radiator DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

(17) Fabricate 51 mm (2.0 in.) long repair inserts
using scrap from the old structure or the replacement
part. It will be necessary to split the inserts on each
of their four sides to fit into the hydroform.
(18) Remove any paint or e-coat from the inserts
and also to the interior and exterior of the hydro-
forms.
(19) Cut plug weld holes as described below.
²On the upper rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on each side of the rail, 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the butt
joint of the tubes.
²On the lower rail, cut one 13 mm (0.5 in.) hole
on the top and bottom sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
²On the lower rail, cut two 13 mm (0.5 in.) holes
on the inner and outer sides of the rail 25 mm (1.0
in.) from the butt joint of the tube.
CAUTION: Shield the surrounding area and compo-
nents from exposure to the welding spatter and
heat.
(20) Install the insert 1º into the replacement part
and tack into place with a weld.
(21) Insert the service part into place and using
the appropriate measuring equipment, verify thefront end sheet metal bracket's location in all three
(X,Y, and Z) planes of space. (Fig. 20)
(22) Complete all 360É plug welds.
NOTE: Before the final welding, use three dimen-
sional measuring equipment to ensure the part is in
the correct location. Verify that tap plate extrusion
at the bottom of the vertical post lines up with the
isolator and hole in the frame perch mount. Also
ensure the lower radiator closure tube is bolted into
the forward shotgun ends.
(23) Complete welding by making a 360É butt weld
around the fender rails.
(24) Metal finish the exposed welds on the hydro-
forms.
(25) Dress the welded area and apply corrosion
resistant coatings inside and out.
(a) Inside the rail, inject a creeping wax based
rust inhibitor compound to the inside of the hydro-
forms ensuring 100% coverage including the mat-
ing face between the fender rail sections and insert
such that corrosion protection is restored in the
internal cavity.
(b) Apply a durable top coat to the outside of the
repair area.
Fig. 19 HYDROFORM FENDER RAILS
1 - HYDROFORM FENDER RAIL
2 - FRONT END SHEET METAL BRACKET
3 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (4)4 - UPPER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
5 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER BOLTS (8)
6 - LOWER RADIATOR CROSSMEMBER
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 13
FRAME (Continued)

(26) Install the front cab mount bolt if previously
removed and tighten to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.).
(27) Install the lower radiator crossmember bolts
and tighten to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(28) Install the headlamp unit. (Refer to 8 - ELEC-
TRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/HEAD-
LAMP UNIT - INSTALLATION)
(29) Install the upper radiator crossmember. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/UPPER RADIATOR
CROSSMEMBER - INSTALLATION)
(30) Install the wire harness and ground if previ-
ously removed and install the bolts.
(31) Install the integrated power module, if previ-
ously removed. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
DISTRIBUTION/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE -
INSTALLATION)
(32) Install the air cleaner bracket and air cleaner,
if previously removed. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/AIR
INTAKE SYSTEM/AIR CLEANER ELEMENT -
INSTALLATION)(33) Install the radiator assembly. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR - INSTALLATION)
(34) Install the A/C lines, if previously removed.
Refer to the Heating and Air Conditioning section of
the manual for the recommended procedures.
(35) Install the A/C condenser, if previously
removed. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING/A/C CONDENSER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(36) Install the fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTE-
RIOR/FRONT FENDER - INSTALLATION)
(37) Install the front wheelhouse splash shield.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/FRONT WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION)
(38) Reconnect the battery ground.
Fig. 20 ENGINE COMPARTMENT/FRONT STRUCTURE
13 - 14 FRAMES & BUMPERSDR
FRAME (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Cab mount bolts 81 60 Ð
Cargo box bolts 108 80 Ð
Front crossmember bolts - 2WD 61 45 Ð
Front crossmember bolts - 4WD 102 75 Ð
Front skid plate bolts 34 25 Ð
Lower bumper support bracket bolt 54 40 Ð
Radiator crossmember bolts - lower 28 21 Ð
Radiator crossmember bolts - upper 28 21 Ð
Rear crossmember - 2WD 102 75 Ð
Rear crossmember - 4WD 102 75 Ð
Rear spring shackle bolts 163 120 Ð
Spare tire winch bolts 41 30 Ð
Trailer hitch reinforcement bracket bolt 170 125 Ð
Transfercase skid plate bolts 34 25 Ð
Transercase skid plate crossmember bolts 34 25 Ð
Transmission mount to crossmember nuts 61 45 Ð
FRONT CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(2) Remove the front skid plate, if equipped. (Refer
to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID
PLATE - REMOVAL)
(3) Remove the bolts and remove the crossmember.
(Fig. 29) or (Fig. 30)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the crossmember.
(2) Install the bolts;
²On 2WD vehicles, tighten the bolts to 61 N´m
(45 ft. lbs.).
²On 4WD vehicles, tighten the bolts to 102 N´m
(75 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 29 FRONT CROSSMEMBER - 2WD
1 - CROSSMEMBER
2 - BOLTS (2 PER SIDE)
DRFRAMES & BUMPERS 13 - 23
FRAME (Continued)

INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - GAS
(1) Align the pump with the mounting holes in the
left cylinder head.
(2) Install 3 pump mounting bolts through the pul-
ley access holes. Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft.
lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the pressure line and return hose to
the pump and reservoir. Tighten the pressure line to
37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the serpentine drive belt, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Fill the power steering pump, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - DIESEL
(1) Set the power steering pump in place in the
engine compartment from the top (Fig. 3).
(2) Install the inner cooler tube.
(3) Tighten the inner cooler tube clamp at the
radiator support side.
(4) Install the 6 intake plenum bolts (Fig. 3).
(5) Tighten the inner cooler tube clamp at the
intake plenum.
(6) Install 3 pump mounting bolts through the pul-
ley access holes. Tighten the bolts to 28 N´m (21 ft.
lbs.).
(7) Tighten the pump bracket to the block.
(8) Reconnect the pressure line and return hose to
the pump and reservoir. Tighten the pressure line to
37 N´m (27 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the serpentine drive belt, (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Fill the power steering pump, (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Power Steering Pressure
Switch10 Ð 80
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line32 23 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line71 52 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line To Pump37 27 Ð
Power Steering Pump
Mounting Bolts28 27 Ð
Power Steering Pump
Reservoir Bolts75Ð
Power Steering Pump
Bracket Bolts75Ð
DRPUMP 19 - 41
PUMP (Continued)

FLUID
DESCRIPTION
The recommended fluid for the power steering sys-
tem is MopartATF +4.
MopartATF+4, when new is red in color. The
ATF+4 is dyed red so it can be identified from other
fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or anti-
freeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an
indicator of fluid condition, As the vehicle is driven,
the ATF+4 will begin to look darker in color and may
eventually become brown.THIS IS NORMAL.
ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with
age. Consequently, odor and color cannot be used to
indicate the fluid condition or the need for a fluid
change.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING
FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: MOPARTATF+4 is to be used in the
power steering system. No other power steering or
automatic transmission fluid is to be used in the
system. Damage may result to the power steering
pump and system if any other fluid is used, and do
not overfill.
The power steering fluid level can be viewed on the
dipstick attached to the filler cap. There are two
ranges listed on the dipstick, COLD and HOT. Before
opening power steering system, wipe the reservoir
filler cap free of dirt and debris. Remove the cap and
check the fluid level on its dipstick. When the fluid is
at normal ambient temperature, approximately 21ÉC
to 27ÉC (70ÉF to 80ÉF), the fluid level should read
between the minimum and maximum area of the cold
range. When the fluid is hot, fluid level is allowed to
read up to the highest end of the HOT range. Only
add fluid when the vehicle is cold.
Use only MopartATF+4Do not overfill the
power steering system.
FLUID COOLER
REMOVAL
(1) Drain and siphon the power steering fluid.
(2) Disconnect the return and supply hoses con-
nected to the power steering fluid cooler.(3) Remove the mounting bracket bolts securing
the fluid cooler to the brace. (Fig. 4)& (Fig. 5)
(4) Remove the fluid cooler from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the fluid cooler to the vehicle.
(2) Install the mounting bracket bolts securing the
fluid cooler to the brace (Fig. 4)& (Fig. 5).
(3) Reclamp the return and supply hoses to the
power steering fluid cooler.
(4) Refill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Fig. 4 V6 & V8 P/S FLUID COOLER
1 - POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 5 V10 & DIESEL P/S FLUID COOLER
1 - RADIATOR
2 - POWER STEERING HOSES
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - P/S FLUID COOLER
19 - 42 PUMPDR

(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)

(20) Connect gearshift cable (Fig. 70) and throttle
cable to transmission.
(21) Connect wires to the transmission range sen-
sor and transmission solenoid connector. Be sure the
transmission harnesses are properly routed.
CAUTION: It is essential that correct length bolts be
used to attach the converter to the driveplate. Bolts
that are too long will damage the clutch surface
inside the converter.
(22) Install torque converter-to-driveplate bolts.
(23) Install converter housing access cover.
(24) Install starter motor and cooler line bracket.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/STARTER
MOTOR - INSTALLATION)(25) Connect cooler lines (Fig. 71) to transmission.
(26) Install transmission fill tube. Install new seal
on tube before installation.
(27) Install any exhaust components previously
removed.
(28) Align and connect propeller shaft. (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/PROPELLER
SHAFT/PROPELLER SHAFT - INSTALLATION)
(29) Adjust gearshift cable and throttle valve
cable, if necessary.
(30) Install the transfer case skid plate, if
equipped.
(31) Lower vehicle.
(32) Fill transmission with MopartATF +4, Auto-
matic Transmission fluid.
Fig. 70 Gearshift Cable At Transmission
1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
2 - TRANSMISSION MANUAL LEVER
3 - CABLE SUPPORT BRACKET
Fig. 71 Transmission Cooler Lines
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - RADIATOR
3 - COOLER LINES
21 - 174 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)

FLUID AND FILTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
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 usu-
ally 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
²overheat that generates sludge (fluid break-
down)
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 failuredue 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 and
other 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 torque converter should be replaced whenever
a failure generates sludge and debris. This is neces-
sary because normal converter flushing procedures
will not remove all contaminants.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
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.
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 tempera-
ture.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.
PROCEDURE ONE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operat-
ing temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 201

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 opening.
(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. 257). 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.
TORQUE CONVERTER
DRAINBACK VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The drainback valve is located in the transmission
cooler outlet (pressure) line.
OPERATION
The valve prevents fluid from draining from the
converter into the cooler and lines when the vehicle
is shut down for lengthy periods. Production valves
have a hose nipple at one end, while the opposite end
is threaded for a flare fitting. All valves have an
arrow (or similar mark) to indicate direction of flow
through the valve.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TORQUE
CONVERTER DRAINBACK VALVE
The converter drainback check valve is located in
the cooler outlet (pressure) line near the radiator
Fig. 256 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. 257 Checking Torque Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
21 - 262 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46REDR
TORQUE CONVERTER (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
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE 21 - 339
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48RE (Continued)