A new-design solenoid pack was introduced as a running change in the 2004 model year.
Greatly reduced operational noise by using internal solenoids.
Solenoid pack –Totally redesigned casting with changes in the worm-track area (Figure 1).
Solenoid-body screen and gasket assembly – Changed to accommodate the changes in the solenoid pack (Figure 2).
TRS and 23-way connector – Changed to accommodate internal solenoids. See figures 3 and 4 for early design and figures 5 and 6 for updated design.
Range-sensor selector plate – The pocket for the T41 pin was made deeper (Figure 7).
- Solenoid Pack (1999-2003 with updated range-sensor plate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68002342AB
- Solenoid Pack (2004-up without updated range-sensor plate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5170877AC
The new-design solenoid pack, gasket and range-sensor plate will retrofit previous models.
Special note: The 1999-2003 range-sensor plate can be modified and used with the updated solenoid pack by making the T41 pocket 0.040 inch deeper (Figure 7).
Chrysler vehicles equipped with the 45RFE or 545RFE may exhibit a binding condition on the 3-4 or 4-5 upshift that may be accompanied by a pressure-switch code.
The cause may be that the #2 checkball (Figure 8) has partially disintegrated, allowing the underdrive clutch to be partially or fully applied when the 3-4 or 4-5 upshift occurs and causing a bind-up.
Replace the checkballs with new plastic checkballs available in aftermarket rebuild kits or from an OE supplier. For valve-body exploded views refer to figures 9 and 10.
November 2008 Issue
Volume 25, No. 11
- Chrysler 45RFE: New solenoid pack
- Chrysler 45RFE/545RFE: Bind on a 3-4 or 4-5 upshift
