Hi All,
I have a 05 KJ 2.8 crd with 140k kms on it. The issue started with the loss of power at the transmission as if the power from the engine is not hundred percent shifted to the wheels. (As if the wheels are on the ice and do not get the power). I had the engine light on. When I shift from "neutral" to "drive" or from "neutral" to "reverse", the shifting is not smooth (as if hitting something) and the wheels do not turn. (As if slipping on ice) i brought it to the authorized service, they did not encounter anything unusual, made a reset via OBB device (silly me i did not check the fault code!) plus we made a 140 k maintenance and replaced the transmission oil. Nothing extraordinary. The engine light was off and i was happy.

4 days later, the engine light is came on, the wheels are again hard to roll, gear change is not smooth. The same symptoms. After i kick the gas pedal and the car gets on some speed, no problem. After that, i even hit 150km/h, no problem. The full time and part time 4x4 works trouble-free.
What is the problem with my 545RFE transmission? Has anyone else had the same problem? Thanks a lot in advance for the posts.

Here is an update For the people who are viewing this post:

I brought my kj to the certified service, they said that they need to replace the main integrated circuit of the transmission (i do not know how to call it in english but a big piece with a large socket input on it). This costed me an arm and a leg, but i accepted it to totally get rid of the problem. They replaced it. I took my vehicle, made a test drive including the part time, full time and also low gear and guess what: the engine light came back again. i was suspected because after switching back to 2wd from 4, there was some unusual turning sound from the front wheels. The OBB says "transmission failure". I am frustrated, since this long story is not fixed, on the other hand I am happy that the problem is not generated from the integrated circuit which is approx 1.000 usd. The service can not fix it. Did anyone else here experience the same problem, or someone can help??? Can it be something with the differential lock?
Many thanks in advance...

I found that the integrated circuit is th PCM=POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE

The source who told you that would be wrong. The integrated power circuit is like how you initially described it. It bolts to the valve body of the transmission, with a large connecter that passes thru the transmission body. It is a circuit board in very basic terms and has various transmission shift solenoids that receive their power from it. I've replaced a few myself actually. Your initial description sounded like either a transmission in limp mode, or it is slipping really bad. If you drove it in limp mode for an extended amount of time, you probably destroyed the transmission. What trouble codes are you getting exactly? A lot of times when there are certain fault codes set, the module controlling the transmission, whether it be a PCM, or a TCM, will max the internal pressures of the transmission, causing it to slam into drive or reverse very hard. You may have an internal transmission failure, or it could be a sensor. One would need a scan tool to pull all the codes stored. Some codes will not display with OBDII code readers.

My 2005 crd is approaching 100k miles and I recently experienced a transmission failure. Tranny rebuilt and all is well now.

STOP DRIVING YOUR TRUCK!

As said before, if sounds as though they replaced the internal circuit and solenoid pack from inside the pan. This requires removal of the trans filter. If the filter was NOT replaced properly, there could be an issue where you are staving your clutches of fluid.... this is BAD!

See: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=75545&hilit=trans

Drop the trans pan and ensure the o-ring on the filter neck is placed into position BEFORE the filter is mounted. If the o-ring is placed on the neck then pushed into the trans, it will cause air to be sucked into your pump, and kill the clutches.

Also make sure the transmission shop used ATF +4, NO other fluid should be used in the 545RFE.

_________________
-Rich
It must be air in the fuel!