DODGE RAM 2003 Service Repair Manual

(39) Remove the input/reverse planetary assembly
(Fig. 29).
(40) Remove the number 12 bearing from the
input/reverse planetary assembly (Fig. 29).
(41) Remove the snap-ring holding the low/reverse
clutch retainer into the transmission case (Fig. 30).
(42) Remove the low/reverse clutch retainer from
the transmission case (Fig. 30).
(43) Remove the park pawl rod and e-clip (Fig. 31).
(44) Remove the park pawl rod guide snap-ring
(Fig. 31).
(45) Remove the park pawl rod guide (Fig. 31).(46) Remove the park pawl pivot shaft, park pawl,
and spring (Fig. 31).
(47) Remove the manual selector shaft (Fig. 31).
(48) Remove the manual selector shaft seal.
(49) Remove the dipstick tube seal.
CLEANING
The use of crocus cloth is permissible where neces-
sary, providing it is used carefully. When used on
shafts, or valves, use extreme care to avoid rounding
off sharp edges. Sharp edges are vital as they pre-
vent foreign matter from getting between the valve
and valve bore.
Do not reuse oil seals, gaskets, seal rings, or
O-rings during overhaul. Replace these parts as a
matter of course. Also do not reuse snap rings or
E-clips that are bent or distorted. Replace these parts
as well.
Lubricate transmission parts with MopartATF +4,
Automatic Transmission Fluid, during overhaul and
assembly. Use petroleum jelly, MopartDoor Ease, or
Ru-Glyde to prelubricate seals, O-rings, and thrust
Fig. 29 Remove Input/Reverse Planetary Assembly
1 - INPUT/REVERSE PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
2 - BEARING NUMBER 9
3 - BEARING NUMBER 12
Fig. 30 Remove Low/Reverse Clutch Retainer
1 - LOW/REVERSE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
2 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 31 Manual Shaft/Park Lock Components
1 - GUIDE
2 - SNAP-RING
3 - SHAFT
4 - SPRING
5 - PARK PAWL
6 - MANUAL SHAFT/LEVER
7 - PARK ROD
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

washers. Petroleum jelly can also be used to hold
parts in place during reassembly.
Clean the case in a solvent tank. Flush the case
bores and fluid passages thoroughly with solvent.
Dry the case and all fluid passages with compressed
air. Be sure all solvent is removed from the case and
that all fluid passages are clear.
NOTE: Do not use shop towels or rags to dry the
case (or any other transmission component) unless
they are made from lint-free materials. Lint will stick
to case surfaces and transmission components and
circulate throughout the transmission after assem-
bly. A sufficient quantity of lint can block fluid pas-
sages and interfere with valve body operation.
INSPECTION
Inspect the case for cracks, porous spots, worn
bores, or damaged threads. Damaged threads can be
repaired with Helicoil thread inserts. However, the
case will have to be replaced if it exhibits any type of
damage or wear.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Clean and inspect all components. Replace any
components which show evidence of excessive wear
or scoring.
(2) Install the cooler filter bypass valve.
(3) Torque the bypass valve to specification. The
valve uses a tapered pipe thread and excessive
torque can damage the transmission case. Tighten
the cooler filter bypass valve to 4.5 N´m (40 in.lbs.).
(4) Install a new selector shaft seal using Seal
Installer 8253 (Fig. 32).
(5) Install the manual selector shaft and retaining
screw. Tighten the manual selector shaft retaining
screw to 28 N´m (250 in.lbs.).
(6) Install the park pawl, spring, and shaft (Fig.
33).
(7) Install the park rod and e-clip (Fig. 33).
(8) Install the park rod guide and snap-ring (Fig.
33).
Fig. 32 Install Selector Shaft
1 - SEAL
2 - TOOL 8253
Fig. 33 Manual Shaft/Park Lock Components
1 - GUIDE
2 - SNAP-RING
3 - SHAFT
4 - SPRING
5 - PARK PAWL
6 - MANUAL SHAFT/LEVER
7 - PARK ROD
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(9) Install a new dipstick tube seal using Seal
Installer 8254 (Fig. 34).
NOTE: Before final assembly of transmission cen-
terline, the 2C/4C clutch components should be
installed into position and measured as follows:
(10) Install the 2C reaction plate into the trans-
mission case (Fig. 35). The reaction plate is direc-
tional. The plate must be installed with the flat side
toward the front of the transmission.
(11) Install the 2C clutch pack into the transmis-
sion case (Fig. 35).
