A518 46RE Transmission Rebuild & Repair in Glendale, AZ (Dodge)

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

The A518, later known as the 46RE, is a four-speed overdrive automatic built on Chrysler’s long-running TorqueFlite design. It pairs a proven three-speed core with a bolt-on overdrive section at the rear. Behind the 5.2L and 5.9L Magnum V8s, it moved a generation of Dodge Rams, Durangos, Dakotas, vans and Jeep Grand Cherokees. Many of those vehicles are still on the road in Glendale, Peoria and Phoenix, and the 46RE remains one of the most rebuildable transmissions out there.

Sun West Transmissions rebuilds and repairs the A518 and 46RE for everyday drivers, work trucks and older Jeeps. We know these units inside and out, including the small adjustments that keep them shifting right.

A518 and 46RE Applications

• Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 with the 5.2L or 5.9L V8, 1990s into the early 2000s
• Dodge Ram vans and wagons
• Dodge Dakota and Durango with V8 engines
• Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.2L or 5.9L V8

The name changed from A518 to 46RE in the mid-1990s, and later units moved from a mechanical governor to an electronic governor pressure system. The heavier-duty versions are the A618 / 47RE and the 48RE.

How the 46RE Works

The 46RE is mostly hydraulic. A valve body uses throttle pressure and governor pressure to decide when to shift between first, second and third. The computer controls overdrive and torque converter lockup through solenoids, and in later units it also controls governor pressure electronically. Two bands, the front kickdown band and the rear low-reverse band, need correct adjustment for good shift quality. A throttle valve cable links the throttle to the transmission and must also be adjusted correctly.

Common A518 / 46RE Problems

No Overdrive or Slipping in Fourth

The overdrive section is the weak spot. Worn overdrive clutches, a failed overdrive sprag or a solenoid problem can cause no fourth gear, flaring into overdrive or slipping at highway speed.

Governor Pressure Sensor and Solenoid Failure

On electronic-governor units, a failed governor pressure sensor or solenoid can leave the truck stuck in first or cause erratic upshifts. It is a common and fixable problem.

Band Adjustment and Wear

A worn or misadjusted kickdown band causes a slipping or flaring 1-2 shift and a soft 2-3 shift. Band adjustment is part of proper maintenance on these units.

TV Cable Misadjustment

A loose or incorrectly adjusted throttle valve cable can cause early, soft shifts and burn clutches. It is especially common after throttle body or engine work.

Overheating

V8 trucks that tow in Arizona heat often cook their fluid, leading to glazed clutches and hardened seals. An auxiliary cooler is a smart addition.

How We Diagnose an A518 or 46RE

We check fluid condition, scan for codes, test solenoids and sensors, verify band and TV cable adjustments and run a line pressure test. A road test tells us when and how the problem appears. Simple fixes like a sensor or adjustment are always considered before a rebuild. Read our guide to transmission slipping for more background.

Our 46RE Rebuild

1. Remove and fully disassemble the transmission and overdrive unit.
2. Clean and inspect the case, pump, drums, planetaries, sprags and valve body.
3. Replace clutches, bands, steels, seals, gaskets, bushings and filter.
4. Replace worn hard parts and address known weak points with updated components.
5. Service or replace the torque converter and flush the cooler.
6. Adjust bands and TV cable, fill and road test.

We also offer upgrades such as improved overdrive components and valve body changes for towing. Qualifying rebuilds carry our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty.

A518 / 46RE Rebuild Cost

Cost depends on damage found at teardown, the torque converter, cooler needs and upgrades. We give free estimates after diagnosis. You can compare options on our Dodge transmission prices page, and financing is available.

Keeping an Older Dodge or Jeep Healthy

Change fluid and filter regularly, have the bands adjusted at service time, keep the TV cable adjusted and add cooling if you tow. Also make sure the engine cooling system is in good shape, since a hot engine means a hot transmission. Our maintenance checklist is a helpful reference.

A518 46RE Transmission FAQ

Is the A518 the same as the 46RE?

They are the same basic transmission. The name changed over time, and later units have electronic governor control and other updates.

Why will my truck not shift out of first?

On later 46RE units, a governor pressure sensor or solenoid problem is a common cause. Low fluid and valve body issues are other possibilities.

Can a 46RE handle towing?

Yes, within the truck’s ratings and with good cooling. For heavy towing, upgrades and an auxiliary cooler are recommended.