ECU DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

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.
21 - 152 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (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 - 46RE 21 - 153
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

(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. 15) from the
transmission.
(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. 16) and (Fig. 17) 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.
Fig. 15 Gearshift Cable At Transmission
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - TRANSMISSION MANUAL LEVER
3 - CABLE SUPPORT BRACKET
Fig. 16 Engine Rear Mount - 4X2 Automatic
Transmission
1 - ENGINE REAR MOUNT
2 - BOLT
3 - NUT
4 - THROUGH BOLT NUT
5 - TRANSMISSION
Fig. 17 Engine Rear Mount - 4X4 Automatic
Transmission
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - ENGINE REAR MOUNT
3 - BOLT
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 157
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

(21) Disconnect fluid cooler lines at transmission
(Fig. 18).
(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. 19).
(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.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Clean exterior of transmission with suitable
solvent or pressure washer.
(2) Place transmission in vertical position.
(3) Measure the input shaft end play as follows
(Fig. 20).
(a) Attach Adapter 8266-5 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 8266-5 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 indica-
tor.
(e) Move input shaft in and out and record read-
ing. Record the maximum travel for assembly ref-
erence
(4) Remove throttle and shift levers from valve
body manual shaft and throttle lever shaft.
(5) Remove transmission oil pan and gasket.
Fig. 18 Transmission Cooler Lines
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - RADIATOR
3 - COOLER LINES
Fig. 19 Fill Tube Attachment
1 - TRANSFER CASE VENT TUBE
2 - FILL TUBE (V8)
3 - TUBE SEAL
4 - FILL TUBE (V6)
Fig. 20 Checking Input Shaft End Play
1 - TOOL 8266-8
2 - TOOL 8266-5
3 - TOOL C-3339
21 - 158 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

(4) Install thrust washer in low-reverse drum spot-
face (Fig. 52). Use petroleum jelly to hold washer in
place.
(5) Install snap-ring that secures low-reverse drum
to piston retainer hub (Fig. 52).
(6) Insert band reaction pin part way into case and
band link (Fig. 53).
(7) Install rear band adjusting lever, reaction lever,
and strut (Fig. 54). Be sure levers and strut are
aligned and engaged before seating band reaction pin
in case.
PLANETARY GEARTRAIN, FRONT/REAR CLUTCH,
AND FRONT BAND
(1) Remove Alignment Shaft 6227-2, if installed
previously.
(2) Install assembled intermediate shaft and plan-
etary geartrain (Fig. 55). Support shaft carefully dur-
ing installation. Do not allow shaft bearing/bushing
surfaces to become nicked or scratched.
Fig. 55 Intermediate Shaft And Planetary Geartrain
1 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND PLANETARY GEARTRAIN
ASSEMBLY
Fig. 52 Low-Reverse Drum Snap-Ring
1 - LOW-REVERSE DRUM
2 - TABBED WASHER
3 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 53 Rear Band Reaction Pin
1 - REACTION PIN
2 - BAND LINK
3 - REAR BAND
4 - O-RINGS
Fig. 54 Rear Band Levers And Strut
1 - ADJUSTING SCREW AND NUT
2 - ADJUSTING LEVER
3 - REACTION LEVER
4 - STRUT
21 - 168 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

INPUT SHAFT END PLAY CHECK
NOTE: Overdrive unit must be installed in order to
correctly measure the input shaft end-play.
(1) Measure input shaft end play (Fig. 66).
NOTE: If end play is incorrect, transmission is
incorrectly assembled, or reaction shaft thrust
washer is incorrect. The reaction shaft thrust
washer is selective.
(a) Attach Adapter 8266-5 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 8266-5 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 input shaft in and out and record read-
ing. End play should be 0.86 - 2.13 mm (0.034 -
0.084 in.). Adjust as necessary.
ACCUMULATOR, VALVE BODY, OIL PAN, AND
TORQUE CONVERTER
(1) Install accumulator inner spring, piston and
outer spring (Fig. 67).
(2) Install new valve body manual shaft seal in
case (Fig. 68). Lubricate seal lip and manual shaft
with petroleum jelly. Start seal over shaft and into
case. Seat seal with 15/16 inch, deep well socket.
(3) Install valve body as follows:(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..
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.
(4) Install new filter on valve body. Tighten filter
screws to 4 N´m (35 in. lbs.).
(5) Install the transmission range sensor.
Fig. 66 Checking Input Shaft End Play
1 - TOOL 8266-8
2 - TOOL 8266-5
3 - TOOL C-3339
Fig. 67 Accumulator Piston And Springs
1 - ACCUMULATOR PISTON
2 - OUTER SPRING
3 - INNER SPRING
Fig. 68 Manual Lever Shaft Seal
1 - 15/1688SOCKET
2 - SEAL
21 - 172 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

