545RFE Shift Kit 1999-18, new and ready to install. Fits the 545RFE. Ships fast from the USA.
A 545RFE five-speed in a Ram 1500, Durango, Dakota, Grand Cherokee or Commander that slides into lockup and then thumps, sets a converter clutch slip code, or goes into limp mode with P0868 for low line pressure is the job this kit is built for. What ships is the genuine TransGo SK 45RFE-A (interchange T72165A), new, the valve body and pump repair kit TransGo lists for every 45RFE, 545RFE, 65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE from 1999 to 2018. On a 545RFE it is the current TransGo kit for the whole production run.
The 545RFE is the five-speed version of the 45RFE. TransGo's ratio chart for the pair lists 3.00 first, 1.67 second, an alternate 1.50 second, 1.00 third, 0.75 fourth and 0.67 for the fifth gear the 545RFE adds. Every ratio comes from clutch-to-clutch shifting under computer control, so a kit for this unit does not raise shift firmness the old way. It restores the hydraulic circuits that wear and leak. In the pump, a drop-in torque converter limit valve system with a new bushing, ball, spring and retainer brings a badly worn limit valve bore back into service; TransGo says it works regardless of how much the bore has worn, and it fits both early and late pump designs. In the valve body you replace the low/reverse solenoid switch valve and its end plug with a self-cleaning valve, add a heavy-duty accumulator cover, new accumulator seals, an overdrive accumulator spacer washer and spare springs, and recalibrated converter clutch accumulator springs. In the input drum a flat .091 to .094 inch snap ring replaces the tapered ring that can break and pop out above the underdrive pressure plate.
Start with codes and solenoid resistance. Sonnax lists the shift solenoids at about 1.3 ohms and the pressure control solenoid at about 3.5 ohms; an open or shorted coil is a solenoid pack job, not a kit job. If the circuits are good and you have lockup or line pressure complaints, the hydraulics are the suspect. Our RFE shift solenoid testing guide walks through the electrical checks, and the pump failure guide covers the pressure and cooler flow tests that point at a worn pump. One warning from TransGo's instructions: a worn solenoid switch valve bore can set switch valve latched codes, kill the engine at a stop and cause overdrive clutch failure. The kit replaces the valve, but measure it first, .420 or .453 inch, because a scored bore needs a sleeve kit or a replacement 545RFE valve body.
TransGo lists this kit for all 1999-2018 RFE units, and the pump parts cover early and late pumps. The variations are inside the valve body: late valve bodies leave out two check balls the early ones used, and TransGo warns not to swap valve body designs because each matches its solenoid pack and computer program. Count the check balls in yours before reassembly. Send us your year and VIN if you want fitment checked first. More parts for this family are on our 45RFE and 545RFE parts page.
This is a rebuild-bench kit: the pump and input drum parts need the transmission out. TransGo's 45/545RFE clearance chart is worth taping to the bench: underdrive .030 to .063 inch, overdrive .043 to .065, reverse .032 to .049, 2nd .021 to .050, 4th .030 to .053 and low/reverse .045 to .069. The units are fluid sensitive, so soak frictions and refill with ATF+4 only. Fit a new RFE filter kit on the way back together, and if the clutches are worn, add a 545RFE overhaul kit. Finish with a scan-tool Quick Learn before road testing.
| Fits | 545RFE 1999-18 |
| Part type | Shift Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | TransGo |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. It is the TransGo SK 45RFE-A, interchange T72165A, the RFE valve body repair kit TransGo lists for 1999-2018.
Yes. TransGo supplies two converter limit valve bushings, Type 1 and Type 2. You identify the original valve type when you remove it and use the matching bushing.
Yes. The instructions cover both the earlier seven-ball and later five-ball valve bodies. Do not swap valve body designs, because each matches its solenoid pack and computer program.
It replaces the switch valve, but if the bore is worn the code will return. Measure the valve, .420 or .453 inch, and repair the bore or replace the valve body if it is scored.
ATF+4 only. Soak new frictions in it before assembly, then run a Quick Learn with a scan tool.
