Reprograms the 45RFE, 545RFE, 65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE valve body and restores the worn TC limit valve bore to cure lock-up bang, TCC slip codes and P0868.
If your Ram, Durango, Dakota, Grand Cherokee, Commander, Liberty or Aspen with a 45RFE, 545RFE, 65RFE, 66RFE or 68RFE bangs or slides when the converter clutch locks, sets converter slip codes, throws P0868 for low line pressure, or takes a moment to move after sitting overnight, this is the kit built around that complaint. It is the TransGo SK 45RFE-A Shift Kit valve body and pump repair kit, also cataloged as T72165A, for 1999-2018 RFE transmissions in gas and diesel trucks. Despite the shift kit name, its main job is restoring converter clutch control and pump function rather than making shifts harsher.
In the RFE family the pump cover carries a torque converter limit valve that caps the pressure fed to the converter clutch circuit. That bore wears badly with mileage, and TransGo notes that many units arrive with the bore so worn the pump looks scrap. When the limit valve cannot regulate, converter clutch apply turns rough, cooler pressure climbs, and the computer sees converter slip. The kit's answer is a drop-in limit valve system: you identify whether the original valve is the Type 1 or Type 2 design, then install the matching new bushing with its gold ball, orange spring and V-notch retainer. It works regardless of how much bore wear there is, which is what saves the pump.
The rest of the kit tightens up the circuits around it. A slotted retainer and three plain springs recalibrate the TCC accumulator for a smoother converter clutch apply. A heavy-duty accumulator cover plate replaces the stock one, an overdrive accumulator spacer washer and two spare accumulator springs come with it, and new accumulator seals are included. The low/reverse switch valve is replaced with a self-cleaning valve and new end plug. Inside the input drum, a flat .091-.094 inch underdrive snap ring replaces the tapered factory ring that breaks and lets the pressure plate pop out.
Know its limits. A worn solenoid switch valve bore can set switch-valve-latched codes, kill the engine at a stop and cause overdrive clutch failure. TransGo sells separate switch valve kits sized to .420 or .453 inch valves for that, and on high-mileage 68RFE diesels with eroded valve body channels they recommend replacing the valve body.
Scan for codes and check the fluid. Slip codes plus a pump cover with a sloppy TC limit valve point straight at this kit. Electrical codes such as a solenoid circuit fault point to the solenoid pack instead. Our 45RFE harsh shift and line pressure guide explains P0868 and learned values, and the valve body testing guide helps separate valve body wear from clutch wear.
TransGo lists the SK 45RFE-A for 1999-2018 Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep vehicles with the 45RFE, 545RFE, 65RFE, 66RFE and 68RFE. The kit itself covers both early and late pump designs. What does vary is the input drum: 1999-2006 and 2007-up drums use different underdrive/overdrive pressure plates, 2012-2013 and 2014-up 66RFE drums differ again, and the 68RFE uses one-sided clutches, so measure and identify the drum before reassembly. Never swap a 5-ball valve body for a 7-ball one or the reverse; the design must match the solenoid pack and software. If you are unsure, send us the year, engine and VIN. More parts are on the 45RFE and 545RFE collection page.
If the pump body itself is cracked or scored, pair this kit with a replacement 45RFE pump, and most builders install it alongside a 45RFE overhaul kit while the unit is apart.
| Part number | SK 45RFE-A (T72165A) |
| Fits | Chrysler 45RFE, 545RFE, 65RFE, 66RFE, 68RFE automatics |
| Applications | Dakota, Durango, Ram 1500/2500/3500, Grand Cherokee, Commander, Liberty, Wrangler, Aspen |
| Years | 1999-2018 depending on model |
| Corrects | Lock-up bang, TCC slip codes, low line pressure P0868, drain-back, limp-in |
| Includes | Drop-in TC limit valve system, HD accumulator plate, switch valve, seals, HD snap ring, springs |
| Ships from | USA |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. T72165A is the catalog number used by several transmission parts distributors for the TransGo SK 45RFE-A Shift Kit.
Yes, the kit covers 1999-2018 68RFE units. The 68RFE uses one-sided underdrive and overdrive clutches and has its own clearance specs in the instructions, so follow the 68RFE pages carefully.
That symptom is often converter drain-back, which the kit addresses. The instructions also point out that a leaking ball-check air bleed on some pumps can cause it and may be plugged.
No. The torque converter limit valve parts go into the pump cover and the heavy-duty snap ring goes into the input drum, so the unit must come out and be disassembled.
Often not. The drop-in TC limit valve system is designed to work no matter how badly the limit valve bore is worn, which is the usual reason a pump looks bad. A cracked or gouged pump body still needs replacement.
ATF+4. TransGo warns these units are fluid sensitive, so soak new frictions in ATF+4 and use it for the fill.