(12) Install the flat 2C clutch snap-ring into the
transmission case (Fig. 35).
(13) Install the 4C retainer/bulkhead into the
transmission case. Make sure that the oil feed holes
are pointing toward the valve body area.
(14) Install the 4C retainer/bulkhead tapered
snap-ring into the transmission case. Make sure that
the open ends of the snap-ring are located in the case
opening toward the valve body area.
(15) Using a feeler gauge through the opening in
the rear of the transmission case, measure the 2C
clutch pack clearance between the 2C reaction plate
and the transmission case at four different points.
The average of these measurements is the 2C clutch
pack clearance. The correct clutch clearance is 0.455-
1.335 mm (0.018-0.053 in.). The reaction plate is not
selective. If the clutch pack clearance is not within
specification, the reaction plate, all the friction discs,
and steels must be replaced.
(16) Remove the 4C retainer/bulkhead and all of
the 2C clutch components from the transmission
case.(17) Install the low/reverse clutch assembly (Fig.
36). Make sure that the oil feed hole points toward
the valve body area and that the bleed orifice is
aligned with the notch in the rear of the transmis-
sion case.
(18) Install the snap-ring to hold the low/reverse
clutch retainer into the transmission case (Fig. 36).
The snap-ring is tapered and must be installed with
the tapered side forward. Once installed, verify that
the snap-ring is fully seated in the snap-ring groove.
(19) Air check the low/reverse clutch and verify
correct overrunning clutch operation.
Fig. 34 Install Dipstick Tube Seal Using Tool 8254
1 - TOOL 8254
2 - SEAL
Fig. 35 Install 2C Clutch Pack
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - PLATE
3 - DISC
4 - REACTION PLATE
Fig. 36 Install Low/Reverse Clutch Retainer
1 - LOW/REVERSE OVERRUNNING CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
2 - SNAP-RING
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(20) Install the number 12 bearing over the output
shaft and against the rear planetary gear set. The
flat side of the bearing goes toward the planetary
gearset and the raised tabs on the inner race should
face the rear of the transmission.
(21) Install the reverse/input planetary assembly
through the low/reverse clutch assembly (Fig. 37).
(22) Install the park sprag onto the output shaft
(Fig. 38).
(23) Install the snap-ring to hold the park sprag
onto the output shaft (Fig. 39).(24) Install the 2C reaction plate into the trans-
mission case (Fig. 40). The reaction plate is direc-
tional. The plate must be installed with the flat side
toward the front of the transmission.
(25) Install the 2C clutch pack into the transmis-
sion case (Fig. 40).
(26) Install the number 8 bearing inside the reac-
tion carrier with the outer race against the reaction
planetary carrier.
Fig. 37 Install Input/Reverse Planetary Assembly
1 - INPUT/REVERSE PLANETARY ASSEMBLY
2 - BEARING NUMBER 9
3 - BEARING NUMBER 12
Fig. 38 Install Park Sprag Gear
1 - PARK SPRAG GEAR
Fig. 39 Install Park Sprag Snap-Ring
1 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 40 Install 2C Clutch Pack
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - PLATE
3 - DISC
4 - REACTION PLATE
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 505
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(27) Install the reaction planetary gear set and the
number 9 bearing, with the inner race against the
reaction planetary carrier, into the transmission case
(Fig. 41).
(28) Install the flat 2C clutch snap-ring into the
transmission case (Fig. 40).
(29) Install the reaction sun gear into the reaction
planetary gear set.Make surethe small shoulder is
facing the front of the transmission (Fig. 41).
(30) Install the number 7 bearing onto the reaction
sun gear with the inner race against the sun gear
(Fig. 41).
(31) Install the output shaft selective thrust plate
onto the reaction annulus with the oil grooves facing
the annulus gear and the tabs and notches aligned as
shown in (Fig. 42).
(32)
Install the number 6 bearing against the output
shaft selective thrust plate with the flat side against the
thrust plate (Fig. 41) and the raised tabs on the inner
race facing the front of the transmission.
(33) Install the reaction annulus into the reaction
planetary gear set (Fig. 41).
Fig. 41 Install Reaction Annulus and Carrier
1 - BEARING NUMBER 8 5 - BEARING NUMBER 7
2 - BEARING NUMBER 9 6 - THRUST PLATE (SELECT)
3 - REACTION PLANETARY CARRIER 7 - BEARING NUMBER 6
4 - REACTION SUN GEAR 8 - REACTION ANNULUS
Fig. 42 Thrust Plate Alignment
1 - LOCATING LUG (3)
2 - THRUST PLATE
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(34) Install the 4C retainer/bulkhead into the
transmission case. Make sure that the oil feed holes
are pointing toward the valve body area. Rotate the
reaction annulus during the installation of the 4C
retainer/bulkhead to ease installation.
