45RFE and 545RFE problems: Ram, Durango, Grand Cherokee

TSS parts for the 45RFE and 545RFE transmission: solenoid pack, valve body and 4WD filter

In short

Chrysler's RFE family is in the Ram, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Commander and Dakota with the 4.7 or 5.7 V8: the 4-speed 45RFE, the 5-speed 545RFE and the 6-speed 65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE.
The 3.6 and 3.7 V6 versions use other transmissions (42RLE, NAG1 or the 8-speed), and the 2014-on Durango and Grand Cherokee use the 8-speed: none of them is an RFE.
If it stays in third with the check engine light on, that's limp mode: stop, switch the engine off for about 10 seconds and read the codes.
Before replacing the solenoid pack for P0755 or P0765, check the connectors; with P0871, Sonnax says it's almost always the valve body.
It takes Mopar ATF+4 and has a dipstick; the 68RFE recalls are US-only, and we found no campaign in Mexico.

If you have a Ram, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Commander or Dakota with the 4.7 or 5.7 V8, it most likely has a transmission from Chrysler's RFE family: the 45RFE, the 545RFE or, in newer trucks, the 65RFE. We explain which models have it in Mexico, how to identify it, why it goes into limp mode, what to check before replacing the solenoid pack, which codes it sets, what fluid it takes and which TSS parts are replaced.

One family, five names

Chrysler introduced the 45RFE in 1999: four speeds plus an alternate second gear its service manual calls "2nd prime". From 2001, the computer runs the same transmission with five speeds: that's the 545RFE, which Mopar calls the 5-45RFE. The six-speeds are the gas 65RFE and 66RFE and the 68RFE, which in the US goes with the 6.7 Cummins diesel in heavy-duty Rams.

Inside, they all have three planetary gear sets, three input clutches (UD, OD and reverse) and three holding clutches (L/R, 2C and 4C). Per Chrysler's manual, the 45RFE ratios are 3.00, 1.67, 1.50 (2nd prime), 1.00 and 0.75, and 2nd prime allows smoother 4-2 kickdowns at highway speed. In the 545RFE with the 5.7, Tow/Haul mode uses it as an extra range for towing.

Which Ram, Durango and Grand Cherokee have it in Mexico?

Model (Mexico)	Automatic transmission
Grand Cherokee 4.7 and 5.7 V8, 2001 to 2011	545RFE, 5-speed
Grand Cherokee 5.7 V8, 2012	6-speed (65RFE)
Grand Cherokee 3.7 and 3.6 V6, Durango 3.6 V6	NAG1 (W5A580), 5-speed: not an RFE
Durango 4.7 V8, 2000	45RFE, 4-speed
Durango 4.7 and 5.7 V8, 2003 to 2012	545RFE; the 2003 5.9 V8 has the 4-speed 46RE
Durango 5.7 V8, 2013	6-speed (65RFE)
Durango and Grand Cherokee 2014 and later	8-speed automatic: not an RFE
Ram 4.7 and 5.7 V8, 2003 to 2010	545RFE; the 3.7 V6 has a 4-speed
Ram 5.7 V8, 2017 and 2018 (ST, SLT, Big Horn)	6-speed (65RFE); the 3.6 V6 and R/T have the 8-speed
Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 5.7 and Ram 4000 automatic, 2017	6-speed (66RFE)
Commander 4.7 and 5.7 V8, 2007 to 2009	545RFE
Dakota 4.7 V8, 2007	545RFE; the 3.7 V6 has the 42RLE
Liberty 3.7 V6 and Nitro	42RLE or, in the Nitro 4.0, NAG1: not RFE

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Mexico spec sheets only say "5-speed (or 6-speed) automatic": we inferred the unit names from Chrysler's US documents. We found no spec sheets for the 2011 to 2016 Ram; in the US, the 5.7 V8 Ram moved to the 6-speed 65RFE in 2012, and from 2013 many got the 8-speed. Watch out for the Mexican "Ram 2500": Mexico sold a "Ram 2500" with the 1500's 5.7, which likely has the 1500's transmission, alongside the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty.

In the US, Ram 3500 to 5500 chassis cabs and high-output 3500 pickups with the Cummins diesel use Aisin transmissions (AS68RC and AS69RC), not RFEs, and the 845RE is the 8-speed Chrysler pairs with the 3.6 V6. If your Ram, Dakota or Durango is older, with a 4-speed and a governor, read our 46RE and A518 guide; we cover the 42RLE in the 41TE, 62TE and 42RLE guide.

