Chrysler 45RFE 4/5-Speed Automatic · Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM · Expert rebuild service since 1987. Lifetime warranty. Free diagnostic.
1999–2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7L V8); 2000–2002 Dodge Durango (4.7L); transitional design with both 4-speed and 5-speed operating modes
| Configuration | 4-speed automatic with a 5th operating mode (bypass 4th, go to 5th) — unusual architecture |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratios | 1st 3.00:1 · 2nd 1.67:1 · 3rd 1.00:1 · 4th 0.75:1 · 5th 0.67:1 · Rev 3.00:1 |
| Fluid Type | Mopar ATF+4 |
| Fluid Capacity | 12.0 qts total, 6.5 qts service refill |
The 45RFE solenoid pack is a common failure — the unit went into limp mode regularly when solenoids fail.
Symptoms: Limp mode (2nd gear fixed); erratic shift quality; P-codes
The low/reverse clutch handles multiple gear holds including Reverse. Failure affects both Reverse and 1st gear manual hold.
Symptoms: Slip or no Reverse; no manual 1st hold
TCC solenoid failure causes engine stall at stops or no TCC engagement.
Symptoms: Engine stall at stop in Drive; no TCC at highway speed
Full disassembly. Solenoid pack replaced. Low/reverse clutch replaced. TCC solenoid replaced. All clutch packs replaced. Valve body rebuilt. Full ATF+4 soft parts kit.
ATF+4 every 30,000 miles. The 45RFE was replaced by the 545RFE which added a true 5th gear. Many 45RFE problems are solenoid-related and resolved without full rebuild.
The 45RFE has a '4th gear' that's actually the same as its '3rd gear lock-up' — its 5th gear is accessed directly from 3rd, bypassing a traditional 4th. This unusual design was a transition before the 545RFE.
Classic limp mode from solenoid pack failure. Solenoid pack replacement resolves most 45RFE limp mode cases.
The 545RFE replaced it in 2003 with a true 5-speed configuration.
Mopar ATF+4.
$1,600–2,200. 2-day turnaround.
Free diagnostic, written estimate, lifetime warranty. Chicago's 45RFE rebuild specialists since 1987.
