545RFE Sprag Clutch 1999, used and ready to install. Fits the 545RFE. Ships fast from the USA.
A five-speed 545RFE that backs up fine and pulls once it reaches second, but slips, flares or just sits in neutral when you pull away in Drive, usually has a worn low one-way clutch. That is the job this part does. It is a used factory Chrysler low/reverse overrunning clutch assembly, part number 4799465, the one-way clutch shared across the 45RFE, 545RFE and 65RFE. Our unit came out of a 2003 Ram 1500 with the 3.7L, so it is original Chrysler hardware rather than an aftermarket copy. It suits a Ram 1500, Durango, Grand Cherokee or Commander owner who needs a single hard part, not a full rebuild kit.
Chrysler describes the 545RFE as three planetary gearsets controlled by three input clutches and three holding clutches, with no bands. Its ratios are 3.00 first, 1.67 second, a 1.50 alternate "2nd prime" used for high-speed kickdowns, 1.00 third, 0.75 fourth and 0.67 fifth. The overrunning clutch is the only holding device that does not need oil pressure. Under drive in first it locks the low/reverse gear train against the case so the gearset can turn the output; once the controller moves to second, or to 2nd prime on a 4-2 kickdown, the race simply spins free in the other direction. That freewheel is what lets the 1-2 shift happen without the controller having to time one clutch off against another. In manual first and in reverse the low/reverse clutch does the holding instead, which is why a bad sprag often hides in those ranges.
P0731 is not a sprag code by itself. Chrysler's list for it also includes low fluid, a cracked primary filter, a cut underdrive piston seal, low line pressure and an input speed sensor fault, so check the fluid level hot and read input and output speed on a scan tool first. Our input and output speed sensor guide shows how a bad sensor fakes a ratio error. Then compare Drive with manual first: manual first applies the low/reverse clutch and covers for a slipping one-way clutch, Drive does not. Strong in manual first and weak in Drive points at this part. If the slip is in third or fourth instead, read the 45RFE 3-4 clutch failure guide, because that is a different repair.
The 1999 in the title marks the start of this RFE family, which began with the 45RFE in the 1999 Grand Cherokee; the five-speed 545RFE came after it and uses the same one-way clutch. This 4799465 assembly is listed for 45RFE, 545RFE and 65RFE units from 1999 up. Chrysler did revise internal parts over the years, so before ordering compare the number, spline count and outer diameter of your old assembly with this one, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. It is not the heavy-duty 68RFE piece used behind the Cummins. Other parts for the five-speed are on the 545RFE parts page.
| Fits | 545RFE 1999 |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| Condition | Used |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
It is used. It is a genuine Chrysler 4799465 low/reverse one-way clutch assembly removed from a 2003 Ram 1500 with the 3.7L. Used parts may show normal wear marks, so inspect the race and rollers and check the lock and freewheel action before you install it.
The 4799465 assembly is listed for the 45RFE, 545RFE and 65RFE from 1999 up, so a 2006 545RFE is in that range. Compare your old part number, spline count and outer diameter with this one, or send us your year and VIN before ordering.
That is the classic pattern. Reverse and manual first use the low/reverse clutch to hold, while Drive first relies on the one-way clutch. Rule out low fluid, a cracked filter and speed sensor faults first, then compare Drive with manual first.
No. Chrysler lists low fluid, a cracked or misinstalled filter, a cut underdrive seal, low line pressure, the input speed sensor and the solenoid pack as other causes. Check those before you take the transmission apart.
Usually the low/reverse clutch frictions, all seals and gaskets, and the filter, because a slipping sprag puts debris through the unit. Flush the cooler and lines, fill with ATF+4 and run a Quick Learn when you are done.
