2 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH HOLDING 6 - INPUT SHAFT
3 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED 7 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED
4 - OUTPUT SHAFT 8 - INPUT SHAFT
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 311
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

SECOND GEAR POWERFLOW
In DRIVE-SECOND (Fig. 7), the same elements
are applied as in MANUAL-SECOND. Therefore, the
power flow will be the same, and both gears will be
discussed as one in the same. In DRIVE-SECOND,
the transmission has proceeded from first gear to its
shift point, and is shifting from first gear to second.
The second gear shift is obtained by keeping the rear
clutch applied and applying the front (kickdown)
band. The front band holds the front clutch retainer
that is locked to the sun gear driving shell. With the
rear clutch still applied, the input is still on the front
annulus gear turning it clockwise at engine speed.Now that the front band is holding the sun gear sta-
tionary, the annulus rotation causes the front planets
to rotate in a clockwise direction. The front carrier is
then also made to rotate in a clockwise direction but
at a reduced speed. This will transmit the torque to
the output shaft, which is directly connected to the
front planet carrier. The rear planetary annulus gear
will also be turning because it is directly splined to
the output shaft. All power flow has occurred in the
front planetary gear set during the drive-second
stage of operation, and now the over-running clutch,
in the rear of the transmission, is disengaged and
freewheeling on its hub.
Fig. 7 Second Gear Powerflow
1 - KICKDOWN BAND APPLIED 6 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OUTPUT SHAFT 7 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED
3 - REAR CLUTCH ENGAGED 8 - KICKDOWN BAND APPLIED
4 - OUTPUT SHAFT 9 - INPUT SHAFT
5 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING
21 - 312 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44REBR/BE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)

DIRECT DRIVE POWERFLOW
The vehicle has accelerated and reached the shift
point for the 2-3 upshift into direct drive (Fig. 8).
When the shift takes place, the front band is
released, and the front clutch is applied. The rear
clutch stays applied as it has been in all the forward
gears. With the front clutch now applied, engine
torque is now on the front clutch retainer, which is
locked to the sun gear driving shell. This means that
the sun gear is now turning in engine rotation (clock-
wise) and at engine speed. The rear clutch is still
applied so engine torque is also still on the front
annulus gear. If two members of the same planetaryset are driven, direct drive results. Therefore, when
two members are rotating at the same speed and in
the same direction, it is the same as being locked up.
The rear planetary set is also locked up, given the
sun gear is still the input, and the rear annulus gear
must turn with the output shaft. Both gears are
turning in the same direction and at the same speed.
The front and rear planet pinions do not turn at all
in direct drive. The only rotation is the input from
the engine to the connected parts, which are acting
as one common unit, to the output shaft.
Fig. 8 Direct Drive Powerflow
1 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLIED 6 - INPUT SHAFT
2 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING 7 - OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH FREE-WHEELING
3 - OUTPUT SHAFT 8 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED
4 - REAR CLUTCH APPLIED 9 - FRONT CLUTCH APPLIED
5 - OUTPUT SHAFT 10 - INPUT SHAFT
BR/BEAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE 21 - 313
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 44RE (Continued)