44RE Solenoid Kit 1998-99

If your 1998 or 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dakota or Durango with the 42RE or 44RE (A500) starts out in second, refuses to shift out of first, or upshifts at random speeds, the governor pressure circuit is the first place to look. This new service and upgrade kit replaces the electrical parts that run that circuit in one job, and adds a few hydraulic upgrade pieces while the pan is off. Everything ships fast from the USA.

What is in the kit

• Governor pressure solenoid (OEM design)
• Governor pressure sensor (transducer), listed as 56028196A
• Output speed sensor with O-ring, listed as 4800879
• Governor solenoid body gasket
• Transmission filter and a Duraprene oil pan gasket
• Heavier .126 wire 3-4 accumulator spring
• Performance boost valve spring and an upgraded one-piece boost valve spring retainer

What the solenoid kit does in a 42RE/44RE

The RE units dropped the old spinning output-shaft governor of the RH transmissions. Instead, the engine computer reads road speed from the output speed sensor, works out the governor pressure it wants, and pulses the governor pressure solenoid to build that pressure. The transducer reads the pressure that actually arrived and reports it back, so the computer can correct it on the fly. If the output speed signal is lost, the computer will not open governor pressure at all, which is why a bad speed sensor can leave the truck stuck in first. Governor pressure is what pushes the 1-2 and 2-3 shift valves over, so if the solenoid sticks, the transducer reads wrong, or the speed signal drops out, the shift valves never see the right signal. The overdrive and lockup solenoids are a separate assembly and are not part of this kit.

Symptoms this kit addresses

• No 1-2 upshift, or the truck holds first until you lift off the throttle
• Takes off in second or third gear, sluggish from a stop
• Shift points that wander, or shifting that changes as the fluid warms up
• Speedometer that drops out or jumps, with harsh or missing shifts at the same time
• Governor codes on a 44RE such as P1756 (governor pressure not equal to target), P1757 (pressure above 3 psi at 0 mph), P1762 (sensor offset), P1763 and P1764 (sensor volts high or low)
• Output speed sensor codes P0720 or vehicle speed P0500

How to confirm before buying

Scan for codes first and read live data if your tool can show governor pressure and output speed. ATRA notes that governor pressure should be about zero at a stop and climb almost in step with road speed; a reading that stays high at a stop points to the transducer or a stuck solenoid. If road speed drops to zero while you are moving, start with the speed sensor and its connector. Also check the wiring at the governor housing, which lives on the valve body right behind the filter. If you only need the solenoid itself, the 44RE governor pressure solenoid 1996-99 is sold on its own.

Fitment

This kit is listed for 1998-1999 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles with the 42RE or 44RE (A500) transmission. The pressure sensor changed shape for the 2000 model year, which is why Sonnax splits these valve bodies into '99-and-earlier and '00-and-later sensor groups. Pull your old transducer and compare its shape, connector and number to the one in this kit, or send us your year and VIN before ordering. For a 2000 truck look at the 44RE solenoid kit for 2000 instead. Every A500 family part we carry is on the 42RE/44RE collection page.

Install notes

• Drop the pan, drain the fluid and pull the filter. Unbolt the governor housing from the valve body and install the new solenoid and transducer with fresh O-rings lubed in ATF and the new body gasket.
• The 3-4 accumulator spring and the boost valve spring and retainer mount on the valve body itself, so plan to remove it to install them. If you are not comfortable with that, the electrical parts can go in on their own first.
• The output speed sensor threads into the extension housing from outside; replace its O-ring and clean the connector.
• Refill with ATF+4 only, clear codes and drive through every gear while watching that governor pressure returns to near zero at each stop.

If the transmission also slips or flares between gears, the clutches are worn and electrical parts alone will not cure it; a 44RE master rebuild kit for 1997-99 covers the overhaul, and a 44RE shift kit firms up the shifts while the valve body is out.

Will this kit fit my 2000 or newer 42RE/44RE?

It is listed for 1998-1999 only. The governor pressure sensor changed for 2000, so later trucks need the 2000-up parts. Compare your old transducer to the kit or send us your VIN before ordering.

Does this kit include the overdrive and lockup (TCC) solenoid?

No. It covers the governor pressure solenoid, the pressure transducer and the output speed sensor, plus a filter, gaskets and upgrade springs. The overdrive and lockup solenoids are a separate assembly on these units.

My truck starts in second and will not upshift. Is this the fix?

That is the classic governor pressure complaint on the A500 family, and a failed solenoid, transducer or speed sensor is the usual cause. Scan for governor or speed sensor codes and check the connectors first; if the clutches are burnt the problem is mechanical, not electrical.

Do I have to remove the valve body?

Not for the solenoid, transducer and speed sensor. The governor housing unbolts from the valve body with the pan and filter off. The 3-4 accumulator spring and the boost valve spring and retainer do need the valve body removed.

What fluid should I use after the install?

Use ATF+4. Replace the fluid you drained with the pan off, then check the level hot in neutral and top up as needed.