DodgeRam.info > TSB's > 21-007-06

TSB 21-007-06

RFE Transmission Filters - Delayed Engagement And Related Transmission DTC'S

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

Date: April 07, 2006

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-016-05, DATED
SEPTEMBER 01, 2005, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THIS IS
A COMPLETE REVISION.  

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) having a
specific transmission build date code (see the below DIAGNOSIS section for
further details).

Overview:
This bulletin involves verifying the build date of the transmission, and if necessary, the
replacement of both the cooler return and sump filters in 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.

• P0944 - Loss Of Hydraulic Pump Prime.
• P0731 - Gear Ratio Error In 1st.
• P0736 - Gear Ratio Error In Reverse.
• P0841 - LR Pressure Switch Rationality.
• P0876 - UD Pressure Switch Rationality.

The delayed engagement and MIL condition (DTC's) may be caused by a suspect
transmission cooler return filter with a part number of 04799662AB. A suspect
04799662AB cooler return filter may cause the transmission sump filter to split at its
plastic-to-metal crimp. If the transmission sump filter becomes split at the crimp, then one
or more of the above DTC's may also occur.

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.
NOTE: Both the transmission cooler return filter and the transmission sump filter MUST BE replaced at the same time.

Parts Required:

NOTE: DO NOT use a replacement cooler return filter with a part number of
04799662AB. This filter is suspect of causing the above condition. The cooler
return filter part number is stenciled on the side of the filter's metal case.

Qty.	Part No.	Description
1	04799662	Filter, Transmission Cooler Return
(AR) 1	05015267AC	Kit, Transmission Sump Filter - 4x2 (verify p/n for specific vehicle)
(AR) 1	05013470AC	Kit, Transmission Sump Filter - 4x4 (verify p/n for specific vehicle)
4	05013457AA	Fluid, Automatic Transmission, MS-9602 ATF+4, Quart
1	05010884AA	Mopar ATF-RTV

Special Tools/Equipment Required:

Repair Procedure: 

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), and a new sump filter.

NOTE: BOTH the sump oil filter and the cooler return filter MUST BE replaced in the
transmission at the same time. Do not replace one filter without also
replacing the other filter.

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.)

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

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

NOTE: Always install the sump filter seal to the bottom of the transmission oil pump
first, then install the sump filter to the oil pump and previously installed seal.
DO NOT install the sump filter seal to the sump filter and then attempt to
install both to the oil pump.

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:

Failure Code:

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004