Early black-plug solenoid block with both filters and pan gasket for the 45RFE in 1999-2003 Durango, Dakota, Ram 1500 and Grand Cherokee 4.7L.
This kit is for the first generation of the 45RFE, the early trucks and Jeeps built from 1999 to 2003: Grand Cherokee 4.7L, Durango 4.7L, Dakota 4.7L, Ram 1500 4.7L and the 2002 Liberty 3.7L. If one of those has dropped into limp mode, will only pull away in one gear, or has P0700 stored alongside a solenoid circuit or pressure switch code, the solenoid block is usually the next thing to test. This version uses the early black 23-pin connector and comes with the 4WD-style sump filter, the spin-on cooler return filter and a pan gasket. Listed cross references are 4799937AD, 52119435AE and P72420.
The 45RFE arrived for 1999 as Chrysler's first fully electronic rear-drive automatic, and the solenoid block is what makes it work. It carries six shift solenoids and the pressure control solenoid, so seven in all, along with the five pressure switches the computer reads to confirm that each clutch applied. On these early units the block still has the overdrive solenoid, which Sonnax notes was dropped from the later 2010-on design. If the computer loses confidence in any of it, it shuts the solenoids off and the underdrive and multi-select circuits, which are normally applied, leave the truck in third in Drive or second in manual 1 or 2.
On a truck this age the connector and harness deserve as much suspicion as the block. With the engine running in Reverse, every pressure switch should read open on a scan tool; wiggle the harness at the case while you watch, and a switch that flickers closed is a connection, not a clutch. Then unplug the 23-pin connector and meter each solenoid from the pin 10 feed. GEARS Magazine reports about 1.8 ohms per shift solenoid and 3.7 ohms for the pressure control solenoid, and about 300 ohms from pin 10 to each pressure switch sense pin. A pack that meters fine cold but fails hot is still a bad pack. Pressure switch codes on their own can be hydraulic, so check fluid level and line pressure too. The full procedure is in our 45RFE shift solenoid testing guide. Because the transmission computer also needs good speed signals to judge shifts, rule out sensor codes with the 45RFE speed sensor guide; a 45RFE speed and pressure sensor kit is worth having on hand if those codes are present.
Listed fitment is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2003 4.7L V8, Dodge Durango 1999-2002 4.7L V8, Dodge Dakota 2000-2003 4.7L V8, Dodge Ram 1500 2002-2003 4.7L V8 and the 2002 Jeep Liberty KJ 3.7L V6. It is for the 45RFE and 545RFE only and does not fit the 42RLE, 46RE, 47RE or 68RFE. Chrysler changed the pack connector more than once over the RFE run, and Sonnax's history shows a white-connector pack used from 2000 to 2009, so do not order by year alone. Pull your old block and confirm it has the black plug and one of the numbers above. If yours is white or gray, or you are not sure, send us the year, model and VIN. Our full 45RFE parts collection lists the other versions.
A 1999-2003 unit often has high miles. If the new block cures the codes but the truck still slips or flares, the pump or clutches are next; see 45RFE pump failure symptoms and the 45RFE pump for 1999-2018.
| Transmission | Chrysler 45RFE / 545RFE (early black 23-pin connector) |
| Listed years | 1999-2003 (Grand Cherokee, Durango, Dakota, Ram 1500, 2002 Liberty) |
| Solenoids | 6 shift solenoids plus 1 EPC solenoid |
| OE cross reference | 4799937AD, 52119435AE, P72420 |
| Kit contents | Solenoid block, 4WD sump filter, spin-on filter, pan gasket |
| Not compatible | 42RLE, 46RE, 47RE, 68RFE |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Drop the pan and look at the 23-pin connector on the block, then read the part number stamped on it. This kit is the black-plug version listed as 4799937AD, 52119435AE and P72420. White or gray plug packs are different parts.
It is listed for 1999-2003 vehicles only and is not compatible with the 68RFE, 42RLE, 46RE or 47RE. For later trucks, match the part number on your old pack or send us your VIN.
Third gear in Drive is the failsafe the computer uses when it shuts the solenoids off for any serious fault. Read the codes: solenoid circuit codes point at the block or wiring, while pressure switch or ratio codes can also be hydraulic.
Both filters and the pan gasket, which are in this kit. Check the case connector and harness for heat damage, and on a high-mileage unit consider the pump if line pressure is low.
Yes. Clear the codes and run the Quick Learn with a capable scan tool before the road test, using ATF+4 at normal temperature.
