545RFE, Delayed 2 to 3 upshift fix?

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Tue Jun 20, 2017 2:36 am

This past week I've been trying to map my current shift points in various conditions and throttle settings.

With my normal driving in this rural area, I spend hardly any time accelerating from a start. 30-60mph includes roughly 80% of my driving time. 15%+ is 60+mph. The closest "city" over 10K population is around 100 miles away.

This is what I've noticed now that I'm paying attention.
The 2-3 upshift that happens around 30mph under normal moderate throttle conditions, involves a quick disengage, then a 1-2 second pause before third is engaged, and acceleration resumes.

No other shift does this. Fluid level is just less than 1qt overfull when hot.

[edit] There are NO codes involved, either active, stored, or pending. either ecm or tcm.

Because I'm not deep in the throttle, the engine doesn't rev way up when disengaged, and the shift is very soft rather than harsh.
Is this something that can be corrected with the transgo kit, or would it require complete disassembly & rebuild? (failed clutch pack or band?)

All of the threads about the 2-3 upshift I've read so far, are problematic due to a harsh shift.

I'm currently in "hover mode" pending purchase of a TC upgrade, but wanted to check with the knowledge pool as how to proceed.

The relevant threads I've read up to now, would suggest I may be better off buying a low mileage used Hemi trans and converter, than having mine completely overhauled.

What say y'all?

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:27 am

This transmission can certainly have its quirks sometimes.

My observation is that, with a stock TCM, it always shifts into 3rd at 20mph.
The only exception might be pedal to metal acceleration.

The delay you experience might be due to a sticky/leaky accumulator in the valve body.
But I cant completely rule out a clutch pack problem.

I think you should do the shift kit.
And if you do the shift, also do the line pressure booster.

But if you can find a good used Hemi transmission for a good price, its definitely worth considering.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 20, 2017 8:07 am

Maybe the previous owner installed a hemi TCM?

I've been using the hemi TCM and its shift points are different.
The 2-3 shift usually happens at 25-30 mph.
Buts still a good snappy shift with no delay.

Have you tried driving it with OD-off to see if that changes anything?

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Tue Jun 20, 2017 11:40 pm

Thanks for catching my typo, Flash

Throttle under 50% (approximate)
Currently:
1-2 upshift = 10mph

2-3 upshift = 20mph
shift delay and power disconnect, feeling much like a manual trans shift. Less throttle = less delay. Full throttle = full 2 seconds. INdicates (probably) OD clutch slippage and likely damage being done. Won't be doing that again.

3-4 upshift = 35mph
4-4L lockup = 52mph
4L-5L upshift = 64mph

Downshifts checked on long uphill grade slowing under light throttle, not braking.
5L-4L downshift = 61mph
4L- 4 unlock = 52mph
4-3 downshift = 30mph
3-2 downshift = 10mph
2-1 downshift = dead stop.

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Wed Jun 21, 2017 2:56 am

This is probably old news to those of you who have already spent much time troubleshooting your (or others') transmission, but these are things I've found helpful.

http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/545RFE.html
http://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=209820

Rollo · **Joined:** Thu Mar 09, 2017 12:30 pm **Posts:** 11

I have noticed the same issue in mine. Certainly not as detailed as yours. The the worst is down shifting around 25 mph with minimal throttle. I have 170K on the the odometer and unsure of any upgrades apart from a 2.5 inch lift.

What exactly does the torque converter do?

ebbnflow · **Posted:** Wed Jun 21, 2017 3:58 pm

From my experience, the harsh 2-3 shift is caused from worn out clutch packs. The only cure is rebuild or replacement.

A temporary fix is to quick learn the transmission. This requires a DRBIII or AutoEnginuity scan tool. The quick learn with reset the shift pressure CVI values and allow the shifts to smooth out. After a few days to a few weeks the harsh shifts will return as the transmission relearns that the clutches are worn.

I tried everything to fix this issue, but the only solution I found was a complete transmission replacement.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:43 pm

I see the ram transmission swap in your signature.

What year is it from?

What all did you swap?

I did do a quick learn when I got it on the road, and it's been about a thousand miles ago. The delay only recently has been noticeable, but once I realized it, it draws my attention more and more, to the point I modify my accelerator application because of it. At this point, the snap-on scanner I used for this is 300+ miles away, but I will see if I have one at my disposal here and if I can do it again.

I have seen where people use the Ram Hemi 65RFE as well as the 5.7L Hemi 545RFE trans.
Unclear if the 65RFE swaps used the Jeep TCM or the RAM Hemi TCM.
If the TCM from the Ram Hemi 65RFE could be used it should open up 2prime for upshift as well as down, but haven't come across anyone who has done that yet.
It seems that using a Grand Cherokee 4.7L TCM is a popular mod for the earlier rams with the 545RFE, because of the different shift points.
I had an '04 overland (4.7 H.O.) from new to 2008, but never bothered to pay attention to shift points.
There was nothing weird about it that drew my attention, so I'm guessing the shift points would be too high for the CRD. But no real data, just guessing.

ebbnflow · **Posted:** Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:03 pm

I used a 2011 545rfe out of a ram 1500 5.7. I used it all including the TC. The solenoid pack was incompatible with the CRD TCM. It went into limp mode, so I had to use the solenoid pack out of the original transmission. It's been shifting great since then.

I know someone on here just recently used the 65rfe with success, but had to use an older solenoid pack as well. Physically they are identical.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

flash7210 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:32 pm

The 45rfe, 545rfe, and 65rfe transmissions are all pretty much the same.
The only differences are in the TCM programming.
And as mentioned above, the 65rfe solenoid pack is not compatible with a 545rfe TCM.

If you get a 65rfe, you can swap over the whole valve body.
Or just swap over the solenoid pack.

GordnadoCRD · **Posted:** Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:37 pm

Thanks for the info, this is really helpful.

Priced new OD clutch units. All over $500 If I go that way, I'm still going to need the TC as well.

Used Ram 1500 from 5.7 hemis including torque converters $ vary, from $300 to $800 depending on mileage, and whether the Transfer case is included. Reman Trans are around $1500.

Cheapest one is about 130 miles away, '04 Durango, includes transfer case and torque converter, but has 198K miles of unknown history. Story is, it was running and driving fine when it was rolled, totaled, gutted, and scrapped. Engine was sold separately. This is all that's left.

If I get one that is solid, low miles, and includes TC, it's the better deal. It's just hard to know, from ebay, which are solid.

ebbnflow · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2017 1:15 pm

I'd steer clear of a used 200k transmission. I found mine on carpart.com. Also you might have an LKQ corp yard near you. They have pretty good prices on used parts.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

545RFE, Delayed 2 to 3 upshift fix?

Who is online