Chrysler 45RFE

Transmission general data

The 4-speed automatic transmission 45RFE was produced in 1999 for powerful 4.7 liter engines of Jeep and pickups Dodge Dakota. Subsequently, this transmission was adjusted for diesel engines (with the capacity equal to 2.8 liters). The 5-speed modification 5-45RFE has been manufactured since 2003.

Technical issues and repair guidelines

These comparatively “invincible” transmissions in most cases come to repair shops for change of the oil and filters, which are replaced with dismounting of the pan. AWD modifications of this transmission have different oil filter and pan depth.

Scheduled overhaul includes the following spare parts in repair kits:

- Kit of gaskets and seals is replaced because of worn-out rings and valve body spare parts.

- Kit of friction components

- Kit of steel discs

These 3 kits compose the Master Kit. The kit of rubber-covered pistons is also ordered in case of the transmission overheating. Worn-out bushings also get replaced quite frequently.

Problems of these automatic transmissions occur when the valve body provides insufficient quantity of ATF. Solenoids also exhaust their limited service resource, the valve body gets clogged and wears out.The pump has 3 gears which are tested for wear and damages of operating surfaces. The pump bushing is also checked for wear. The pump has some issues with the wear-out of surfaces. The reason lies in a long-term operation with contaminated oil.The rubber-coated pump cover performs functions of the pump seal. This cover gets damaged by vibrations from the worn-out torque converter lock-up. There are several modifications of this cover.

Friction components with steel discs are the first to get burnt in Overdrive and Underdrive packages.This overheating of frictions in chain order leads to overheating of the valve body itself and electronics in the block of solenoids.