How to identify it

Gears and engine: with a 4.7 or 5.7 V8, a 4- or 5-speed is an RFE; a 6-speed behind a gas V8 is a 65RFE or 66RFE; an 8-speed is a ZF.
Dipstick: RFE units have one, with HOT and COLD holes. The 3.6 V6's NAG1 and the 8-speeds don't, per Chrysler Mexico owner's manuals.
ID number: stamped on the left side of the case above the pan, with a label, per Chrysler's service manual.
Solenoid pack connector: per GEARS magazine, black from 1999 to 2003, white from 2004 and gray from 2009.

Stuck in third with the check engine light on: limp mode

It's a designed protection. Chrysler's service manual explains that if the electronic control fails, or the computer detects something that could damage the transmission, the valve body still provides P, R, N, second and third from the shift lever. The Mexican 2012 Durango owner's manual explains it for owners: with the 5.7, the transmission stays in direct drive until the vehicle stops, and then only third is available in D. To reset it, stop, shift to P, switch the engine off, wait about 10 seconds and restart. If it persists, read the codes.

On the diesel Ram's 68RFE, Chrysler's guidance for a US recall describes the same protection in fourth. And if it launches in second, it may be the solenoid switch valve: per the manual, if the computer can't confirm first gear through the L/R pressure switch, it uses second and sets a code after three attempts. Limp-mode causes range from the relay that powers the solenoid pack and the connectors to the pressure switches and sensors.

Solenoid pack: check the connectors before replacing it

The RFE solenoid pack is more than solenoids: per Chrysler's manual, it holds the L/R, 2C, 4C, OD and UD solenoids, a Multi-Select (MS) solenoid for limp mode and five pressure switches, which are only serviced with the whole assembly. That's why an electrical or pressure problem can look like a bad solenoid. Our transmission solenoid guide explains how they're tested.

A US Stellantis tech case (2019 to 2021 Ram 2500 and 3500) found that several solenoid packs replaced for codes P0755 and P0765 had nothing wrong with them: the likely cause was a loose or dirty connection, especially at the transmission connector. Before replacing it, check the transmission and computer connectors for loose or corroded terminals, and apply dielectric grease to the connector, as Stellantis asks.

If it does need replacing, GEARS says the white-connector pack replaces the black and gray ones if the correct transmission range sensor (TRS) plate is used; the TRS sits on top of the valve body. Not the other way around, because the gray pack has one fewer solenoid.

P0871 and the pressure switches: usually the valve body

The pressure switches close at 23 psi and open at 11, per the manual, and the computer sets a code if one is open or closed in the wrong gear. P0871 is the OD pressure switch, and Sonnax says that about 90% of the time it's caused by worn valve body bores and plugs, not the solenoid pack. TransGo ties solenoid switch valve wear to codes P1775, P1776, P0841, P0846 and P0871, to OD clutch failures and to the engine stalling at a stop.

In high-mileage diesel Rams with the 68RFE, TransGo reports repeated OD clutch failures from valve body erosion and recommends replacing the valve body. If you do, it must have the same number of checkballs as the original, and the solenoid pack, accumulator springs and range sensor plate move over to it.

Slow to engage Drive or Reverse

A few seconds' delay after sitting for several days is normal: the Durango manual explains that fluid partly drains from the converter and refills in about five seconds. If it happens every morning, Chrysler issued US bulletins in 2005 and 2006 on delayed engagement after the engine had been off more than 12 hours, related to the cooler return filter: the spin-on filter this transmission has in addition to the pan filter. Sun Transmissions explains how to pressure test a transmission.

In 2022 and 2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks in the US, if P0944 (loss of pump prime) and P0868 (low pressure) set together with slow engagement at the first start, Stellantis asks for the whole transmission to be replaced.

Harsh shifts, shudder and slipping

Many harsh shifts are calibration. In the US, Chrysler released reflashes for harsh 4-3 coast-down shifts, harsh neutral-to-reverse and 1-2 shifts and converter shudder (2009 and 2010 Durango, Aspen, Ram and Dakota) and for late 3-4 upshifts and unexpected downshifts (2010 to 2012 Ram 1500). Shudder can also come from the fluid: Chrysler's manual warns that improper fluid can cause torque converter clutch chatter.

