Remanufactured 545RFE Transmissions: Specs & Updates

To get an estimate on a rebuilt 545RFE, click Get a Free Estimate.

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?

Replacement 545RFE Transmission Prices:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
545RFE2348

545RFE Applications and Compatibility:

Model
Dodge Dakota
Dodge Durango
Dodge Ram 1500
Jeep Commander
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Wrangler
Ram 1500
Ram Dakota

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

Trouble CodeDescription
P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0720Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0730Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0733Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0735Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0743Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0751Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off
P0765Shift Solenoid 'D'
P07833-4 Shift
P0880TCM Power Input Signal
P0881TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance
P0882TCM Power Input Signal Low
P0884TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent

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.

Easy Core Return

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.

Watch the Remanufacturing Process

How it Works

steps

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?

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Anonymous
2 years ago

I have a 2007 5.7 Ram 545rfe that I recently bought rebuilt from a shop. Installed it add all my fluids and went to trk go test drive it and it shifts perfect till it try’s to switch the 3rd. Then it falls on its face and just revs and acts lit it’s in Neutral. Its not throwing any codes and the transmission has been relearnt by the shop I bout it from.. any help is greatly appreciated

Dustin Sims
2 years ago

I just put a used transmission in my 2004 Dodge pickup 545rfe drained all the whole system. I put 2 and 1/2 quarts torque converter stuck it in . I put 7 quarts in the transmission itself . and its way up on the it is not circulating the fluid could it be. I changed both filters and cleaned both of the shift solenoid

Dustin Sims
2 years ago

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup and I just put a complete new transmission used transmission I put 2 and 1/2 quarts in a torque converter 7 in the transmission itself it is not circulating fluid what could the problem be

steven W mcdonald
3 years ago

ive just replaced my 545rfe now code po 934 randomly do you recomend a shop near sacramento that can troubleshoot my possible electical issue thank you
l

Mark Hoefs
3 years ago

old and worn
163k miles

Gary Trone
3 years ago

My 06 Jeep GC is slow to engage. Slips while shifting in a right turn. And the big one, Seems to hunt for a happy RPM while in OD.

Stephen Collins
4 years ago

I have a 2002 jeep grand Cherokee and have replaced the transmission and the TCM and it still doesn’t want to shift in to 5 gear the only sensor I have not replaced is the pressure sensor but all was new

Tom Cogburn
6 years ago

Nice web page!!
Are there any quirks to installing a 2005 Dodge Dakota into a 2003 Dakota? Both are the 545RFE. I’m in a argument with someone about the exchange. I have a 2005 with about 10K mi on it. Truck was hit so I’m screwed.
I quit turning wrenches about 7 years ago, cancer but I remember bolt ups on the two. I recall that even the harness was the same.
Any assistance or input is greatly appreciated.
Too what a great web page! Someone is doing a good job.

Respectfully,

Tom Cogburn

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