DodgeRam.info > TSB's > 21-016-05

TSB 21-016-05

Superseded by TSB 21-007-06. Left for information only.

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Date: September 01, 2005     B45RFE / 545RFE Trans - Delayed Engagement Due To Cooler Return Filter Replacement

Models: 2005 - 2006 (DR) Ram Truck

2005 - 2006 (DR) Ram Truck
2005 - 2006 (HB) Durango
2005 - 2006 (KJ) Liberty / Cherokee
2005 - 2006 (ND) Dakota
2005 - 2006 (WK / WH) Grand Cherokee
2006 (XK) Commander

NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with the a 45RFE or a 545RFE
automatic transmission (sales code DG4 or DGQ respectively).

Overview:
This bulletin involves verifying the build date of the transmission, and if necessary, replacement
of the transmission cooler return filter inside the transmission.

Symptom/Condition:
The customer may experience an initial delayed shift engagement following an extended off
(not running) period of time, generally after being parked overnight. The initial shift engagement
may feel like a delay or slip when a transmission gear (reverse or drive) is first selected after
engine start.

The customer may also experience a MIL illumination. Investigation may determine that the
MIL is due to one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s):

• P0868 - Line Pressure Low. This DTC will be the most frequently occurring DTC for the delayed shift condition.
• P0731 - Gear Ratio Error In 1st.
• P0736 - Gear Ratio Error In Reverse.
• P0841 - LR Pressure Switch Rationality.
• P0876 - UD Pressure Switch Rationality.
• P0944 - Loss Of Hydraulic Pump Prime.

The condition may be caused by a suspect cooler return filter with a part number of
04799662AB. The suspect cooler return filter may allow transmission fluid to drain back out of
the torque converter when the engine is not running.

Diagnosis:
1.   Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position.

2.   Raise the vehicle on a suitable lift.

FIGURE 1 - TRANS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 1– TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION (SERIAL AND PART) NUMBER - 20 DIGIT

3.   Inspect for the transmission build date (Julian date) (Fig. 1). The transmission build date
can be determined by inspection of the 20 digit transmission identification number
(DDDYxxxxxPpartnumber). The transmission identification number is stamped on the left
side (driver side) of the transmission oil pan flange. The first four (4) digits of the
transmission identification number are the transmission build date, in Julian date format.
An example of a transmission identification number would be :
101510492P52119684AA. The first three digits ( 101 ) of the identification number equal
the day of the year, in this case 101 equals April 11. The fourth digit ( 5 ) of the
identification number equals the calendar year, in this case 5 equals 2005. So 1015
equals April 11, 2005.

4.   Determine if the vehicle’s transmission was built on or between one of the two sets of Julian date build ranges listed below:
   a. Julian date 0425 (February 11, 2005) to Julian date 0455 (February 15, 2005). 0425 to 0455.
   b. Julian date 1015 (April 11, 2005) to Julian date 2345 (August 22, 2005). 1015 to 2345.

5.   If the vehicle has the above condition, and if the transmission Julian build date is on or
between the range of dates listed above, perform the Repair Procedure.

Parts Required:

NOTE: The correct cooler return filter will not be available until September 09, 2005.

NOTE: DO NOT use a replacement cooler return filter with a part number of
04799662AB. This filter is suspect of causing the above

Special Tools/Equipment Required:

Repair Procedure: 

FIGURE 2 - Transmission Filters - 4X4 Shown 1– PRIMARY OIL FILTER 2– COOLER RETURN FILTER 3– COOLER RETURN FILTER BYPASS VALVE 4– VALVE BODY

NOTE: All cooler return filters with the “AB” suffix (04799662AB) are suspect. The
above condition may be corrected by replacing a suspect “AB” filter with a
new cooler return filter whose part number is 04799662 (with no suffix or with a
suffix that is other than the “AB” level).

NOTE: A replacement 04799662 cooler return filter may come packaged with a
separate threaded adapter stud. The threaded adapter stud is used to attach
the cooler return filter to the transmission. Inspect the stud and note end
without threads. Install the stud end without the threads into the cooler return
filter and tighten the stud-to-filter connection to 18.6 Nm (165 in. lbs.). Once the
threaded adapter stud has been installed to the cooler return filter, install the
assembled cooler return filter to the transmission and tighten the filter to
14.1 Nm (125 in. lbs.)

Use the procedures outlined in TechCONNECTT ( Service Information Tab / 21 - Transmission
Transaxle / Automatic - 45RFE 545RFE / Fluid / Standard Procedure / Fluid and Filter
Replacement) to replace the cooler return filter.

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:

Labor Operation No:	Description	Amount
21-55-02-90	Filter, Cooler Return - Replace	0.6 Hrs.
221-55-02-60	Optional Equipment: Skid Plate Equipped (2005–2006 KJ / 2005 ND / 2005–2006 WK WH)	0.2  Hrs.

Failure Code:

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004