CAUTION: If the condition of the transmission
before the overhaul procedure caused excessive
metallic or fiber contamination in the fluid, replace
the torque converter. Fluid contamination and trans-
mission failure can result if not done.
(6) Install torque converter. Use C-clamp or metal
strap to hold converter in place for installation.
BAND ADJUSTMENT AND FINAL
(1) Adjust front and rear bands as follows:
(a) Loosen locknut on each band adjusting screw
4-5 turns.
(b) Tighten both adjusting screws to 8 N´m (72
in. lbs.).
(c) Back off front band adjusting screw 2-7/8
turns.
(d) Back off rear band adjusting screw 2 turns.
(e) Hold each adjusting screw in position and
tighten locknut to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install magnet in oil pan. Magnet seats on
small protrusion at corner of pan.
(3) Position new oil pan gasket on case and install
oil pan. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N´m (13 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install throttle valve and shift selector levers
on valve body manual lever shaft.
(5) Apply small quantity of dielectric grease to ter-
minal pins of solenoid case connector and transmis-
sion range sensor.
(6) Fill transmission with recommended fluid.
Refer to Service Procedures section of this group.
INSTALLATION
(1) Check torque converter hub and hub drive
notches for sharp edges burrs, scratches, or nicks.
Polish the hub and notches with 320/400 grit paper
and crocus cloth if necessary. The hub must be
smooth to avoid damaging pump seal at installation.
(2) Lubricate pocket in the rear oil pump seal lip
with transmission fluid.
(3) Lubricate converter pilot hub of the crankshaft
with a light coating of MopartHigh Temp Grease.
(4) Align and install converter in oil pump.
(5) Carefully insert converter in oil pump. Then
rotate converter back and forth until fully seated in
pump gears.
(6) Check converter seating with steel scale and
straightedge (Fig. 69). Surface of converter lugs
should be 1/2 in. to rear of straightedge when con-
verter is fully seated.
(7) Temporarily secure converter with C-clamp.(8) Position transmission on jack and secure it
with chains.
(9) Check condition of converter driveplate.
Replace the plate if cracked, distorted or damaged.
Also be sure transmission dowel pins are seated
in engine block and protrude far enough to
hold transmission in alignment.
(10) Raise transmission and align converter with
drive plate and converter housing with engine block.
(11) Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower
or tilt transmission to align converter housing with
engine block dowels.
(12) Carefully work transmission forward and over
engine block dowels until converter hub is seated in
crankshaft.
(13) Install bolts attaching converter housing to
engine.
(14) Install rear support.
(15) Install the rear transmission crossmember.
(16) Lower transmission onto crossmember and
install bolts attaching transmission mount to cross-
member.
(17) Remove engine support fixture.
(18) Install the transfer case, if equipped.
(19) Install crankshaft position sensor. (Refer to 14
- FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/CRANKSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION)
Fig. 69 Checking Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 173
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

(7) Assemble Tool Handle C-4171 and Bushing
Remover SP-3629 (Fig. 103).
(8) Insert remover tool in bushing and drive bush-
ing straight out of clutch retainer.
INSPECTION
Inspect the front clutch components. Replace the
clutch discs if warped, worn, scored, burned or charred,
the lugs are damaged, or if the facing is flaking off.
Replace the steel plates and reaction plate if heavily
scored, warped, or broken. Be sure the driving lugs on
the discs and plate are also in good condition. The lugs
must not be bent, cracked or damaged in any way.
Replace the piston springs and spring retainer if
either are distorted, warped or broken.
Check the lug grooves in the clutch piston retainer.
The steel plates should slide freely in the slots. Replace
the piston retainer if the grooves are worn or damaged.
Also check action of the check ball in the piston
retainer. The ball must move freely and not stick.
Replace the retainer bushing if worn, scored, or
there is any doubt about bushing condition.
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.
Check the clutch piston check ball. The ball should
be securely in place. Replace the piston if the ball is
missing, or seized in place.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The 46RE transmission uses three plates
and discs for the front clutch.
(1) Mount Bushing Installer SP-5511 on tool han-
dle (Fig. 104).
(2) Slide new bushing onto installer tool and start
bushing into retainer.
(3) Tap new bushing into place until installer tool
bottoms against clutch retainer.
(4) Remove installer tools and clean retainer thor-
oughly.
(5) Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid.
(6) Install new inner piston seal onto the outer
diameter of the clutch retainer inner hub.
(7) Install new outer seal onto the clutch piston.
Be sure seal lips of both seals face the interior of the
retainer.
(8) Lubricate new inner and outer piston seals
with Ru-GlydeŸ, or MopartDoor Ease.
(9) Install clutch piston in retainer. Use twisting
motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer. A thin
strip of plastic (about 0.015 - 0.020 in. thick), can be
used to guide seals into place if necessary.
Fig. 103 Front Clutch Retainer Bushing
Replacement Tools
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
2 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-3629
3 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-5511
4 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
5 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
Fig. 104 Front Clutch Retainer Bushing
Replacement Tools
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
2 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-3629
3 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-5511
4 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
5 - FRONT CLUTCH RETAINER
21 - 206 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
FRONT CLUTCH (Continued)

