Servicing - A/t: Other Dodge Durango II

TRANSMISSION

The 545RFE transmission identification numbers are stamped on left side of transmission case, just above the oil pan gasket surface. (Scheme 19) Identification numbers may be required when ordering replacement components. Note that transmission components may not be interchangeable and identification number is required to ensure proper component application. The 42RLE transaxle identification code is a series of digits printed on a bar-code label that is fixed to the transaxle case. Depending on date of manufacture, some transaxles will utilize a new identification label located on transaxle identification label. This label can be broken down. (Scheme 20)

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Check transmission fluid level every month. Under normal or severe service conditions, change transmission fluid and filter. See TRANSMISSION SERVICE INTERVALS table. Severe service conditions are conditions such as long periods of engine idling, trailer towing, extreme temperatures, off-highway operation, snow removal, or operating in dusty conditions.

TRANSMISSION SERVICE INTERVALS

Transfer Case

Under normal or severe service conditions, change transfer case fluid at 30,000-mile or 24-month intervals.

1. Drive vehicle until engine and transmission are at normal operating temperature. Park vehicle on level surface. Apply parking brake.
2. With engine idling, shift transmission through all gear ranges, ending in Neutral. Check fluid level. Fluid level should be between MIN and MAX area on dipstick with transmission fluid temperature at 180°F (82°C). (Scheme 21) Transmission fluid temperature can be checked on models equipped with 4-speed transmissions using scan tool. Follow scan tool manufacturers instructions. Add appropriate type of fluid as necessary. See «RECOMMENDED FLUID»(ref-170067-S11214173302005010300000). DO NOT overfill.

Scheme 21

Remove fill plug. Check fluid level. If fluid is not level with bottom of fill hole, add appropriate fluid. See RECOMMENDED FLUID .

Manufacturer recommends Mopar(R) ATF+4, Type 9602 fluid.

Mopar(R) ATF +4, Automatic Transmission Fluid when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed red so it can be identified from other fluids used in the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF 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.

Manufacturer recommends Mopar(R) ATF+4, Type 9602 fluid.

Note. Transmission and torque converter capacities are approximate. Always determine fluid level with dipstick. See TRANSMISSION FLUID CAPACITIES table.

TRANSMISSION FLUID CAPACITIES

TRANSFER CASE FLUID CAPACITIES

1. Remove drain plug (if applicable) and drain fluid into appropriate receptacle. Loosen oil pan bolts. Tap pan to break loose, and allow fluid to drain. Remove oil pan and filter.
2. Install new filter on bottom of valve body. Tighten filter retaining screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-170067-S41362477842005010300000) Install new "O" ring on fluid pickup pipe, if necessary. Clean oil pan, and install using new gasket. Tighten drain plug (if applicable).
3. Fill transmission with appropriate fluid. See «RECOMMENDED FLUID»(ref-170067-S11214173302005010300000) . Ensure vehicle is parked on level surface. Apply parking brake. Start engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes. Move gearshift lever through all gear ranges.
4. Return gearshift lever to "NEUTRAL". Add fluid up to MIN mark on dipstick. Recheck fluid level when transmission reaches normal operating temperature. Fluid should be between MIN and MAX marks on dipstick. Do not overfill transmission.

Remove drain plug from transfer case. Remove fill plug for easier draining. With fluid fully drained, reinstall drain plug. Fill transfer case with appropriate fluid. See RECOMMENDED FLUID . Install fill plug. Tighten drain and fill plugs to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

OIL COOLER FLOW CHECK

1. With transmission filled to proper fluid level, disconnect oil cooler return line from transmission. Place container under oil cooler return line.
2. Add one extra quart of ATF to transmission. Apply parking brake. Start engine and allow it to idle. Place transmission in Neutral. Check fluid flow from oil cooler return line.
3. If fluid flow is intermittent or takes more than 20 seconds to obtain one quart, replace radiator or external oil cooler. Reconnect oil cooler return line. Fill transmission to proper fluid level with ATF. See «CHECKING FLUID LEVEL»(ref-170067-S17426121062005010300000) .

ON-VEHICLE REPAIRS

Note. Various components may be serviced without transaxle/transmission removal. For servicing of those components, see appropriate component under ADJUSTMENTS and/or REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . For additional information on testing electrical components, see appropriate DIAGNOSIS article.

GEARSHIFT CABLE

Check adjustment by starting the engine in "PARK" and "NEUTRAL". Adjustment is correct if the engine starts only in these positions. Adjustment is incorrect if the engine starts in one but not both positions. If the engine starts in any position other than "PARK" or "NEUTRAL", or if the engine will not start at all, the transmission range sensor may be faulty.

1. Shift transmission into PARK.
2. Release cable adjuster lock tab (underneath the steering column) to unlock cable. (Scheme 22)
3. Raise vehicle.
4. Disengage the cable eyelet from the transmission manual shift lever.
5. Verify transmission shift lever is in "PARK" detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward detent is PARK position.
6. Verify positive engagement of transmission park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft. Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.
7. Snap the cable eyelet onto the transmission manual shift lever.
8. Lower vehicle.
9. Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster lock tab downward until it snaps into place.
10. Check engine starting. Engine should start only in "PARK" and "NEUTRAL".

Scheme 22