What transmission?

Lancer · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:20 pm

I want to change my tranny fluid and filters this summer - I'm pretty sure it hasn't been done as this doesn't appear on the service schedule.

Quick question chaps - what transmission do I have? The vehicle is a 2005 2.8 CRD Liberty (called a Cherokee over here)
with the 5-speed auto box. I was sure its a 545RFE, but when I went to order the filters (I like to get stuff in stock well in advance), the chap at the shop - an independent Jeep specialist (although mainly for Wranglers) was very sure that its a 42RLE - at least apparently that's what his documents say.

I don't want to order the wrong bits (fairly expensive over here) so I'm open to the knowledge of others

My build sheet just says 5-speed auto box.

Thanks for any help.

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:19 pm

Should be a 5-45RFE

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Hexus · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:51 pm

Lancer poses an interesting question, mine is due. It was done at 60k per the service manual, but this time I want to do it myself because I'm more knowledgeable and refuse to pay someone unless I have to now that I've rebuilt the whole top end.

What fluids are best, what filters are needed, and I guess I can read the service manual to some extent, but you guys have any other pointers?

striperman36 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:35 pm

I have the 2006 CRD it is definitely a 545rfe tranny under mine. darn thing is huge

Plenty of you tube vids on doing the filters.

Also remember, the 545rfe does not have a gasket on the pan. At least mine didn't. Just use gasket sealer/rtv to seal it back up

striperman36 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:35 pm

I have the 2006 CRD it is definitely a 545rfe tranny under mine. darn thing is huge

Plenty of you tube vids on doing the filters.

Also remember, the 545rfe does not have a gasket on the pan. At least mine didn't. Just use gasket sealer/rtv to seal it back up

kissfan79 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:57 pm

When I replaced the filters on mine, the pan had a sealant on it but no actual gasket. The filter kit from Napa did, however, come with a rubber/silicone type gasket which I used instead of RTV. I drained about 9 qts out if it letting it sit for several hours after the pan was off.

Jim

CATCRD · **Posted:** Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:59 pm

When I was looking for filters at NAPA the guy at the counter was sure the CRD came with the 42RLE according to his computer. He got all huffy when I told him they all came with the RFE, and that it was a fact. They didn't have the filters anyway.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 7:47 am

For what it's worth the factory build sheet code for the 545RFE tranny is "DCQ" and, obviously, it's a 5 speed. The 42RLE is a 4 speed tranny.

Glend · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 8:05 am

The four speed tranny was put in the v6. Did you check the sticker on the left side of the tranny near the cable attachment?

Billy M · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 9:30 am

In case anyone else runs into this...

My NAPA didn't show the Liberty having a diesel available. Kinda scary. Luckily, I had the WIX part number (58843). The kit didn't have both filters like every other kit I've seen.?? The spin-on filter was sold separately. Anyway, the kit was $17.49 and the spin-on filter was $12.99. $30.48 total. Not too bad.

Billy

kissfan79 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:57 am

Wow.....that is kinda' scary. The system at my local Napa showed the diesel in their computer. Did either filter come with any kind of a gasket or are you just going to use RTV?

dgeist · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:57 am

Having worked for Napa (or GPC, actually) briefly, I can say their mechanical products are better than average and their IT saavy is much worse than average. The 545RFE is what you need and it calls for ATF+4 fluid (capacity depends on what you disconnect and how much or it drains out of the cooler, etc). Mopar ATF+4 is good but any reputable brand with the same ATF characteristics should be fine. Here's a place where you can order all you need (or at least get the part numbers if shipping from the states is cost-prohibitive):
http://www.idparts.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=76_103

Dan

P.S. Recommendations:
- use a suction pump (or a drain if you have one) to drain the pan before you drop it. It's heavy when full and spills easily. ATF+4 is really messy on your floor. Check the 2-minute mark at this video for what I'm talking about http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWO_DCjd0ck
- use good high-temp RTV (permatex or similar) and use a gun-mounted tube to keep from killing your hands squeezing the little disposable tubes.
- a small pair of needle-nose locking pliers helps get the old filter O-ring out. A plastic mallet and/or section of sized plastic pipe helps get the new one in without damage. Take you time on that.
- pre-fill the new filters with some clean fluid before installation to help reduce unneeded wear of the first start-up.

audiboy86 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 1:02 pm

Lancer in short you have the 545RFE and will need 2 filters and a gasket or silicone. One filter is and in pan one is a spin you will also need 10 quarts of ATF +4 to be on the safe side. If you have access to and oil pit you can drop the pan slowly to one corner and drain most of the fluid off like I do. Otherwise i would use Dans method if possible and while under there I would do the Transfer case if it hasn't been done already. It also uses ATF +4 and takes about 10 mintues and 2 quarts and a hand pump or funnel with a long hose to fill.

Billy M · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 1:45 pm

kissfan79...The flat filter came with a rubber gasket.

dgeist...Thanks for the tips. I have a Topsider oil extraction pump for my boat. That should work perfectly on the trans!

Billy

dgeist · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 2:17 pm

Billy M wrote:

kissfan79...The flat filter came with a rubber gasket.

dgeist...Thanks for the tips. I have a Topsider oil extraction pump for my boat. That should work perfectly on the trans!

Billy

I believe the "gasket" of which he speaks is for between the mating surfaces of the transmission and the pan. There are some available but RTV Silicone is cheaper and (aside from a little mess cleaning off the old) rather easier to get a good seal.

The small circular rubber/metal ring that comes with the flat filter press-fits into the end of the tube that the filter fits into (oriented behind/above the flat filter when installed). It ensures there's no leakage around the filter neck and is critical to avoid complete drainback when the vehicle sits. Otherwise you'll likely have the "won't shift for 30 seconds after startup" problem when that portion of the fluid runs dry into the sump overnight. The rubber in the seal hardens and looses elasticity over time so it's a simple wear item.

Dan

Billy M · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 2:39 pm

Yes, I was figuring he was asking about the pan gasket. Yes the flat filter came with a rubber pan gasket.

I have the "wait before you shift" going on right now. I was hoping the filter/fluid change fixed it, although it doesn't bother me. I didn't know until I tried it. I always wait a little before I take off in any of my vehicles. I like to let the juices get flowing before I take off.

Billy

Lancer · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:36 pm

Thanks lads

Glend, I had a look for the sticker after your reply on Ausjeep, but I can't see one - and I've crawled under there with a torch! As it's only just got up to 3 degrees C here, that was not fun!

Jim - I'll check the code on the build sheet.

Thanks again to everyone, I do appreciate you all taking the time to help.

Adrian

Lancer · **Posted:** Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:40 pm

Oh, and Billy - I'll have to pay £37 for the flat filter alone - it'll be about £130 for 10 litres of ATF+4. It's just as expensive ordering from the States - the parts are reasonably priced, but postage is a killer - parts and postage from USA costs the same as buying the stuff here.

Lancer · **Posted:** Sat Apr 06, 2013 5:56 am

I have obtained a new copy of my build sheet, which is a bit more detailed than the one I originally had, and as an optional extra, it specifies that I have the 545RFE.

Thanks again to everyone who replied. I do appreciate the help.

Adrian

What transmission?

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