(4) Raise the vehicle.
(5) Place the transmission manual shift lever in
the ªPARKº detent (rearmost) position and rotate
prop shaft to ensure transmission is in PARK.
(6) Route the gearshift cable through the transmis-
sion mounting bracket and secure the cable by snap-
ping the cable retaining ears into the transmission
bracket and snapping the cable eyelet on the manual
shift lever ball stud.
(7) Lower vehicle.
(8) Lock the shift cable adjustment by pressing the
cable adjuster lock tab downward until it snaps into
place.
(9) Check for proper operation of the transmission
range sensor.
(10) Adjust the gearshift cable and BTSI mecha-
nism as necessary.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT CABLE
Check adjustment by starting the engine in PARK
and NEUTRAL. Adjustment is CORRECT if the
engine starts only in these positions. Adjustment is
INCORRECT if the engine starts in one but not both
positions. If the engine starts in any position other
than PARK or NEUTRAL, or if the engine will not
start at all, the transmission range sensor may be
faulty.
Gearshift Adjustment Procedure
(1) Shift transmission into PARK.
(2) Release cable adjuster lock tab (underneath the
steering column) (Fig. 118) to unlock cable.
(3) Raise vehicle.
(4) Disengage the cable eyelet from the transmis-
sion manual shift lever.(5) Verify transmission shift lever is in PARK
detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward
detent is PARK position.
(6) Verify positive engagement of transmission
park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft.
Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
(7) Snap the cable eyelet onto the transmission
manual shift lever.
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster lock
tab downward until it snaps into place.
(10) Check engine starting. Engine should start
only in PARK and NEUTRAL
Fig. 118 Gearshift Cable at Steering Column
1 - STEERING COLUMN
2 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
3 - GEARSHIFT CABLE LOCK TAB
4 - BTSI SOLENOID LOCK TAB
5 - BTSI CONNECTOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 211
GEARSHIFT CABLE (Continued)

REACTION SHAFT SUPPORT BUSHING
(1) Place reaction shaft support upright on a clean,
smooth surface.
(2) Assemble Bushing Installer Tools C-4171 and
SP-5302. Then slide new bushing onto installer tool
(Fig. 128).
(3) Start bushing in shaft. Tap bushing into shaft
until installer tool bottoms against support flange.
(4) Clean reaction shaft support thoroughly after
bushing replacement (to remove any chips).
OIL PUMP BODY
(1) Lubricate pump gears with transmission fluid
and install them in pump body.
(2) Install thrust washer on reaction shaft support
hub. Lubricate washer with petroleum jelly or trans-
mission fluid before installation.
(3) If reaction shaft seal rings are being replaced,
install new seal rings on support hub. Lubricate seal
rings with transmission fluid or petroleum jelly after
installation. Squeeze each ring until ring ends are
securely hooked together.CAUTION: The reaction shaft support seal rings will
break if overspread, or twisted. If new rings are
being installed, spread them only enough for instal-
lation. Also be very sure the ring ends are securely
hooked together after installation. Otherwise, the
rings will either prevent pump installation, or break
during installation.
(4) Align and install reaction shaft support on
pump body.
(5) Install bolts attaching reaction shaft support to
pump. Tighten bolts to 20 N´m (175 in. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install new pump seal with Installer Tool
C-3860-A (Fig. 129). Use hammer or mallet to tap
seal into place.
(7) Install new o-ring on pump body. Lubricate oil
seal and o-ring with petroleum jelly.
(8) Cover pump assembly to prevent dust entry
and set aside for assembly installation.
Fig. 128 Reaction Shaft Bushing
1 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-1191
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-4171
3 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-3633
4 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-5301
5 - SPECIAL TOOL SP-5302
6 - BUSHING
7 - REACTION SHAFT
8 - BUSHING
Fig. 129 Oil Pump Seal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3860-A
2 - PUMP BODY
3 - PUMP SEAL
21 - 216 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
OIL PUMP (Continued)