GDE Eco + TCM Tune and Transmission

Tiarnon · **Posted:** Tue May 22, 2012 11:08 pm

Hey all!

I just got moved to a new store with work. Don't have to move and my commute went from 44 minutes to 33-38 depending on traffic. Anyways, I still get moving compensation, living expenses, etc. So, I'm manning up and getting the GDE Eco Tune done as soon as I get my expenses deposit (this Thursday or next, and then getting a hold of GDE). I just wanted to ask a couple of questions of you folks in the know so I can keep my "plan" in line.

Currently when the vehicle is first started in the morning, I have to give it several (6-10?) seconds and usually blip on the throttle to a bit over 1000rpm then I can go ahead and put it in gear and it will engage. Otherwise, it will just hang and wait. I've already searched and found that this is just the early sign that the front pump in the transmission is starting to have issues. I DON'T just start and drive, but I discovered the issue trying to play musical cars getting the Edge out of the garage. Will this be stressed at all by getting the GDE eco tune? Do you have to specifically order a front pump, or does it come with a shift kit when you put one in? I've searched, but was unsure exactly on this topic.

Also, I've noticed that if I am at speed and pop off cruise and put the transmission into neutral, when I go to put it back into gear as I near a stop sign/light it will thunk back into gear. Is this a potential issue?

**Deleted** Found the answer http://www.greendieselengineering.com/forum/posts/list/89.page there regarding the transmission, longevity, etc with the TCM, and how to receive the TCM tune (basically, pay the exchange).

Now that that is answered, can somebody give me an approximation on the cost of a Euro TC, shift kit (would it be necessary with a new TC and the TCM tune?), and/or the front pump if it is a separate part to replace? That would be something I would like to do in the next year or so. Unless something happens.

Glend · **Posted:** Tue May 22, 2012 11:28 pm

The problem you are having on first start up in the morning may simply be a faulty anti-drainback valve. The valve should be changed with each transmission filter service but some places don't do it. The valve prevents the fluid from draining out of the system while it sits overnight. It cost next to nothing but can't be changed without dropping the pan so that's why it's done with a filter service. You can just allow it to warm up for 30 secs each morning to allow the pump to recharge the system with fluid then you'll be fine, but remember to change it at the next filter service. It does not have to mean that the pump is a problem, look for the simple solutions first.

I am running the recently discovered Torconverter1 drop in converter for the 545RFE tranmission and it's just great, no shudder anymore. I bought the 600SP to get all the heavy duty goodies and the ability to handle all the GDE torque figures right up through Hot Tune. It's worth checking them out, see the threads on here about them or search on gthe web for them, they are in California.

IMHO, you'd be wasting money on a shift kit in the 545RFE, it's an electronic controlled transmission and as others here have pointed out, the computer will just adjust itself to overcome the shift kit changes - net change is not worth the effort.

racertracer · **Posted:** Tue May 22, 2012 11:39 pm

Glend, Did you do the TC swap yourself? how long did take you and was it a tuff job?

I need a new TC. Mine is an f37 and shutters and If my service contract wont take care of it then I plan on doing the work myself.

Glend · **Posted:** Wed May 23, 2012 1:54 am

Racer.. yes I did the TC swap myself and it's a big job. I followed the GDE steps outlined in their forum section on the transmission hints; and the Service Manual. I found that some of the info on GDE's steps was 'incomplete' or sort of assumed more knowledge. It is very possible that different CRD model years have different configurations, mine is a 2007 and has the low hanging oil filter at the back of the engine, the tranmsission will take that right off if it's not removed.

All up it took me about three days (part time) to complete the job, I was going slow and careful and it's a heavy sucker and I'm an old guy so I had to be pretty carefull - did the job alone. I also used a second jack and straps to support the transfer case, as that's a long heavy assembly hanging down there and I was worried about a single jack tipping.

Forget the part about turning the flywheel from the front to get at the TC bolts, this is just impossible for one guy, use "flman's" idea of turning the flywheel with a screw driver from the starter window into the back of the flywheel. It's tedious and slow but it works for one guy.

BTW, I had to cut my cooler lines as there was no way to move the transmission back without doing that, and watch what kind of transmission jack adaptor you buy as not all of them use a 'standard' saddle pin.

Torqueconverter1 (Johnny) provides some good install hints with the TC. You have to make sure it's indexed (or engaged) with the pump properly and that the input shaft is not scored and needing burnishing. Also put some fluid (1 qt) in the TC so that it doesn't start up dry.

Finally have some good tools with some long extensions for the sockets. I prefer to use face sockets and not point ones - which can round off a bolt if they slip. A few ratchet wrenches will help out as well.

Good luck with it.

racertracer · **Posted:** Wed May 23, 2012 5:06 am

Thanks for the reply and glad to hear that the torqueconverter1 is working fine for you, I may be looking into getting one also.

