45RFE transmission

dano104 · **Posted:** Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:40 pm

I heard a rumor that this is really a 5 speed overdrive tranny detuned for use in the liberty. Is this true? If so, how hard would it be to access that 5th gear.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:28 pm

True, it needs to be reprogramed. People with wjs do it all the time, read about it on JU, which I will never go to again. I found porn in my profile and was unable to remove it, no more JU for me.

Ive never heard of anyone doing it on a libby though.

Myke · **Posted:** Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:02 am

I'd deff like to learn how to reprogram. I was racing a Rene on the turnpike and it sucks because we both had to stop at 110

(i know its a jeep not a race car)

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:13 am

Does anyone know how to do this???

I think mine may have been "programmed right" when I bought it, but after it was rebuilt, there was a noticeable difference, could it be it was "deprogrammed" during the rebuild?

Anders · **Posted:** Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:47 am

I have a Corvette C5 also, and this one I reprogram myself with a HP Tuner. Changing shiftpoints, lock up, time for gearchange etc. Not hard at all. There must be something similar to this gearbox. Will check HP.

Regards

anders

GUTomek · **Posted:** Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:09 pm

Myke wrote:

I'd deff like to learn how to reprogram. I was racing a Rene on the turnpike and it sucks because we both had to stop at 110

(i know its a jeep not a race car)

I recall reading that the Lib is electronically locked at 113mph because that is what the stock tires were rated too. You might consider reprogramming this as well.

Anders · **Posted:** Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:15 pm

Nope, no HP tuner for a JEEP. Just Chevrolet.
trans Go Kit - Let us know.

Regards

anders

dano104 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 11, 2006 2:55 pm

It would be awesome if one of you "mechanical wizards" could figure this out. ( i know you are out there ) this could significantly improve highway mileage.

Rack your brains!

the1jferg · **Posted:** Tue Apr 11, 2006 4:43 pm

I'd take a modified 1st gear, as far as top end, I think it would have a serious power loss unless on flat land.

Anders · **Posted:** Wed Apr 12, 2006 7:54 am

It seems like the Trans Go kit is something for us. I guess I have the 545RFE gearbox in my EU 2.8CRD.

Read and enjoy. Found this on the web.

Wow, just.....wow. That's the only way to describe the TransGo 45RFE-HD2 shift kit I recently installed in my 45RFE transmission. I would like to be able to be able to say more, but I'm just shocked at how different my transmission is now with the shift kit. It doesn't feel like the same truck it's that nice. I really have never felt more proud to have an auto than now...

First, let me start with a stock comparison.
Stock shifting sucks, I'll be honest. Anyone who has a 4.7 or Hemi knows this since they have the same tranny (minus the fact I don't have a 5th gear). It sometimes shifts decently when under full throttle, but still lacks overall. This transmission has been lacking since it's design.

Second, is my comparison to the Superchips programmer.
I noticed a VERY firm 1-2 shift, but it lacked with 2-3 and 3-4. It was definitely much better than stock, but the only thing I liked was the 1-2 shift. The rest were less than desirable and felt untouched.

Now I have removed the Superchips programmer and sold it, so am running just off just the shift kit. There are two ways to install the shift kit and I was luckily able to test both of them before figuring out what I liked best.

Shift kit WITHOUT line pressure resistor and for use WITH Hypertech/Superchips programmers:
I installed the shift kit in the tranny and used a friend's Superchips to see how well it performed after. I have to say it felt like the shift kit wasn't even there. It felt about the exact same as just the Superchips alone. I detuned my truck and proceeded to install the line pressure resistor...

Shift kit WITH line pressure resistor and NO programmer:
I just recently finished up the shift kit install with the resistor and the difference in unimaginable. In all seriousness, the Superchips seems worthless compared to it. The 1-2 shift is VERY quick, firm, and very nice. The 2-3 shift is absolutely AMAZING. It's VERY hard, very quick, and 100x better than stock. 3-4 is also MUCH better and WAY better than stock ever was. This has fixed my complaints completely. I'm just amazed at how different my tranny feels now. The people at TransGo really did well with this one.

Overall, the shift kit was absolutely the ~$100 for it. I can't believe something hasn't been released like this before and was a MUCH needed mod. It was worth the install, but don't think I would have wanted to pay a shop to do it. I'm just so happy with what the kit has done, I can't believe how I did without it.

http://www.apsprecision.com/45RFE%20Shi ... ctions.pdf

Above is a link to a PDF copy of the install instructions. I thought I wasn't going to be able to install it myself, until I recieved the kit and read the instructions. It's a LOT easier than you think and can be easily done by anyone who is mechanically inclined.

