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Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas?
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Author:  EstorilM [ Mon Oct 24, 2016 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas?
Did all the fluids on my girlfriends 05 liberty CRD with ~155k miles on it, 545RFE trans obviously.

Checked all levels at appropriate temps in neutral (I think, whatever the dipstick said) and yes I replaced both filters as well.

It seemed fine for about 1 month, maybe longer. We went on a ~1000 mile road trip after the change, which was also fine.

It had been doing two things which was a primary reason for the change initially.
1) Reverse shudder/stall when cold, thinking the anti-drainback failure issue so that's fine. I tell her to let it idle first
2) TC seems to remain locked when decelerating sometimes. Coming to a stop it can be pretty intense - almost like someone leaving a manual trans car in 3rd gear and slowing to a stop. Severe shudders then usually it'll release.

I believe these got better, but were definitely still occurring after refill.

Lately however, the trans has totally lost it's 2-3 shift "blend" so to speak. It just HAMMERS into 3rd. We got stuck in traffic just below the "hammer time" shift and luckily I remembered to just leave it in "2" instead of "D" which was perfect.

If you give it ~65% throttle and above, it shifts ALMOST normally. I'm guessing at larger power levels it commands less TC lockup to ensure longer life on the trans / drivetrain components? Well, and for comfort.

Anyways, do most of these just sound like TC issues? Why is it so obvious in 2-3 shifting? Is there something different the trans does in that shift vs. other shifts?
Author:  WWDiesel [ Mon Oct 24, 2016 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
EstorilM wrote:
It had been doing two things which was a primary reason for the change initially.
1) Reverse shudder/stall when cold, thinking the anti-drainback failure issue so that's fine. I tell her to let it idle first
2) TC seems to remain locked when decelerating sometimes. Coming to a stop it can be pretty intense - almost like someone leaving a manual trans car in 3rd gear and slowing to a stop. Severe shudders then usually it'll release.

Question, are you sure you have ATF+4 transmission fluid? ---- If not, then it needs to be changed to ATF+4

The hesitation when you first start it after it sets for a long spell is common; most just start engine and place gear shifter in neutral ("N") for 10-15 seconds before placing gear shifter in Reverse or Drive. Then no hesitation!
The TC staying locked up when decelerating or stopping is a sign that the transmission front pump is worn out and the TC lockup plunger is sticking at times. This too is a know issue that several have had prior to replacing the front pump and TC!
As to the 2-3 shift, could be a clutch problem but more than likely it is a problem in the valve body that controls shifts?

Try adding some *Lucas Transmission Fix or more ATF+4 and see if it helps any of the above issues; these transmission are most happy when slightly overfilled and the Lucas product has had a good track record, I have used it myself and recommend it.. :idea:
*http://transmissionrepairguy.com/lucas-transmission-fix-review/

If the Lucas does not fix your 2-3 shift problem, you may want to consider a transmission rebuild along with installing a new TC while you got it out or at a minimum find a good used tranny and replace yours along with a new TC. :roll:

Before doing anything expensive other than trying the Lucas Transmission Fix in the transmission, I would highly recommend taking it to a good quality transmission shop and let them diagnose the 2-3 shift issue and give you an estimate for repairs along with replacing the front pump assembly and a new TC.

Good luck and keep us posted as to your outcome!
Need more advice or guidance just ask, many knowledgeable people on this forum and are more than willing to help when they can... :wink:
Author:  EstorilM [ Mon Oct 24, 2016 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
WWDiesel wrote:
EstorilM wrote:
It had been doing two things which was a primary reason for the change initially.
1) Reverse shudder/stall when cold, thinking the anti-drainback failure issue so that's fine. I tell her to let it idle first
2) TC seems to remain locked when decelerating sometimes. Coming to a stop it can be pretty intense - almost like someone leaving a manual trans car in 3rd gear and slowing to a stop. Severe shudders then usually it'll release.

Question, are you sure you have ATF+4 transmission fluid? ---- If not, then it needs to be changed to ATF+4

The hesitation when you first start it after it sets for a long spell is common; most just start engine and place gear shifter in neutral ("N") for 10-15 seconds before placing gear shifter in Reverse or Drive. Then no hesitation!
The TC staying locked up when decelerating or stopping is a sign that the transmission front pump is worn out and the TC lockup plunger is sticking at times. This too is a know issue that several have had prior to replacing the front pump and TC!
As to the 2-3 shift, could be a clutch problem but more than likely it is a problem in the valve body that controls shifts?

Try adding some *Lucas Transmission Fix or more ATF+4 and see if it helps any of the above issues; these transmission are most happy when slightly overfilled and the Lucas product has had a good track record, I have used it myself and recommend it.. :idea:
*http://transmissionrepairguy.com/lucas-transmission-fix-review/

If the Lucas does not fix your 2-3 shift problem, you may want to consider a transmission rebuild along with installing a new TC while you got it out or at a minimum find a good used tranny and replace yours along with a new TC. :roll:

Before doing anything expensive other than trying the Lucas Transmission Fix in the transmission, I would highly recommend taking it to a good quality transmission shop and let them diagnose the 2-3 shift issue and give you an estimate for repairs along with replacing the front pump assembly and a new TC.