On second thought ...... I will not be doing the work myself.

dksmj73 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 28, 2012 8:34 pm **Posts:** 14

The shift kit has parts that replace the junk factory parts. There is an anti drain back valve in the front pump that wares out its valve seat. The transgo shift kit has a replacement valve that is supposed to cure this problem. It also has new seals for the valve body pistons that seal better than the factory seals and also a new plate for the side of the valvebody that doesnt flex like the factory plate causing problems. So yes the tcm will learn around the shift kit but the upgraded parts will allow the trans to last alot longer without problems. I just got my libby back today from the trans shop for a euro tc swap and a shift kit install. It took this shop 3 times to get it right but so far I am happy with the install. I have $1000 in parts and labor. If you do this job use atf+4 fluid. The shop I had do the install didnt listen to me and used mercon4 and we had all kinds of problems. They ended up swapping the valvebody out but now it shifts great and tc feals strong. Only time will tell if this is going to be the long term fix but first impressions are excellent. I hope this information was useful I had the same questions you did and searched this forum and the web along time before going ahead with the install. I found this forum to be the best place on the web for anything related to these jeeps. I think I would have taken this thing to the junkyard had it not been for this sight. What a difference having this kind of help at your finger tips.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu May 24, 2012 8:11 am

The ATF+4 is critical. The most common reason for the drain back problem is a bad check valve in one of the 2 filters that should be replaced at each transmission service (WIX 58843 kit has both filters and the pan gasket). Do not under any circumstances purchase "Mopar" 545RFE filters off eBay as some of the original bad OEM filters are still floating around out there.

Options on the TC seem to be 1) Euro for around $425 part #68037142AA now apparently available only as a rebuild RL037142AA; 2) SunCoast not sure what their current price is as it's not listed (says call for price) but probably ca. $700-800 IIRC; 3) TorqueConvertor1 for on the order of $300 IIRC and has been mentioned on the forum recently; or 4) any good torque convertor shop should be able to build you a solid TC. Note that these prices are not adjusted for shipping and the, generally required, core return. I went with the SunCoast as they are close (3 hrs away), had an acceptable price for TC/installation/clutch pack inspection/Transgo kit plus a 2 year warranty on the TC.

Yes I know the tranny may "learn" around a shift kit but the Transgo (minus the resistor) as noted upgrades a lot of weakish OEM parts if your tranny pump is still solid. Mine was and at 45k miles Ron said my tranny clutch packs looked new.

The job can be a DIY if you have the time, the right jack, and a way to get the vehicle safely high enough off the ground. I've dropped manual and automatic transmissions before and simply did not want to fool with one on a 4 wheel drive.

No flaming please but tranny replacement is not a CRD thing. It's a Jeep thing hence any decent tranny shop or dealer should be able to do the job without any problems so long as they use only ATF+4 AND don't forget the critical use of LocTite on the mounting bolts.

Glend · **Posted:** Thu May 24, 2012 8:04 pm

Well said, and ditto on the Locktite, especially on the torque converter bolts; and don't over torque the bolts or you'll dimple the inside lockup surface.

jinstall · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:53 pm

I am getting ready to get the GDE ECO Tune in the coming days.

geordi · **Posted:** Sat Jun 02, 2012 12:21 pm

jinstall wrote:

I am getting ready to get a GDE GRIN on my face in the coming days.

Fixed that for you.

Enjoy it, it is the single best upgrade you can make on these Jeeps.

arengant · **Posted:** Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:45 pm

Glend wrote:

Racer.. yes I did the TC swap myself and it's a big job. I followed the GDE steps outlined in their forum section on the transmission hints; and the Service Manual. I found that some of the info on GDE's steps was 'incomplete' or sort of assumed more knowledge. It is very possible that different CRD model years have different configurations, mine is a 2007 and has the low hanging oil filter at the back of the engine, the tranmsission will take that right off if it's not removed.

All up it took me about three days (part time) to complete the job, I was going slow and careful and it's a heavy sucker and I'm an old guy so I had to be pretty carefull - did the job alone. I also used a second jack and straps to support the transfer case, as that's a long heavy assembly hanging down there and I was worried about a single jack tipping.

Forget the part about turning the flywheel from the front to get at the TC bolts, this is just impossible for one guy, use "flman's" idea of turning the flywheel with a screw driver from the starter window into the back of the flywheel. It's tedious and slow but it works for one guy.

BTW, I had to cut my cooler lines as there was no way to move the transmission back without doing that, and watch what kind of transmission jack adaptor you buy as not all of them use a 'standard' saddle pin.

Torqueconverter1 (Johnny) provides some good install hints with the TC. You have to make sure it's indexed (or engaged) with the pump properly and that the input shaft is not scored and needing burnishing. Also put some fluid (1 qt) in the TC so that it doesn't start up dry.

Finally have some good tools with some long extensions for the sockets. I prefer to use face sockets and not point ones - which can round off a bolt if they slip. A few ratchet wrenches will help out as well.

Good luck with it.

My experience was VERY similar, the oil filter clearance caught me off guard!!

The only other tip I would add is to avoid cutting the trans lines you can "pry" the transmission further away from the engine. I was doing it by myself and used the stock scissor jack (similar to how I put the rear OME springs in) to give me enough room for the TC.

I ended up using the socket from the front of the engine to turn it. It was semi annoying moving around under the jeep. but I could tell how far 90 degrees was from the front so it wasn't too bad. Putting it back together and re-torquing took a while though.

The new Euro TC is well worth it, TCM tune coming up this month!

jinstall · **Posted:** Wed Jun 06, 2012 8:22 pm

Thanks Geordi

GDE Eco + TCM Tune and Transmission

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