The only two pictures I have of the install are of the valve body removed from the tranny and an underneath shot of the truck without the value body. I was pretty focused on getting it right since this is the first time ever working on a transmission, that I didn't get anything more than those two pictures. They are pretty worthless and won't really help anyone out. If anyone gets one and needs some help on installing it, I would be more than able to walk you though it.

Regards

Anders

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

Unfortunately the 45RFE can't be simply remprogrammed to get the second overdrive. I really wish it was since I have 4.10 gears. However, you can get an APS torque converter and only loose around 12% instead of the stock 20%. You can also get your computer flashed by B&G to perform better and to turn off the torque management.

These changes make a very noticeable difference in the power you can put to the ground.

I have the TransGo shift kit for it sitting in my office right now. I'll find time to get it installed in the next week or two and let you know how much difference it makes with my other upgrades. Hopefully I'll have similar luck as the person in the testimonial.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:46 pm

the instructions say for 4.7-5.7, has anyone called them to confirm it will work with the 3.7?

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

It says it works for the 3.7 on their website.

http://www.transgo.com/rpg_dodge.php

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:02 pm

What is price is anyone finding for this?

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

$105 plus $9 shipping. Got mine in a couple days. I've always had good service from APS.

http://www.apsprecision.com/ShiftKit.html

cowpie · **Joined:** Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:00 am **Posts:** 26

KY Liberty wrote:

Unfortunately the 45RFE can't be simply remprogrammed to get the second overdrive.

The 45rfe and 545rfe are mechanically the same thing inside. The transmission contrul unit can be reprogrammed on some dakotas and WJs, but maybe not on the liberty. It is only a matter of different electronics that control which clutch packs and which planetary gear sets are activated. The 45rfe, with 3 planetary gears and 5 clutch packs, could in theory could be applied in different combinations to make it an EIGHT SPEED. Whether or not the electromechanical circuits have ever been developed for making an eight speed, i don't know. But it is mechanically possible to output 8 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds.

Anders · **Posted:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:36 am

KY Liberty -

Is the Trans Go kit the TRNS-0045P? Will have to import it to Sweden from APS. Have you got the number of the APS Stall converter - then I order that one aswell.

Any more things I ought to buy from them before I start my upgrading of the 545RFE?

Regards

Anders

Anders · **Posted:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:29 am

Yes I have noticed now. You are talking petrol I am talking diesel. Cant be the same converter for those two.

Regards

Anders

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

The mechanics that have done my transmission work, B&G Chrysler, and APS have all told me that the 45rfe in our Libbies can't be flashed to the 545rfe. I think it's an issue with the TCM, but I'm not a mechanic. Does anyone have more info?

Here's the info I've been able to find:

45RFE and 545RFE SHIFT QUALITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR THE 2-3, 4-5, AND 5-4 SHIFTS

2001 Dodge Dakota
NUMBER: 18-025-01
Group: Vehicle Performance
DATE: October 15, 2001

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-09-00, DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2000, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. **ASTERISKS** HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT CHANGES. THIS BULLETIN ADDS A MODEL YEAR AND REQUIRES A REPROGRAMMING OF THE 1999 AND 2000 GRAND CHEROKEE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM).

SUBJECT:
45RFE **and 545RFE Shift** Quality Enhancements for the** 2-3, 4-5, and 5-4** Shifts

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the **Transmission Control Module (TCM) with new software: '99-'01 WJ (PN 05019701AC Ver 9.3 ), '00 AN/DN (PN 05018454AB Ver 9.1), or '01 AN/DN (PN 56028285AI Ver 8,4), and requires reprogramming of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for the 1999 and 2000 Grand Cherokees only (with calibration 99Cal20 (1999) or 00Cal17 (2000).**

NOTE: THE 2001 GRAND CHEROKEE DOES NOT REQUIRE REPROGRAMMING OF THE PCM AS IT IS ALREADY AT THE CORRECT CALIBRATION LEVEL.

NOTE: WHENEVER A PCM OR TCM IS REPLACED OR REPROGRAMMED, THE SOFTWARE OF THE PCM MUST BE VERIFIED AS HAVING THE LATEST REVISION LEVEL.

MODELS:

2000 - (AN) Dakota
**2001**

2000 - (DN) Durango
**2001**

1999 - (WJ) Grand Cherokee
**2001**

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.7L ENGINE AND A 45RFE **OR 545RFE** TRANSMISSION.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following performance conditions**:
1. A harsh 2-3 upshift causing a powertrain clunk or shudder when accelerating.
2. **A harsh 4-5 upshift ('01 Grand Cherokee only).**
3. **A harsh 5-4 downshift ('01 Grand Cherokee only).**

NOTE: THIS REVISION TO THE TCM SOFTWARE ADDRESSES THE ABOVE SHIFT QUALITY CONDITIONS FOR ALL VEHICLES AND, ADDS A FINAL GEAR RATIO TO THE **1999 AND 2000 MY** GRAND CHEROKEE TRANSMISSION ONLY. (2001 MY GRAND CHEROKEE ALREADY HAS THIS UPGRADE.)