(35) Install the 4C retainer/bulkhead tapered
snap-ring into the transmission case (Fig. 43) with
the taper toward the front of the case. Make sure
that the open ends of the snap-ring are located in the
case opening toward the valve body area.
(36) Air check the 2C and 4C clutch operation.
(37) Using Alignment Plate 8261, Adapter 8266-17
from End-Play Tool Set 8266 and Dial Indicator
C-3339, measure and record the output shaft end-
play (Fig. 44). The correct output shaft end-play is
0.22-0.55 mm (0.009-0.021 in.). Adjust as necessary.
Install the chosen output shaft selective thrust plate
and re-measure end-play to verify selection.
(38) Apply a bead of RTV silicone and install the
extension/adapter housing onto the transmission
case.
(39) Install and torque the bolts to hold the exten-
sion/adapter housing onto the transmission case. The
correct torque is 54 N´m (40 ft.lbs.).
(40) Install the number 5 bearing and selective
thrust plate onto the 4C retainer/bulkhead (Fig. 45).
Be sure that the outer race of the bearing is against
the thrust plate.(41) Install the input clutch assembly into the
transmission case (Fig. 45). Make sure that the input
clutch assembly is fully installed by performing a
visual inspection through the input speed sensor
hole. If the tone wheel teeth on the input clutch
assembly are centered in the hole, the assembly is
fully installed.
(42) Install the number 1 bearing with the outer
race up in the pocket of the input clutch assembly
(Fig. 45).
Fig. 43 Install 4C Clutch Retainer/Bulkhead
1 - SNAP-RING
2 - 4C CLUTCH RETAINER/BULKHEAD
Fig. 44 Measure Output Shaft End Play
1 - TOOL 8261
2 - TOOL 8266
3 - TOOL C-3339
Fig. 45 Install Input Clutch Assembly
1 - BEARING NUMBER 5
2 - THRUST PLATE (SELECT)
3 - INPUT CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
4 - BEARING NUMBER 1
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(43) Install the oil pump into the transmission
case (Fig. 46).
(44) Install the bolts to hold the oil pump into the
transmission case. Tighten the oil pump bolts to 28
N´m (250 in.lbs.).
(45) Using Adapter 8266-1 from End-Play Tool Set
8266 and Dial Indicator C-3339, measure and record
the input shaft end-play (Fig. 47). The correct end-
play is 0.46-0.89 mm (0.018-0.035 in.). Adjust as nec-
essary. Install the chosen thrust plate on the number
5 bearing and re-measure end-play to verify selec-
tion.
NOTE: When measuring the input shaft end-play,
two(stops(will be felt. When the input shaft is
pushed inward and the dial indicator zeroed, the
first(stop(felt when the input shaft is pulled out-
ward is the movement of the input shaft in the input
clutch housing hub. This value should not be
included in the end-play measured value and there-
fore must be recorded and subtracted from the dial
indicator reading.
(46) Install the transmission front cover into the
transmission case (Fig. 48).
(47) Install the outer snap-ring to hold the trans-
mission front cover into the transmission case (Fig.
48).
(48) Partially install the inner transmission front
cover snap-ring onto the oil pump (Fig. 48).
Fig. 46 Install Oil Pump
1 - OIL PUMP TO CASE BOLT (6)
2 - OIL PUMP
Fig. 47 Measure Input Shaft End Play
1 - TOOL 8266
2 - TOOL C-3339
Fig. 48 Install the Transmission Front Cover
1 - INNER SNAP-RING
2 - TRANSMISSION COVER
3 - OUTER SNAP-RING
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(49) Using Installer 8255, install the inner trans-
mission front cover snap-ring the remainder of the
way onto the oil pump (Fig. 49).
(50) Install the valve body (Fig. 50). Verify that
the pin on the manual lever has properly engaged
the TRS selector plate. Tighten the valve body to
transmission case bolts to 12 N´m (105 in.lbs.).
(51) Install a new primary oil filter seal in the oil
pump inlet bore. Seat the seal in the bore with the
butt end of a hammer, or other suitable tool.
CAUTION: The primary oil filter seal MUST be fully
installed flush against the oil pump body. DO NOTinstall the seal onto the filter neck and attempt to
install the filter and seal as an assembly. Damage to
the transmission will result.