Good luck and keep us posted as to your outcome!
Need more advice or guidance just ask, many knowledgeable people on this forum and are more than willing to help when they can... :wink:

Thanks for the quick reply, and yeah this forum has been amazing. I own two land rovers (one is a 99) and keep them on the road myself, but I've always wanted a CRD and came very close to getting one a few times.

I find most of the diesel tech fascinating in these things. She definitely tests my abilities though - won't hesitate the beat the hell out of the poor thing, but it's fought hard so far. ;)

I did the timing belt already, rebuilt front driveshaft CV, plus some other misc. things (ORM, etc) it gets about 37mpg highway - compared to her 08 frontier that got 9-14!

I figured as much with the drainback issue, which is why I tell her to let it idle in neutral before she backs out. Not sure if she actually does, but whatever. :roll:

I'm the floor manager at a hot rod restoration shop outside DC, and we have a few different trans shop connections, plus LKQ if I MUST get a used trans, but hopefully it doesn't come to that.

I'll definitely get some of that trans fix sent over today though, and let you all know what happens.

I know there have been some random issues with the 545, but how many just kinda throw in the towel like this?

PS: I just checked LKQ and they have the CRD 545 used from $310 - $435! :rockon: At least that's a good backup plan, I was thinking ~$1200ish at least.
Author:  WWDiesel [ Mon Oct 24, 2016 11:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
Is it ATF+4, you never did say?
LKQ is a good source, have bought many parts from them in the past with great results when I worked for dealer parts dept.
As a whole, the 545 is a very tough and reliable transmission in use in a multitude of Dodge & Jeep vehicles. But it has its quirks, again it likes extra fluid above the full mark and it must be ATF+4.... :roll:
If you replace tranny, be sure and update TC to at least a HEMI TC or a SunCoast TC if you got the funds! :wink:
Author:  ebbnflow [ Mon Oct 24, 2016 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
I battled the harsh 2-3 for several years. I tried all kinds of things to fix it. My solution was a junk yard tranny and TC from a 2011 Dodge 1500. Been installed for about a year now without issue. I paid about $450 for the tranny and TC.

Search on here for harsh 2-3 shift and you'll find a thread. I'm not the only one who fixed this problem by replacing the transmission.
Author:  Sergio del Castillo [ Fri Jan 06, 2017 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
Hi EstorilM,
I have similar shifting issues with my 05CRD. Did you solve yours? how?
By the way we may de neighbors, I am in Rockville, MD
Author:  mecne [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
Same 2-3 Shift problems on my 06 .. exactly as you describe.

Did all the easy stuff too, fluid and filter change , Transgo Shift kit , added more fluid...... almost 2 years ago now..

Have just "lived" with it and try to pedal through the shift so it doesn't hit so hard.
With 370,000 KM on it now , I'm just driving it until something major goes.
Author:  dennyb [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
Don't forget to learn shift point/ engagement on transmission. Called a quick learn?. When GDE did my trans computer eco tune. They also ran learn on trans.
Author:  mecne [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 2:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
dennyb wrote:
Don't forget to learn shift point/ engagement on transmission. Called a quick learn?. When GDE did my trans computer eco tune. They also ran learn on trans.


I've tried this as well , was awesome for a week or so and went right back to hard shift 2-3 ..
Even after towing the trailer for a weekend , the computer learns the different shift points while towing .. then it goes right back after a week.
Picked up an extra TCM from a CRD part out , and same.. great for the first week .

Read that replacing the resister pack modules in the transmission will also help , but didn't go that far.
Author:  ebbnflow [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
If the hard shifts returns after a quick learn or TCM swap, it means the clutches are worn in the tranny. A rebuild or tranny swap is the only cure.

I went though this and tried everything to not have to remove the tranny. Nothing worked, so I got a junk yard tranny and TC out of a 2006-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 hemi V8. Swapped it out and the problems been gone for good. Search harsh 2-3 shift on here for my saga.
Author:  mecne [ Tue Jan 10, 2017 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Did trans fluid change, 2-3 shift is dead now, any ideas
ebbnflow wrote:
If the hard shifts returns after a quick learn or TCM swap, it means the clutches are worn in the tranny. A rebuild or tranny swap is the only cure.

I went though this and tried everything to not have to remove the tranny. Nothing worked, so I got a junk yard tranny and TC out of a 2006-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 hemi V8. Swapped it out and the problems been gone for good. Search harsh 2-3 shift on here for my saga.


I followed your thread , great information and troubleshooting.

The Previous Owner of mine did not take care of it at all, but I picked it up for cheap cheap ..
I've put 100,000 KM on it and it doesn't owe me anything now , and will drive it until the tranny blows apart shifting from 2-3 .. lol

If it had lower mileage , I would consider the tranny swap you did but not at this point.

I have a one sleeping beside my garage under a foot of snow currently , with just under 200,000 km in it. Body is in amazing shape , I'm hoping all it needs rockers and TB and should be good to go. The interior is a disaster but that can be cleaned/changed.
My 15 year old son has claimed it , and wants me to teacher him how to "fix" for when he starts driving near the end of this year.
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