NOTE: TO MAINTAIN EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE, GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A FEDERAL EMISSION SYSTEM (SALES CODE NAA) MUST HAVE THEIR PCM REPROGRAMMED. IF THE SOFTWARE LEVEL IS AT OR HIGHER THAN THOSE IN THE OVERVIEW ABOVE, OR IF THE GRAND CHEROKEE HAS A CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS SYSTEM (SALES CODE NAE), REPROGRAMMING IS NOT NECESSARY.

DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES:
Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS2) and or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRBIII) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify that all engine and transmission systems are functioning as designed. If Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before reforming this repair. If no DTC'S are present, and the above symptom has been experienced, perform the Repair Procedure.

NOTE: **lF OTHER PERFORMANCE ISSUES REMAIN AFTER THE REPAIR PROCEDURE HAS BEEN PERFORMED THEY DO NOT RELATE TO THIS BULLETIN. REFER TO THE PROPER SERVICE OR DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
MANUAL(S) FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE.**

PARTS REQUIRED:
1; 04669020; Label, Authorized Software Update
1; 04275086; Label, Authorized Modification

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
GH6000; Scan Tool (DRB III)
CH7035; General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
CH7000/7001; J1962 Cable; MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System)

NOTE: THE MDS2 AND DRB III ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS REPAIR. WHEN USING THE MDS2 AND THE DRB III THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING AT CIS CD **2093 OR HIGHER AND DRB III LEVEL 52.3 OR HIGHER. (CD 2093 AND DRB III VERSION 52.3 WILL BE IN THE DEALERSHIPS ON OCTOBER 15, 2001.)**

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Log onto the MDS2 (Mopar Diagnostic System).
2. Connect the MDS2 and DRB III to the vehicle and switch the ignition key to ''ON''.

NOTE: AUTO CONNECTION WILL OCCUR ONCE THE DRB III, MDS2, AND VEHICLE ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION. THE “CANNOT READ VIN FROM DRB III MESSAGE (ON THE MDS 2) WILL BE REPLACED BY THE VEHICLE VIN. PRESS THE “OK” BUTTON ON THE MDS 2 TO REQUEST A MDS 2 SESSION FOR THE VEHICLE VIN INDICATED. PRESS THE “OK” BUTTON WHEN ASKED TO BEGIN SESSION.

3. Push the FLASH tab on the MDS2.
4. Select READ PART NUMBERS FROM VEHICLE and click SHOW UPDATES on the MDS2.

NOTE: A MESSAGE MAY APPEAR (AFTER STEP 3 OR 4) THAT INDICATES NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE. IF THIS OCCURS MAKE SURE YOUR DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING AT THE LATEST SOFTWARE LEVEL AS LISTED EARLIER IN THIS BULLETIN. IF THE LATEST SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED AND NO UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION EXISTS THAT WILL REQUIRE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

5. Select the new software part number with the light pen and click UPDATE CONTROLLER SOFTWARE.
6. The MDS2 and DRB III will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the reprogramming process.

NOTE: DUE TO THE PCMM REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE, A DTC MAY BE SET IN OTHER MODULES (EATX, BMC, MIC, SKIM, ETC.) WITHIN THE VEHICLE, IF SO EQUIPPED. SOME DTC'S MAY CAUSE THE MIL TO ILLUMINATE. ALL DTC'S RELATE TO A LOSS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MODULE THAT IS BEING REPROGRAMMED. CHECK ALL MODULES, RECORD THE FAULTS, AND ERASE THESE FAULTS PRIOR TO RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER. ERASE ANY FAULTS IN THE PCM ONLY AFTER ALL
OTHER MODULES HAVE HAD THEIR FAULTS ERASED.

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW.

7. Type the necessary information on the “Authorized Software Update Label'' p/n 04669020 (Fig. 1). Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No:
08-19-49-93; Reprogram TCM; 0.5 Hrs.
08-19-44-94; Reprogram PCM on 1999 or 2000 Grand Cherokee Only; 0.5 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE:
FM; Flash Module

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

Got the TRNS-0045P installed today. So far I like it. It made the 1-2 shift firmer and quicker, and the 2-3 shift much better.

45RFE transmission

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