(52)
Install the primary oil filter and the oil cooler
return filter (Fig. 51). Tighten the screw to hold the pri-
mary oil filter to the valve body to 4.5 N´m (40 in.lbs.).
Using Oil Filter Wrench 8321, tighten the cooler return
oil filter to the transmission case to 14 N´m (125 in.lbs.).
(53) Apply RTV silicone to the oil pan and install
the transmission oil pan. Tighten the bolts to 12 N´m
(105 in.lbs.).
(54)
Install the input, output, and line pressure sen-
sors (Fig. 52). Tighten the bolts to 12 N´m (105 in.lbs.).
Fig. 49 Seat Snap-Ring Using Tool 8255
1 - TOOL 8255
2 - SNAP-RING
Fig. 50 Install Valve Body Assembly
1 - VALVE BODY TO CASE BOLT (6)
Fig. 51 Install Primary Oil and Cooler Filters
1 - PRIMARY OIL FILTER
2 - COOLER RETURN FILTER
3 - COOLER RETURN FILTER BYPASS VALVE
4 - VALVE BODY
Fig. 52 Install Input, Output, and Line
Pressure Sensors
1 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
2 - LINE PRESSURE SENSOR
3 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 509
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(55) Install the manual shift lever from the trans-
mission. Torque the retaining cross-bolt to 16 N´m
(140 in.lbs.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Check torque converter hub and hub drive flats
for sharp edges burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the
hub and flats with 320/400 grit paper and crocus
cloth if necessary. Verify that the converter hub
o-ring is properly installed and is free of any debris.
The hub must be smooth to avoid damaging pump
seal at installation.
(2) If a replacement transmission is being
installed, transfer any components necessary, such as
the manual shift lever and shift cable bracket, from
the original transmission onto the replacement trans-
mission.
(3) Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission
fluid.
(4) Align converter and 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. 53). Surface of converter lugs
should be at least 13mm (1/2 in.) to rear of straight-
edge when converter 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 seatedin engine block and protrude far enough to
hold transmission in alignment.
(10) Apply a light coating of MopartHigh Temp
Grease to the torque converter hub pocket in the rear
pocket of the engine's crankshaft.
(11) Raise transmission (Fig. 54) and align the
torque converter with the drive plate and transmis-
sion converter housing with the engine block.
(12) Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower
or tilt transmission to align the converter housing
with engine block dowels.
(13) Carefully work transmission forward and over
engine block dowels until converter hub is seated in
crankshaft. Verify that no wires, or the transmission
vent hose, have become trapped between the engine
block and the transmission.
(14) Install two bolts to attach the transmission to
the engine.
(15) Install remaining torque converter housing to
engine bolts. Tighten to 68 N´m (50 ft.lbs.).
(16) Install transfer case, if equipped. Tighten
transfer case nuts to 35 N´m (26 ft.lbs.).
(17) Install rear support to transmission. Tighten
bolts to 47 N´m (35 ft.lbs.).
(18) Lower transmission onto crossmember and
install bolts attaching transmission mount to cross-
member. Tighten clevis bracket to crossmember bolts
to 47 N´m (35 ft.lbs.). Tighten the clevis bracket to
rear support bolt to 68 N´m (50 ft.lbs.).
(19) Remove engine support fixture.
(20) Connect gearshift cable to transmission.
Fig. 53 Checking Torque Converter Seating - Typical
1 - SCALE
2 - STRAIGHTEDGE
Fig. 54 Install Transmission
1 - ENGINE
2 - TRANSMISSION
21 - 510 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFEDR
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)

(21) Connect wires to solenoid and pressure switch
assembly (Fig. 55) connector, input (Fig. 56) and out-
put (Fig. 57) speed sensors, and line pressure sensor
(Fig. 58). Be sure transmission harnesses are prop-
erly 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.
Tighten bolts to 31 N´m (270 in. lbs.).
(23) Install starter motor and cooler line bracket.
(24) Connect cooler lines to transmission.
(25) Install transmission fill tube.
(26) Install exhaust components, if necessary.
Fig. 55 Connect Transmission Solenoid
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - TRANSMISSION SOLENOID/TRS ASSEMBLY
Fig. 56 Connect Input Speed Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
Fig. 57 Connect Output Speed Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
Fig. 58 Connect Line Pressure Sensor
1 - TRANSMISSION
2 - LINE PRESSURE SENSOR
DRAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE 21 - 511
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 45RFE/545RFE (Continued)