Ram Transmission Control Module (TCM) users and results

Dennis MacGyver · **Posted:** Mon Sep 10, 2012 10:29 pm

There has been some discussion and concern, in this post and others in this forum, that the Ram 5.7 Hemi TCM used in place of the transmission controller for the CRD transmission MIGHT cause damage because of extra or excessive pressure that the Ram TCM may produce. The transmission in question and used in both vehicles is the 5-45RFE.

I spent a good portion of today researching parts, specifically valve springs, valve body, pressure sensors. The net result was all parts for the 5-45RFE are the same EXCEPT for the torque converter (TC). Since the TC has changed over the production period and recalls, I did not look up the part numbers of the two vehicle's TC's.
There are no rebuild kits that specify anything beyond the transmission being a 5-45RFE, nothing regarding model, eg., Ram, Liberty, Grand Cherokee, etc. It is evident that the 5-45RFE is built to handle the 5.7 Hemi AND any of these less powerful engines..

There are many engines in front of this tranny, 3.7, 4.7, 5.7 Hemi, besides our 2.8 CRD. The Hemi is most powerful of all the engines.
The 5.7 Hemi produces 345hp and 375ft/lbs torque.
The 2.8 CRD produces 160hp and 290ft/lbs torque.

In the service manuals for the Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi (code DR), and the Liberty CRD (code KJ), you'll notice that there are differences in pressures in each gear and changes. The sensors in the transmission transmit readings to the TCM which in turn causes automatic shifting to occur.

So I conclude that the 5-45RFE can handle the pressures produced by the CRD's torque converter and IF the TCM from the Ram Hemi, causes higher pressures to be produced, the 5-45RFE is well capable of handling those.

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:26 am

One item to add.
The Shift Down into First Butt Kick will go away when the TCM learns the new line pressures.
It may take a few weeks depending how and where you drive.

Check your Rear Upper Control Arm Ball Joint, Bushings, and U joints, they can all make the Shift Down Butt Kick more harsh if they are bad.

bugnout · **Posted:** Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:46 pm

Hey guys, I want to play....

So I should be looking for a used 56029053AD? Anything else I should be looking for?

Dennis MacGyver · **Posted:** Tue Sep 11, 2012 7:06 pm

Make sure you see the part number in the picture

http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-DODGE-RAM-15 ... A2003%7CMo

http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-DODGE-PICKUP ... 27b9095bfb

You might be able to locate one in your local area

striperman36 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 11, 2012 8:19 pm

Dennis MacGyver wrote:

There has been some discussion and concern, in this post and others in this forum, that the Ram 5.7 Hemi TCM used in place of the transmission controller for the CRD transmission MIGHT cause damage because of extra or excessive pressure that the Ram TCM may produce. The transmission in question and used in both vehicles is the 5-45RFE.

I spent a good portion of today researching parts, specifically valve springs, valve body, pressure sensors. The net result was all parts for the 5-45RFE are the same EXCEPT for the torque converter (TC). Since the TC has changed over the production period and recalls, I did not look up the part numbers of the two vehicle's TC's.
There are no rebuild kits that specify anything beyond the transmission being a 5-45RFE, nothing regarding model, eg., Ram, Liberty, Grand Cherokee, etc. It is evident that the 5-45RFE is built to handle the 5.7 Hemi AND any of these less powerful engines..

There are many engines in front of this tranny, 3.7, 4.7, 5.7 Hemi, besides our 2.8 CRD. The Hemi is most powerful of all the engines.
The 5.7 Hemi produces 345hp and 375ft/lbs torque.
The 2.8 CRD produces 160hp and 290ft/lbs torque.

In the service manuals for the Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi (code DR), and the Liberty CRD (code KJ), you'll notice that there are differences in pressures in each gear and changes. The sensors in the transmission transmit readings to the TCM which in turn causes automatic shifting to occur.

So I conclude that the 5-45RFE can handle the pressures produced by the CRD's torque converter and IF the TC from the Ram Hemi, causes higher pressures to be produced, the 5-45RFE is well capable of handling those.

Double win? Best 48 bucks I've spent on the Jeep this month. Thank you for the analysis

woodtick · **Posted:** Tue Sep 11, 2012 11:20 pm

2 questions, Sorry if I missed this info just skimmed the thread.

1. what rpms are the shift points and tc lockup?

2. With the Ram TCM when the OD button is pushed does it only climb as high as 3rd gear or will it go to 4th gear?

Thanks,

Doug

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 12, 2012 1:09 am

I am finding 3rd lockup (OD button off) around 30. 4th lockup around 42 and 5th lockup around 47.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

striperman36 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:10 am

ChooChooman74 wrote:

I am finding 3rd lockup (OD button off) around 30. 4th lockup around 42 and 5th lockup around 47.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

I haven't turned O/D and finding the same. I am finding I can control the upshift by modulating the throttle.

My worst case power burn onto the highway I lift to get it to shift out of 1st into 2nd then quickly into 3rd then a lapse to 4th and then to 5th

joelukex4 · **Joined:** Thu Sep 29, 2011 4:54 pm **Posts:** 386

Are there any differences between an AD and a AE suffix TCM? Some have P56029053AE instead of AD at the end. What is the difference between a decoded and no decode TCM?

Hoosier CRD · **Posted:** Wed Sep 12, 2012 3:59 pm

So... how much of a fuel mileage gain are you guys seeing?

