46RE Governor Pressure Solenoid 2000

If your 2000-or-newer Dodge Ram, Dakota or Durango with the 5.2L or 5.9L V8 and the 46RE (or a 47RE behind a heavier truck) has started banging into second, holding first until the engine is wound out, or lighting the dash with a governor code, this is the parts set built around that complaint. It is a complete governor service for the late-design transmission, not a lone solenoid, so the pan only comes down once. The box contains:

• One heavy-duty governor pressure solenoid, referenced to Borg-Warner OE 4617210
• One late-style governor pressure sensor (transducer), referenced to OE 56028196AD
• One output speed sensor, referenced to OE 4800879
• One pan filter, referenced to OE 52118789
• One cork and rubber pan gasket (OE 2464324) and one governor solenoid housing block gasket (OE 4886333AA)

What the governor pressure solenoid does in a 2000-up 46RE

First, second and third in a 46RE are still selected by spool valves in the valve body. The thing that tells those valves the truck is moving faster is governor pressure, and since 1996 that pressure has been made electronically. Line pressure enters a small governor body under the valve body, and the solenoid there vents it down to whatever the PCM asks for. Chrysler's service manual describes the solenoid as inverse-acting: roughly one amp of average current means zero governor pressure, and no current at all means full pressure. The transducer measures the result so the PCM can keep correcting the duty cycle. The output speed sensor closes the loop, because the PCM uses output shaft speed to decide how much governor pressure it wants and will not run the solenoid without that signal. Three parts, one circuit, which is why this kit treats them as a set.

Symptoms that lead people to this kit

• Light-throttle upshifts that come very late and very hard
• Upshifts that happen far too early, or the truck leaving a light in second
• Rolling to a stop without dropping back to first
• Shifts that are fine cold and wander once the fluid is hot
• Speedometer or shift problems that appear together, which points at the output speed sensor
• P1756 or P1757 (governor pressure not at target), P1762 (sensor offset), P1763 or P1764 (sensor voltage high or low)

How to confirm the problem first

Rule out the cheap causes before replacing anything. Chrysler's StarParts tech tip for the abrupt-shift and P1762 complaint on RE transmissions names the late transducer, 56028196AD, as the fix and specifically tells technicians not to replace the solenoid for that concern, and to check the harness routing near the solenoid pack. On gas engines, Transmission Digest found P1763 is most often a poor ground the transducer shares with the heated oxygen sensors. Also remember the solenoid's 12-volt feed comes through the transmission control relay, which is only energized with the engine running. With wiring and power confirmed, compare desired versus actual governor pressure on a scan tool against a gauge on the governor port. Our 46RE governor solenoid symptoms guide lays out the test, and the 46RE speed sensor guide covers output sensor checks.

Fitment: which 2000-up trucks it suits

The kit is listed for A518/46RE and A618/47RE transmissions from 2000 up. The part that decides fitment is the transducer. Sonnax's valve body identification guide shows early units with an oval sensor connector and later units with a rectangular plastic connector; this kit carries the rectangular late sensor. Transition-year trucks can surprise you, so look at the plug on your old sensor once the pan is down, or send us your year and VIN before you order. If yours turns out to be the oval style, the 1996-99 governor pressure solenoid set is the correct match. The full range for this transmission is on our 46RE parts page.

Install notes

• Drain the fluid and drop the pan; the governor body sits under the valve body and the solenoid and transducer come out with the retaining clip removed.
• Oil the new O-rings with ATF+4 before seating the solenoid and transducer so they do not roll or tear.
• Use the new housing block gasket if the governor body comes off, and check the body for warpage.
• The output speed sensor threads into the case from outside; clean the connector before plugging in the new one.
• Fit the new filter and pan gasket, refill with ATF+4, and set the level hot in Park.
• If shift points still drift as the fluid warms, worn governor plug bores in the valve body are the next suspect; see our valve body testing guide. Planning firmer shifts while the pan is off? The 46RE shift kit goes in during the same job.

My truck is a 2000. How do I know this kit fits?

Look at the governor pressure sensor connector after the pan is off. This kit uses the late sensor with a rectangular plastic plug. If yours is oval, you need the 1996-99 style parts. You can also send us your year and VIN and we will check.

I have P1762. Do I need the solenoid too?

Chrysler's tech tip for P1762 and abrupt shifts points to the transducer and the harness near the solenoid pack, not the solenoid. This kit includes both, which is worth it on a high-mileage truck, but check the wiring first.

Why is there an output speed sensor in the kit?

The PCM uses output shaft speed to calculate governor pressure and will not operate the governor solenoid without a believable speed signal. A failing output sensor causes the same no-upshift complaint as a bad solenoid.

Which fluid should I use?

ATF+4. Install the included filter and pan gasket, refill, then check and correct the level with the fluid hot and the engine idling in Park.

Is there a relearn after installing it?

There is no scan tool relearn for the governor parts. Clear the codes and road test with several full stops; the PCM recalibrates the transducer zero on its own when the truck is stopped.

• 46RE Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid Symptoms
• 46RE Speed Sensor Symptoms: Output Sensor, P0720 and P0500
• 46RE Valve Body Problems: Symptoms, How to Test, and Replacement
• 46RE Common Problems and Fixes: A Rebuilder's Diagnostic Guide