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Chrysler RFE transmission
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<h2 id="45rfe-and-545rfe">45RFE and 545RFE</h2> <p>The 45RFE was introduced in the <a href="/facts/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/NVI6INw7">Jeep Grand Cherokee</a> in 1999, it is notable for including three <a href="/facts/Planetary_gear/FMz8Fjg8">planetary gearsets</a> 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. In the 545RFE four gears are used on the upshift and a new "gear", 2nd Prime, was used with a different (1.50:1 rather than 1.67:1) ratio to increase versatility when downshifting. Although, with some tuning, you can get the 545RFE to upshift into 2nd Prime.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a> </p><p>The 45RFE was produced at the <a href="/facts/Indiana_Transmission/Lpo8SKyg">Indiana Transmission</a> plant in <a href="/facts/Kokomo%2c_Indiana/67uXuUpl">Kokomo, Indiana</a>. It was normally paired with the 4.7 L <a href="/facts/Chrysler_PowerTech_engine/VJAUasjW">PowerTech</a> <a href="/facts/V8_engine/W7Q5Uw29">V8</a>. </p><p>The 45RFE later became the 5-speed 545RFE. </p> <ul><li>Gear Ratios: <ul><li>1st 3.00:1</li> <li>2nd 1.67:1</li> <li>2nd Prime 1.50:1 (Only used when a kickdown acceleration)</li> <li>3rd 1.00:1</li> <li>4th 0.75:1</li> <li>5th 0.67:1 (545RFE only and 45RFE reprogrammed)</li> <li>Reverse 3.00:1</li></ul></li></ul> <p> Applications: </p> <ul><li>45RFE <ul><li>1999–2000 <a href="/facts/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/NVI6INw7">Jeep Grand Cherokee</a> (4.7 L)</li> <li>2002–early 2003 <a href="/facts/Jeep_Liberty/A6bUsRx6">Jeep Liberty</a> (3.7 L)</li> <li>2000–2002 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Dakota/sU8NqhLM">Dodge Dakota</a> (4.7 L) and "(3.9 L) Sport Edition Dakota"</li> <li>2000–2002 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Durango/1t97GcqY">Dodge Durango</a> (4.7 L)</li> <li>2002 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Ram/QrHVbd86">Dodge Ram</a> 1500 (3.7 L and 4.7 L)</li></ul></li> <li>545RFE <ul><li>2001–2011 <a href="/facts/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/NVI6INw7">Jeep Grand Cherokee</a> (4.7 L, 4.7 L H.O.,5.7 L Hemi)</li> <li>2005–2006 <a href="/facts/Jeep_Liberty/A6bUsRx6">Jeep Liberty</a> (Diesel applications)</li> <li>2003–2011 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Ram/QrHVbd86">Dodge Ram</a> (4.7 L, 5.7 L Hemi)</li> <li>2005–2011 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Power_Wagon/5fJfUQYz">Dodge Power Wagon</a></li> <li>2003–2011 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Dakota/sU8NqhLM">Dodge Dakota</a> (4.7 L, 4.7 L H.O.)</li> <li>2003–2011 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Durango/1t97GcqY">Dodge Durango</a> (4.7 L, 5.7 L)</li> <li>2006–2010 <a href="/facts/Jeep_Commander/rwSGtFua">Jeep Commander</a> (4.7 L, 5.7 L Hemi)</li> <li>2007–2010 <a href="/facts/Jeep_Wrangler_(JK)/UFlIvv52">Jeep Wrangler</a> (2.8 L CRD)</li> <li>2007–present <a href="/facts/Manganese_Bronze_Holdings/bTs5DmIS">LTI/London Taxi Company</a> <a href="/facts/TX4/sjJoeWdH">TX4</a></li> <li>2007-2009 <a href="/facts/Chrysler_Aspen/1t97GcqY">Chrysler Aspen</a> (4.7 L, 5.7 L Hemi)</li></ul></li></ul> <h2 id="68rfe">68RFE</h2> <p>The 68RFE was introduced in 2007 Ram 2500 and 3500 Pickups with the 6.7 L <a href="/facts/Cummins/WsqK1nha">Cummins</a> <a href="/facts/Cummins_B_Series_engine/xKVUDzzH">ISB</a> Diesel engine. The basic design and operation is the same or similar to the 45 and 545RFE counterparts with the following exceptions: </p> <ul><li>larger bellhousing with different bolt pattern and cutout to accommodate diesel engine</li> <li>modified internal components to handle increased torque of diesel engine</li> <li>revised gear ratios and Transmission Controller programming for larger application</li> <li>no 2nd gear prime for downshifting like the 45RFE and 545RFE transmissions</li> <li>Gear Ratios: <ul><li>1st 3.23:1</li> <li>2nd 1.83:1</li> <li>3rd 1.41:1</li> <li>4th 1.00:1</li> <li>5th 0.81:1</li> <li>6th 0.62:1</li> <li>Reverse 4.44:1</li></ul></li></ul> <p>Applications: </p> <ul><li>2007–present <a href="/facts/Dodge_Ram/QrHVbd86">Dodge Ram</a> 2500 and 3500 Pickup (6.7L <a href="/facts/Cummins/WsqK1nha">Cummins</a> <a href="/facts/Cummins_B_Series_engine/xKVUDzzH">ISB</a> Diesel)</li></ul> <h2 id="65rfe-and-66rfe">65RFE and 66RFE</h2> <p>For the 2012 model year, the 545RFE was recalibrated and introduced as the 65RFE in Ram 1500 models. With the exception of an improved torque converter, it is physically the same as its predecessor. The key difference in the 65RFE is the ability to use all six forward gears in sequence when using Electronic Range Select mode. In normal drive mode, however, the 65RFE uses the shift pattern of the 545RFE; thus never using 2nd and 3rd gears in succession. 