45RFE Transmission Rebuild & Repair in Glendale, AZ (Dodge Ram)

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

The 45RFE was Chrysler’s first fully electronic rear-wheel-drive automatic, introduced around 1999 for Jeep and Dodge trucks and SUVs. It was an unusual design for its time, with three planetary gear sets and a second “alternate” second gear that the computer could use for smoother kickdowns. It later evolved into the five-speed 545RFE and the heavier-duty 65RFE and 68RFE. If you drive an older Ram 1500, Dakota, Durango or Grand Cherokee, there is a good chance a 45RFE is under it.

Sun West Transmissions in Glendale repairs and rebuilds the 45RFE for drivers all over the West Valley. We see these transmissions often and know their common failure points.

45RFE Applications

• Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4.7L V8 and some other engines
• Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider
• Dodge Durango
• Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty in certain years
• Jeep Commander in some trims

Many vehicles built after the early 2000s use the same hardware programmed to operate as the five-speed 545RFE. The two are closely related, and the identification tag tells us which you have. See our 545RFE rebuild page for more.

The Most Common 45RFE Problems

Limp Mode Stuck in Second Gear

When the transmission control system detects a serious fault, it goes into limp mode, usually holding second gear. The truck will drive but feel sluggish, and it will not shift up or down. The cause can be electrical, such as a solenoid pack or sensor, or mechanical, such as a slipping clutch the computer detects through speed sensor ratios. Our article on 45RFE and 545RFE limp mode covers this in detail.

Solenoid Pack and Pressure Switch Failures

The solenoid and pressure switch assembly bolts to the valve body and controls clutch application. It is a frequent cause of limp mode, harsh shifts and codes. Replacing it can fix the problem when the clutches are still healthy.

Input and Output Speed Sensor Faults

The computer relies on speed sensors to compare input and output speeds. A failed sensor or damaged wiring can cause erratic shifting, a dead speedometer or limp mode.

Burnt Clutches

Overheating, low fluid and towing in the summer can burn the overdrive, 4th or underdrive clutches. This shows up as slipping, flares and codes for gear ratio errors. Once clutches are burnt, a rebuild is usually needed.

Front Planetary and Hard Part Damage

On higher-mileage units, worn planetary gear sets and thrust bearings can produce noise and metal debris in the pan. Debris then damages the rest of the transmission.

How We Diagnose a 45RFE

We read codes, review live data such as clutch volume indexes and gear ratios, check fluid level using Chrysler’s procedure, inspect the pan for debris when warranted and road test the vehicle. If the problem is a solenoid pack, sensor or wiring issue, we will tell you that before suggesting a rebuild. Learn more on our check engine light and shifting problems page.

45RFE Rebuild at Sun West

1. Remove the transmission, tear it down and inspect every part.
2. Replace clutches, steels, seals, gaskets, bushings and filters.
3. Replace worn hard parts such as planetary gear sets or thrust bearings.
4. Clean and test the valve body, and replace the solenoid pack when needed.
5. Service or replace the torque converter and flush the cooler.
6. Reinstall, fill with the correct fluid, perform the quick-learn procedure and road test.

Qualifying rebuilds come with our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty. If you tow, ask about an auxiliary transmission cooler.

45RFE Rebuild Cost

Cost depends on whether the fix is a sensor or solenoid pack or a full rebuild, the condition of the torque converter and any cooler work. We provide free estimates and do not guess before diagnosing. For a closer look at what drives Dodge and Ram pricing, see our Dodge transmission prices and the Dodge Ram rebuild cost guide. Financing is available.

Keeping a 45RFE Alive in the Desert

These units do not like heat or low fluid. Use the correct ATF+4 type fluid, change it on a severe-service schedule if you tow or drive in heavy traffic, and do not keep driving once the truck goes into limp mode. Our Arizona heat guide explains why summer is so hard on transmissions.

45RFE Transmission FAQ

Can I keep driving in limp mode?

Limp mode lets you get off the road safely, not drive for days. Continued driving in second gear can overheat the transmission and make the damage worse.

Is the solenoid pack always the problem?

No. It is a common cause, but sensors, wiring and burnt clutches can cause the same symptoms. Testing tells us which.

What is the difference between the 45RFE and 545RFE?

They share most hardware, but the 545RFE uses different programming and parts to provide five forward gears instead of four.