I do alot of combined city/highway driving. BTW, I love the full-throttle experience, guess I'd have to learn to change that habit though.

Thanks for the further insight.

Hoosier CRD

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:29 pm

to heck with the mileage, what's the fun factor?

can you compare pre F37, GDE tranny tune and Ram modules?

anyone run all three and can comment????

(almost traded it in when they did the F37 - but there wasn't anything else to buy...)

striperman36 · **Posted:** Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:46 am

first tank with the RAM tcm was 28.5. last tank prior to the tcm was 26.9.

I do combined driving 60 pct highway, 40 pct town/local. It's nice locking up on a 40 mph road and just cruising at 1300 rpm. if you need some speed just push the pedal and it downshifts for what you need then lift up and your locked again. Very nice.

I have the GDE Eco Tune.

Hoosier CRD · **Posted:** Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:03 pm

Okay, call me impulsive! I found a proper TCM in a local bone yard today and just got finished installing it. Went through the "Slow Learn" process---BTW, thanks Warp for those instructions.

We'll see what happens. I'm not in a position to change the torque convertor and pump spring at this point, maybe in the future.

If I understand correctly, the goal is to keep the engine below 2000 RPM through the normal/typical driving scenarios unless you intend to rev it-and then not to go past 3800 RPM. Am I on the right track?

Hoosier CRD

Dennis MacGyver · **Posted:** Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:20 pm

Yes. Have you tried driving it like a stick shift, pulling back on the fuel, just as if you were manually shifting gears?

Hoosier CRD · **Posted:** Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:45 pm

Dennis MacGyver wrote:

Yes. Have you tried driving it like a stick shift, pulling back on the fuel, just as if you were manually shifting gears?

Well, kinda. I live in an area that is more rural than city. The roads in my immediate area are either 60+MPH highway or straight and 45 MPH. I did let up and feel it shift. I also just kept steady on the go-pedal and saw shifts occur around 2500-2600 RPM.

Gotta say though that I REALLY like the full throttle, beat-the-hairs-off-it times when I blow it out and give him a good, deep breathe. In my opinion, this is what keeps these mongrels running well. Admittedly it is only 200 RPM in the overall scheme of things, but still.

According to my dealer acquired information, my CRD has had the F37 torque convertor and TCM flash recall performed on it. Now that I have the Ram TCM in place, I hope that the convertor will live. So that is the question: What convertor is installed during the F37 recall? Is this when the Euro TC gets installed? I'm hoping for a Suncoast at some point, not real soon though.

Hoosier CRD

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:46 pm

I like some features. I still won't tow a camper with it for fear of overrevving the engine. I do like the line pressures. I think Giordi has sent his to keith. I am hoping he can learn from it and make an improved tow tune.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

striperman36 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 14, 2012 3:16 pm

Towed the boat today, 3500 lbs including trailer. Although I tow short distance, 47 mi. I like this tcm. I tow basically flat interstate, however, the tcm locks nicely in 5th. When I need to I was able to push the skinny pedal and get it to downshift to get the power I needed. I'm towing at 65-70. On SE Mass even towing at 65 you can easily get run over. I expect my mileage to be the same, 20-22 as I've had with the GDE tune over the past few years.

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 14, 2012 4:12 pm

striperman36 wrote:

Towed the boat today, 3500 lbs including trailer. Although I tow short distance, 47 mi. I like this tcm. I tow basically flat interstate, however, the tcm locks nicely in 5th. When I need to I was able to push the skinny pedal and get it to downshift to get the power I needed. I'm towing at 65-70. On SE Mass even towing at 65 you can easily get run over. I expect my mileage to be the same, 20-22 as I've had with the GDE tune over the past few years.

Remember, I am the Jackass on RT24 doing 57ish MPH. Combined driving for this tank with fewer highway miles than normal (worked Middleboro), error correcting for the ODO, is about 29mpg. Since my driving varies depending on where I work, I can't consistently tell you if I am getting better mileage.

striperman36 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 14, 2012 5:00 pm

ChooChooman74 wrote:

striperman36 wrote:

Towed the boat today, 3500 lbs including trailer. Although I tow short distance, 47 mi. I like this tcm. I tow basically flat interstate, however, the tcm locks nicely in 5th. When I need to I was able to push the skinny pedal and get it to downshift to get the power I needed. I'm towing at 65-70. On SE Mass even towing at 65 you can easily get run over. I expect my mileage to be the same, 20-22 as I've had with the GDE tune over the past few years.

Remember, I am the Jackass on RT24 doing 57ish MPH. Combined driving for this tank with fewer highway miles than normal (worked Middleboro), error correcting for the ODO, is about 29mpg. Since my driving varies depending on where I work, I can't consistently tell you if I am getting better mileage.

Not towing it believe I am getting better mileage. I have navigate most Aquidneck to get to worl

Hoosier CRD · **Posted:** Fri Sep 14, 2012 5:00 pm

Just worked my first day with this new/different TCM. BIG difference in the overall driving experience. I was admittedly quite focused on the RPMs and was able to keep it at or below 2000 RPM most of the day. About the only big difference is taking off from a start with the goal of keeping the RPMs down. I'm accelerating slower but staying with traffic for the most part and getting up to speed/the speed limit without being left or passed. The few times that I did get passed I was able to catch up to them shortly thereafter. Definitely a different driving style though. I should hope that the MPGs increase as a result; That will be the real test to all of this.

Hoosier CRD

Ram Transmission Control Module (TCM) users and results

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