Noise from Drive to Neutral
Owners of 2011 to 2012 Dodge and Jeep vehicles equipped with an RFE transmission might complain of a harsh/audible shift from Drive to Neutral predominately with elevated ambient and transmission and driveline temperatures (TSB 21-010-12).
The problem is related to the spacer plate in the valve body and will need to be replaced. The part number for a new spacer plate is 52120004AB.
In January 2013, there was a POWERTRAIN PRO newsletter entitled Chrysler 45RFE/545RFE/68RFE Solenoid Assembly Change. One of the changes that took place occurred in 2011 with the 68RFE transmission. The Overdrive Solenoid was eliminated as well as two check balls in the valve body. This also affected the spacer. The part number for this new spacer plate to resolve the harsh and/or audible shift from Drive to Neutral is related to this new design. The solenoid assembly mounted on the valve body has a grey color connector for quick identification. None of these parts will retro fit back to any earlier models identified with either a white or black connector solenoid assembly mounted on the valve body.
When comparing the new spacer plate with the previous design, the pressure in the drive circuit is being exhausted through a 0.090-inch orifice when neutral is selected. What can be helpful is the part number for the plate is stamped on the plate. This is visible while the valve body is on the transmission (Figures 5 and 6). By dropping the pan only, you can immediately determine if the update is needed to fix this concern.
Based on this finding, the noise complaint is a sudden dump of pressure from Drive to Neutral shocking the driveline. To orifice the exhaust slows down the release graduating the torque load for a pleasability enhancement.
Noise coming out or going in to Park
Dodge/Jeep vehicles equipped with the 45/545RFE transmission, might exhibit a complaint of a “ping” or metallic noise coming out, or into the Park position. Upon a closer inspection, with the vehicle on the lift, the noise can be heard from the tail housing area where the Park gear is located in the transmission. Remove the tail housing and strike the park gear with a metal object to see if the sound you heard is the same sound. If it does, the cause may be that the spline area on the output shaft, or the Park Gear may be worn allowing the park gear to make a bell like sound.
To, correct this condition, a center punch can be used to “peen” the spline area to provide interference fit making snug the park gear to the shaft.
Caution: Do not over peen the spline area or the park gear will be difficult to remove!
Upper Cooling Line
Chrysler issued a Rapid Response Transmittal (RRT 11-085) regarding 2011Ram 2500/3500 Pickups that may have a weeping transmission cooling line.
Inspect the upper transmission cooler hose which is the hot side line that runs near the battery. Look for a date code of 2440. If the upper transmission cooler hose has this date, verify whether or not the hose was built between 21:47-23:16 (Time Stamp). If it was built within the time specified, the hose will need to be replaced, part number 55056951AC.
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