Remanufactured 545RFE Transmissions: Specs & Updates

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What Transmission Do I Have?

Replacement 545RFE Transmission Prices:

545RFE Applications and Compatibility:

The Chrysler 545RFE / 45RFE transmission first saw production in 1999 models. The transmission fits both two-and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Previously called the 45RFE which was introduced in the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1999, it is notable for including three planetary gearsets rather than the two normally used in a 4-speed automatic.

It also features three multiple disc input clutches, three multiple disc holding clutches, and a dual internal filter system (one primary filter for transmission sump, one for the fluid cooler return system). In the 45RFE applications four gears are utilized, with a different (1.50:1 rather than 1.67:1) second gear to increase versatility when downshifting.

545RFE Diagnostic Trouble Codes | DTC

545RFE Technical Service Bulletins | TSBs

TSB 21-015-05 – Delayed gear engagement
2000 – 2004 Dodge Dakota – 2000 – 2006 Dodge Durango – 2003 – 2006 Dodge Ram – 2002 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 1999 – 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2006 Jeep Commander
Problem – Drivers may notice an initial delayed gear engagement with the shift into Drive or reverse after the vehicle has been parked overnight/is cold. This may occur after having the transmission serviced and having the transmission cooler return filter replaced.
Solution – If the OEM transmission cooler return filter (part #04799662AB) was used, it can allow the transmission fluid to drain back out of the torque converter, causing the delay/slip on initial gear engagement. Installing an upgraded transmission cooler return filter should cure the problem.

Common Problems with the 545RFE

Delayed and/or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 shifts
Problem – Owners may experience an unusually delayed or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 gear change, where the transmission doesn’t seem to want to go into that particular gear.
Solution – This issue is related to valve body problems where the material used to make one of the checkballs has broken down to the point that fluid is able to get past and engage the underdrive clutch during those shifts. An upgraded #2 checkball will be needed to solve the issue.

Solenoid Pack: With no transmission bands, the electronically controlled 545RFE relies on a solenoid switch pack to direct fluid to the correct clutch pack for gear engagement. If the solenoid pack goes bad, you’ll experience no gear engagement, engine stalling, ‘limp mode’, or failure to engage overdrive.

Slipping and Delayed Gear Engagement: The transmission pump has a little valve mechanism inside it, which controls the fluid pressure being transferred from the torque converter. If it goes bad, you’ll have delayed gear engagement, transmission/torque converter overheating, stalling, slipping, and reduced fuel economy.

Another common problem is overheating. This happens when the moving parts inside the transmission are creating more friction heat than the ATF can remove. The most common cause of this condition is towing heavy loads, driving in stop/go traffic, or on mountain roads where the transmission has to shift a lot.

Updates to Remanufactured 545RFE Transmissions

• Fully remanufactured valve body includes updated solenoid switch valves for improved shifting, lubrication, and performance.
• Fully remanufactured torque converter is tested for leaks, lockup, concentricity, and balance. Upgrades exceed OE requirements and eliminate the possibility of front seal leaks, premature bushing wear, and vibration.
• Completely remanufactured pump, complete with updated TCC limit valve and TCC accumulator to ensure proper TCC control and cooler flow, provides consistent internal pressures, eliminating slippage and delayed engagement.
• New line pressure sensor maintains consistent shift quality.
• Secured accumulator cover bolts prevent loss of 3rd or 4th gear.
• Fully remanufactured solenoid packs are tested separately from the transmission before dyno testing to verify shift quality and pressure control.
• All-new custom-spec bushings improve internal fluid flow control and pressures.
• Bushings and machined surfaces polished to a mirror-like OE finish of 16 RA or less.
• Complete system correction and recalibration kit installed to address several OE flaws. Modifications include updates to servos, the PR system, and valve body accumulators.
• Heavy-duty recalibration kit installed to reduce slippage and increase durability.
• Complete road simulation using a dynamometer testing program called C.A.R.S. (Computer Aided Road Simulation). Every transmission is cold and hot tested before shipment.

How to Buy a Remanufactured 545RFE Transmission

1) Buying Locally

When you go to your local repair shop, they’ll order a remanufactured 545RFE transmission, then mark up the price. So at the end of the day, you’ll be paying 15% to 30% more than the actual cost of the unit.

2) Buying Online

Buying a reman transmission through a company like Street Smart Transmission will save you a considerable amount of money because you pay the wholesale price (avoiding a repair shop’s 15% to 30% markup), they’ll ship the unit to the shop of your choice free of charge, and returning your old transmission is free as well. Then all you have to pay for is the labor to install the unit (usually $400 to $800), and you’re on your way.

How Does it Work?

To order a remanufactured 545RFE transmission from a company like Street Smart Transmission, all you need to do is provide your vehicle’s VIN number, the mileage, and the address of the repair shop that you want it shipped to.

Financing

Replacing a transmission can be expensive, so Street Smart Transmission offers financing through PayPal Credit. Depending on your credit, you’ll be able to order a new transmission, get back on the road, then pay for it over time. You may have to pay labor charges for the installation up front, but you won’t have to shell out for the transmission all at once.

Shipping Charge/Location

When it comes to shipping, a transmission is quite heavy. So you’re going to pay quite a bit of money, unless the reman transmission company offers free shipping. Street Smart offers free shipping to a business address, which is usually the repair shop that you’ve chosen to install the unit.

What is a Core Charge (Core Deposit)?

Every remanufactured transmission originally came from somebody else’s car. Therefore, they need your broken transmission in order to refurbish it for another customer.

Your old/damaged transmission is called a “core”, and many companies will collect a core charge (usually $500 to $1500), which will be refunded once they receive your old transmission. (Street Smart does not charge an up-front core charge.) Make sure to ask any company for their core return policy, so you’ll know what to expect.

Our Recommendation

We recommend Street Smart Transmission. We have found Street Smart to be of the highest quality. Their transmissions carry a 3 year / unlimited miles warranty that covers both parts and labor. Their warranty is nationwide and attached to the VIN so it is transferable with ownership if you decide to sell the vehicle. It also covers both parts and labor for the installation of the replacement transmission.

Finding a Shop to Install the Remanufactured Transmission

If your transmission has failed, you’re going to need a skilled mechanic to replace it. You can find a shop to install your transmission using our shop locator map.

For warranty purposes, you need to find a reliable repair shop. That way, if the replacement transmission doesn’t work properly, the warranty will cover it.

Ready to Replace Your 545RFE Transmission?

Click Get a Free Estimate for an unbeatable price on a replacement remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?