If it slips under load: on 2015 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 6.4 and the 66RFE, Chrysler replaced torque converters in the US whose friction grooves were too wide and could slip under heavy loads.

Overheating while towing

Chrysler Mexico owner's manuals ask you to use the Tow/Haul button in the mountains, when towing or hauling heavy loads, to reduce the risk of overheating or transmission failure. If the TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP message appears, the transmission downshifts out of overdrive until it cools. If it overheats often, check the level, the cooler and the spin-on filter. Sun Transmissions has more on the dangers of transmission overheating.

Trouble codes

Chrysler doesn't publish an owner-level code list for the RFE family: these names come from its bulletins and its manual, and some from trade sources such as Sonnax and TransGo.

Code	What it means on an RFE
P0700	The transmission computer requests the light: read its own codes
P0705 and P0706	Range sensor (TRS), inside the case on top of the valve body; it also holds the temperature sensor
P0715 and P0720	Input and output speed sensors
P0755 and P0765	2C and UD solenoid circuits, per Stellantis; check the connectors before replacing the solenoid pack
P0841, P0846 and P0871	Pressure switches inside the solenoid pack (P0841 is L/R and P0871 is OD); per Sonnax, P0871 is almost always the valve body
P0868	Low line pressure
P0932 to P0935	Line pressure sensor (transducer)
P0944	Loss of pump prime
P1775 and P1776	Solenoid switch valve latched in the converter clutch or L/R position
P0218	Fluid over temperature (generic); the dash shows TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP

Note: on an RFE, P0841, P0846 and P0871 are on/off pressure switches inside the solenoid pack; the line pressure sensor is a separate part and sets P0868 and P0932 to P0935.

What fluid does it take?

Mopar ATF+4, per Chrysler Mexico owner's manuals. RFE units have a dipstick: with the engine at operating temperature, on level ground and in P, the level should be between the HOT holes; cold, between the COLD holes. Chrysler advises against additives, and its manual warns that improper fluid can cause shudder. The 3.6 V6's NAG1 and the 8-speeds have no dipstick.

Are there recalls?

We found no campaigns or PROFECO alerts for these transmissions in Mexico. In the US, campaigns 20V043000 and 22V835000 cover 2019 to 2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 68RFE: pressure and heat inside the transmission could push fluid out of the dipstick tube, with a fire risk. The remedy was a new separator plate and a reflash, or a new dipstick and vent.

How is it diagnosed and repaired?

Confirm which transmission it has: engine, number of gears and dipstick.
If it's stuck in third, switch the engine off for about 10 seconds and restart; then read the transmission computer's codes, not just P0700.
Check the level hot on the dipstick and make sure the fluid is ATF+4.
Before replacing the solenoid pack, check the connectors, terminals and transmission relay.
Measure line pressure with a gauge and the 8259 adapter, as Chrysler specifies, and compare it with the scan tool reading.
With P0871 or pressure switch codes that keep coming back, check the valve body.
If you replace the valve body, use one with the same number of checkballs as the original.
Replace the pan filter and the spin-on cooler return filter.
After the repair, the computer needs a clutch relearn with a scan tool, per Chrysler bulletins. Sun Transmissions explains why transmissions need to relearn.

See TSS parts for the 45RFE and 545RFE

TSS parts for the 45RFE, 545RFE and 68RFE

The TSS catalog has parts for this family:

TSS solenoid pack with the white connector, which replaces the black and gray packs with the correct range sensor plate.
Line pressure sensor and line pressure adapter.
Input and output speed sensor.
2WD or 4WD pan filter, spin-on cooler return filter and Farpack pan gasket.
TSS Dorado overhaul kits for the 45RFE and the 2004-on 545RFE; we explain the difference in TSS Rojo vs Dorado overhaul kits.
Piston kit, UD piston and UD/reverse and OD steel plates.
Pump seal, steel pump cover and bushing kit.

To buy online in the US, Sun Transmissions has the 45RFE, 545RFE and 68RFE collection.

TSS is an aftermarket brand with OEM-comparable quality and quality control on every product. It's sold through our authorized distributors: in Mexico, the full TSS catalog is at Transmisiones Veinte 07, and in the United States at Sun Transmissions.

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