2500 and 3500 models with gas engines received the 66RFE, a hybrid of 68RFE internals (including the gearset) packaged in a 545RFE case. </p><p>Gear Ratios: </p> <ul><li>65RFE <ul><li>1st 3.00:1</li> <li>2nd 1.67:1</li> <li>3rd 1.50:1</li> <li>4th 1.00:1</li> <li>5th 0.75:1</li> <li>6th 0.67:1</li> <li>Reverse 3.00:1</li></ul></li> <li>66RFE <ul><li>1st 3.231:1</li> <li>2nd 1.837:1</li> <li>3rd 1.410:1</li> <li>4th 1.000:1</li> <li>5th 0.816:1</li> <li>6th 0.625:1</li> <li>Reverse 4.444:1</li></ul></li></ul> <p>Applications: </p> <ul><li>65RFE <ul><li>2012 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Durango/1t97GcqY">Dodge Durango</a> (5.7 L)</li> <li>2012-2013 <a href="/facts/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/NVI6INw7">Jeep Grand Cherokee</a> (5.7 L)</li> <li>2012 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Ram/QrHVbd86">Ram 1500</a> (4.7 L, 5.7 L)</li></ul></li> <li>66RFE <ul><li>2012-2018 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Ram/QrHVbd86">Ram 2500</a> (5.7 L)</li> <li>2012-2018 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Ram/QrHVbd86">Ram Chassis Cab 3500</a> (5.7 L)</li> <li>2012-2018 <a href="/facts/Dodge_Power_Wagon/5fJfUQYz">Ram 2500 Power Wagon</a></li> <li>2014-2018 <a href="/facts/Ram_2500/QrHVbd86">Ram 2500</a> (6.4 L)</li></ul></li></ul> <h2 id="basic-rfe-operation">Basic RFE operation</h2> <p>The fully electronic control is accomplished by the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Depending on year and application, it can either be a stand-alone module or integrated with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The TCM uses data from various transmission and engine sensors to control transmission shifting. The TCM operates the solenoid pack to change hydraulic flow through the valve body to various clutches in the transmission. The solenoid pack is mounted directly to the valve body; its connector protrudes from a hole on the left side of the transmission. On the 45 and 545RFE the hydraulic control system design (without electronic assist) provides the transmission with PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, SECOND, and THIRD gears, based solely on driver shift lever selection. This design allows the vehicle to be driven (in “limp-in” mode) in the event of an electronic control system failure, or a situation that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) recognizes as potentially damaging to the transmission. On the 68RFE, fourth gear is used for limp-in instead of second and third. </p><p>All RFE transmissions use Mopar ATF +4. Service fill is 6–8 quarts plus transmission filter. </p> <ul><li>Marcy, Thomas. <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3828/is_200006/ai_n8902642">"Smart & savvy"</a>. <i>Motor</i> (June 2000).</li></ul> <p><a href="http://hotrodlane.cc/New%20HEMI%20Tech/2004%2057%20hemi%20trans.pdf">http://hotrodlane.cc/New%20HEMI%20Tech/2004%2057%20hemi%20trans.pdf</a> </p> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/List_of_Chrysler_transmissions/UL7VXhdD">List of Chrysler transmissions</a></li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>"The 45RFE, 545RFE, 65RFE, and 66RFE automatic transmission for Jeeps and Rams | Allpar Forums". <a href="http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/545RFE.html" target="_blank">http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/545RFE.html</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>"Turning an 05-06 Jeep 545RFE 5 speed into a 6 speed | Jeep Garage - Jeep Forum". <a href="https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/turning-an-05-06-jeep-545rfe-5-speed-into-a-6-speed.225110/#post-2021250859" target="_blank">https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/turning-an-05-06-jeep-545rfe-5-speed-into-a-6-speed.225110/#post-2021250859</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>