Commander 2WD V6-3.7L VIN K (2006)
Fluid Filter - A/T: Customer Interest
A/T - 45RFE/545RFE Delayed Engagement After Filter R&R
NUMBER: 21-015-05
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: September 01, 2005
SUBJECT:
45RFE / 545RFE Trans - Delayed Engagement Due To Cooler Return Filter Replacement
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves a transmission delayed shift condition that may occur following the replacement of the internal cooler return filter.
MODELS:
2000 - 2004
(AN)
Dakota
2000 - 2003
(DN)
Durango
2003 - 2006
(DR)
Ram Truck
2004 - 2006
(HB)
Durango
2002 - 2006
(KJ)
Liberty
1999 - 2004
(WJ/WG)
Grand Cherokee
2005 - 2006
(WK/WH)
Grand Cherokee
2006
(XK)
Commander
NOTE:
This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 45RFE or a 545RFE automatic transmission (sales code DG4 or DGQ respectively).
DISCUSSION:
The customer may experience an initial delayed shift engagement following an extended off (not running) period of time, generally after being parked
overnight. The initial shift engagement may feel like a delay or slip when a transmission gear (reverse or drive) is first selected after engine start.
The customer may not have experienced the delayed shift engagement until after the transmission has been serviced, where the cooler return filter was
replaced during the service and/or repair.
The condition is not detrimental to the transmission but may cause concern with the customer.
The above condition may be caused by a suspect cooler return filter a part number of 04799662AB. This "AB" suffix / level filter may allow
transmission fluid to drain back out of the torque converter. The drain back condition may occur over a period time when the engine (and transmission)
are not running. With less fluid in the torque converter a delay in gear engagement may occur at engine start up while the torque converter fills to its
proper fluid level.
All 04799662AB cooler return filters with the "AB" suffix are suspect. The above condition may be corrected by replacing a suspect "AB" filter with a
new cooler return filter whose part number is 04799662 (with no suffix or with a suffix that is other than the "AB" level).
NOTE:
The cooler return filter, p/n 04799662, will not be available until September 09, 2005. The filter part number is stenciled on the side of the filter
case.