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42RLE Automatic Transmission (Service Information): Installation

  1. Check torque converter hub and hub drive flats for sharp edges burrs, scratches, or nicks. Polish the hub and flats with 320/400 grit paper and crocus cloth if necessary. The hub must be smooth to avoid damaging pump seal at installation.
    NOTE: Pay attention to transfer all clips, clip retainers, brackets, shields, etc. from the original transmission to the replacement transmission.
  2. If a replacement transmission is being installed, transfer any components necessary, such as the manual shift lever and shift cable bracket, from the original transmission onto the replacement transmission.
  3. Lubricate oil pump seal lip with transmission fluid.
    Fig 1: Measuring Torque Converter Installation Depth
    GC0012727Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - TORQUE CONVERTER
    2 - TRANSMISSION HOUSING
  4. Place torque converter (1) in position in transmission (2). See Fig 1.
    CAUTION: Do not damage oil pump seal or converter hub while inserting torque converter into the front of the transmission.
  5. Align torque converter to oil pump seal opening.
  6. Insert torque converter hub into oil pump.
  7. While pushing torque converter inward, rotate converter until converter is fully seated in the oil pump gears.
  8. Check converter seating with a scale and straightedge (A). See Fig 1. Surface of converter lugs should be at least 19 mm (3/4 in.) to rear of straightedge when converter is fully seated.
  9. If necessary, temporarily secure converter with C-clamp attached to the converter housing.
    Fig 2: Removing Transmission
    GC0012851Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - ENGINE
    2 - BOLTS
    3 - TRANSMISSION
  10. Check condition of converter driveplate. Replace the plate if cracked, distorted or damaged. Also be sure transmission dowel pins are seated in engine block and protrude far enough to hold transmission in alignment. 
  11. Apply a light coating of Mopar® High Temp Grease to the torque converter hub pocket in the rear pocket of the engine's crankshaft.
  12. Raise transmission (3) and align the torque converter with the drive plate and the transmission converter housing with the engine block (1). See Fig 2.
  13. Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower, or tilt transmission to align the converter housing with the engine block dowels.
  14. Carefully work transmission forward and over engine block dowels until converter hub is seated in crankshaft. Verify that no wires, or the transmission vent hose, have become trapped between the engine block and the transmission.
  15. Install two bolts (2) to attach the transmission to the engine.
  16. Install remaining torque converter housing to engine bolts (2). Tighten to 68N.m (50 ft.lbs.).
    Fig 3: Removing Transmission Mount Bolts
    GC0012844Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  17. Install rear transmission crossmember (1). See Fig 3. Tighten crossmember to frame bolts to 68 N.m (50 ft.lbs.).
  18. Install rear support (3) to transmission. Tighten bolts to 47 N.m (35 ft.lbs.).
  19. Lower transmission onto crossmember and install bolts attaching transmission mount to crossmember. Tighten clevis bracket to crossmember bolts(2) to 47 N.m (35 ft.lbs.).
  20. Remove engine support fixture.
    Fig 4: Removing Transmission to Oil Pan Bolts
    GC0012843Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - BOLTS
    2 - ENGINE OIL PAN
    3 - TRANSMISSION
  21. Install the transmission (3) to engine oil pan (2) bolts (1). Tighten to 39 N.m (29 ft.lbs.). See Fig 4.
    Fig 5: Identifying Input and Output Speed Sensors and Transmission Range Sensor
    GC0012854Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - INPUT SPEED SENSOR
    2 - OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR
    3 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
  22. Connect input (1) and output (2) speed sensor wires and the transmission range sensor (3). See Fig 5.
    Fig 6: Solenoid/Pressure Switch Assembly
    GC0012855Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - SOLENOID/PRESSURE SWITCH ASSEMBLY CONNECTOR
  23. Connect wires to the solenoid/pressure switch assembly (1). See Fig 6.
    Fig 7: Locating Crankshaft Position Sensor
    GC0012853Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  24. Install the crankshaft position sensor. See Fig 7. Refer to INSTALLATION .
    Fig 8: Disconnect Shift Cable
    GC0012846Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - GEARSHIFT CABLE
    2 - SUPPORT BRACKET
    3 - MANUAL LEVER
  25. Connect the gearshift cable (1) to the transmission manual shift lever (3). See Fig 8.
    Fig 9: Removing Torque Converter Bolts
    GC0012848Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - TRANSMISSION
    2 - ENGINE OIL PAN
    3 - BOLTS
    CAUTION: It is essential that correct length bolts be used to attach the converter to the driveplate. Bolts that are too long will damage the clutch surface inside the converter.
  26. Install all torque converter-to-driveplate bolts (1) by hand. See Fig 9.
  27. Verify that the torque converter is pulled flush to the driveplate. Tighten bolts to 88N.m (65 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 10: Removing Torque Converter Access Cover
    GC0012849Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - ACCESS COVER
    2 - BOLT
  28. Install the torque converter bolt access cover (1) onto the transmission, for vehicles equipped with 3.5L engines. Install the access cover bolt (2) and tighten to 11 N.m (8 ft.lbs.). See Fig 10.
    Fig 11: Removing Structural Collar - 2.7L
    GC0012842Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - ENGINE OIL PAN
    2 - STRUCTURAL COVER
    3 - HORIZONTAL BOLTS
    4 - VERTICAL BOLTS
  29. Install the structural collar (2) and bolts (3, 4) for vehicles equipped with a 2.7L engine. See Fig 11. Refer to INSTALLATION .
    Fig 12: Relocate Starter
    GC0012850Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - STARTER
    2 - BOLTS
    3 - CLOSEOUT PLATE
  30. Install starter motor (1). See Fig 12. Refer to INSTALLATION .
    Fig 13: Transmission Lines
    GC0012845Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES
    2 - COOLER LINE FITTINGS
    3 - SUPPORT CLAMPS
  31. Connect the cooler line fittings (2) and cooler lines (1) to the transmission. See Fig 13.
    Fig 14: Removing Transmission Fill Tube
    GC0012852Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - TRANSMISSION
    2 - TRANSMISSION FILL TUBE
    3 - BOLT
    NOTE: Inspect the fill tube grommet to determine if the grommet is new or used. If a new fill tube grommet is in the transmission case, pierce the center of the grommet with a ballpoint pen, or similar instrument, to prepare the grommet for the fill tube installation.
  32. Install the transmission fill tube (2). See Fig 14.
  33. Install exhaust components.
    Fig 15: Disconnect Propeller Shaft
    GC0012847Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
    1 - PROPELLER SHAFT
    2 - BOLTS
    3 - PROPELLER SHAFT COUPLER
    4 - COMPANION FLANGE
    5 - PROPELLER SHAFT PILOT
  34. Align and connect the propeller shaft (1). See Fig 15. Refer to INSTALLATION .
  35. Adjust gearshift cable if necessary.
  36. Lower vehicle.
  37. Connect negative battery cable.
  38. Fill transmission with appropriate transmission fluid. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID .
  39. Verify proper operation.