Joe Romas wrote:
DZL_lou
How is your new transmission working out

It was in another thread I can't find. As I recall you had a non related error code and it went down hill fast. Including a TQ and pump put on then whole new tranny. I'm only at 3800 miles but am toying getting F-31 and tsb 18-023-06 done on my "shudder bug"

yes, for some reason my non-related error code was the fuel/water separator warning indicator. It is supposed to stay on when it senses water in the filter. But, mine would intermittently go on and off. Maybe on for 10 seconds then off.
Very strange characteristics but it was the harbinger to warn that the tranny was going to go.
The old tranny gave me the 35MPH lug/thump. The new one does not
The old tranny gave me the 55~60 stutter/shudder we all know. The new one does not
The old tranny gave me the TORQUE monster feel. The new one does not
Although mechanically the new 545RFE is working flawlessly, I DO NOT like that the latest flash that was put in at the time the whole transmission was replaced. It has changed the engine characteristics and the new programmed TCM parameters have de-tuned the engine slightly.
IMHO what does this mean?
I experience larger RPM's to get the CRD moving from a standstill. If the engine turns more RPM's at the spindle to the transmission then the TC pump pushes more fluid through the clutch assembly. This would theoretically mean that the more fluid pumped through the clutch assembly would lead to less overheating and failure.
Prior to the flash, 2K RPM would scoot me through the 4-way stop intersection. Now she's got to turn over 3k to do the same. Also when going into overdrive, the transition at 50mph was crisp on the old tranny. The new one revs longer and higher before pushing me into overdrive.
Howver, I noticed that only the reverse gear still has that crisp torque monster feel with giving the accelerator the "toe in".
I talked to my Diesel tech, and he suggested the EDGE module for the smooth power band. So, all I want for Christmas is my TORQUE monster back! Even if I have to buy a module and go through another transmission!