Below is the most likely cause, and the cure! It is quite a common problem on these transmissions as they get age and higher mileage on them.
Some owners have added extra ATF+4 to bring the fluid level up well above the full mark on the dipstick and in some cases it seems to help while for others it had little if any affect.
In the long run, replacing the front pump assembly will be required to fully cure the issue. If you remove the transmission to replace the front pump assembly, it is also a good time to update your torque converter to a much better and improved unit. Also most owners also install the TransGo Kit at the same time to increase fluid line pressure which helps the transmission with firmer shifts and better holding power when in TC lockup.
Quote:
Engine Stall Problem Due to Transmission Front Pump Issues
It is a common problem when the transmission front pump gets worn and causes TC lockup when you first start the vehicle and drive it a few hundred feet/yards and try and come to a stop. It acts like a straight shift when you forget to push in the clutch petal and it stalls the engine!
Repair/fix is to replace the complete front pump assembly with the newer updated version.
545RFE Transmission front pump PN: 68009879AB (RL009879AF)
The Root Cause:
Severe wear of the TC limit valve bore in the front pump housing results in loss of converter release oil pressure. Reduced release pressure at low speed and idle can drag the converter linings, causing engine surge, pulsation or engine stall.
The torque converter limit valve spring in the 45RFE, 545RFE front pump can often break. This valve limits converter release pressure. A broken spring can cause the valve to become stuck and result in converter clutch release issues including engine stalls at low speeds.
Chrysler vehicles equipped with 45RFE, 545RFE and 68RFE transmissions often experience TCC related troubles. These may or may not include trouble codes accompanied by TC clutch slip, no lockup, overheating and / or loss of fuel economy.
In some cases, the TC clutches may be unable to release TC lockup, resulting in improper lockup functions and / or complete engine stalling. Problems such as these can be caused by excess wear in the TCC switch valve bore, which allows vital control pressure to escape the circuit. Replacing the complete transmission oil pump assembly with a new updated assembly or reconditioning the bores with the proper tools and installing an oversized TCC switch valve kit can restore crucial clearances for renewed TCC control and operation.
It is a common problem when the transmission front pump gets worn and causes TC lockup when you first start the vehicle and drive it a few hundred feet/yards and try and come to a stop. It acts like a straight shift when you forget to push in the clutch petal and it stalls the engine!
Repair/fix is to replace the complete front pump assembly with the newer updated version.
545RFE Transmission front pump PN: 68009879AB (RL009879AF)
The Root Cause:
Severe wear of the TC limit valve bore in the front pump housing results in loss of converter release oil pressure. Reduced release pressure at low speed and idle can drag the converter linings, causing engine surge, pulsation or engine stall.
The torque converter limit valve spring in the 45RFE, 545RFE front pump can often break. This valve limits converter release pressure. A broken spring can cause the valve to become stuck and result in converter clutch release issues including engine stalls at low speeds.
Chrysler vehicles equipped with 45RFE, 545RFE and 68RFE transmissions often experience TCC related troubles. These may or may not include trouble codes accompanied by TC clutch slip, no lockup, overheating and / or loss of fuel economy.
In some cases, the TC clutches may be unable to release TC lockup, resulting in improper lockup functions and / or complete engine stalling. Problems such as these can be caused by excess wear in the TCC switch valve bore, which allows vital control pressure to escape the circuit. Replacing the complete transmission oil pump assembly with a new updated assembly or reconditioning the bores with the proper tools and installing an oversized TCC switch valve kit can restore crucial clearances for renewed TCC control and operation.
545RFE Transmission Front Pump Assembly
