Chrysler A518 4-Speed Heavy-Duty Overdrive · Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM · Expert rebuild service since 1987. Lifetime warranty. Free diagnostic.
1990–2003 Dodge Ram 1500/2500 (5.2L/5.9L V8); 1990–2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee (5.2L/5.9L); heavy-duty version of A500 for V8 truck applications
| Configuration | 4-speed automatic with overdrive — heavy-duty truck variant |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratios | 1st 2.74:1 · 2nd 1.54:1 · 3rd 1.00:1 · 4th 0.69:1 · Rev 2.21:1 |
| Fluid Type | Mopar ATF+4 |
| Fluid Capacity | 11.0 qts total, 5.5 qts service refill |
The A518 OD band sees heavy loads in truck towing applications. Band wear and glazing under sustained towing is the most common failure.
Symptoms: OD dropout when towing; slip in 4th on grades; band glazed on teardown
The A518 uses an electronic governor pressure solenoid. Solenoid failure causes the transmission to hold gears too long or not shift at all.
Symptoms: P1762/P1765 governor codes; late or no upshifts; TCC won't disengage
High-torque V8 towing loads wear the front clutch (forward gears) pack on high-mileage A518 units.
Symptoms: Slip in all forward gears; delayed Drive engagement; eventually no forward motion
Full disassembly. OD band replaced. Governor solenoid replaced. Front clutch pack replaced with heavy-duty kit. All clutch packs replaced. Valve body rebuilt. Full ATF+4 soft parts kit. Converter flushed.
ATF+4 every 30,000 miles. Towing applications: every 25,000 miles. The A518 (also called 46RE) is a proven truck unit when maintained. Consider an auxiliary cooler for sustained towing.
The A518 is also called the 46RH (hydraulic) or 46RE (electronic). 46RE is the most common term for the electronic-controlled version in 1996+ trucks.
OD band failure is the leading cause. The band glazes under sustained towing heat. Band replacement is possible without full rebuild if the clutch packs test good.
150,000–200,000 miles with regular ATF+4 service. Very durable unit in its era.
Mopar ATF+4. Do not substitute Dexron or multi-vehicle ATF.
$1,500–2,100. 2-day turnaround.
Free diagnostic, written estimate, lifetime warranty. Chicago's A518 rebuild specialists since 1987.
