Have 2002 Durango 4x4 SLT,4.7 w/the 4 speed auto(forget designation).When you shift into any gear from park there is quite a delay,up to 3 seconds.And then sometimes when you give it the gas it will shutter as if its not all the way into gear.Ive also noticed when you go into a turn and it downshifts into 2nd it kinda jerks like it is having trouble going into gear.Took it to mechanic and was told need new one(2800 for a rebuilt one from Dodge).That is kinda pricey,need help here does anyone have some advice on a possible repair?

 

did you check the fluid level? delayed engagement is usually low fluid level on that transmission.

the chances it is shot are slim, if you check the trans fluid and the level is fine then get in touch with user on these forums Master Tech, he is the trans guru

btw checking trans fluid must be done with the engine and transmission at operating temperature (drive 15 miles) witht he engine running, parked on a flat surface, set the e-brake and run the gear shift through each gear in order starting in park go

p-r-n-d-2-1-2-d-n leave the truck running and in nuetral and theck the trans fluid level

 

yep,fluid level is good.Changed it and both filters when this started happening.Oh and by the way I love your quote!

 

It sounds like the torque converted engagement solenoid isn't engaging properly.

 

Did this problem start after you replace the filter? Or was it doing before. Do you know if the mechanic that looked at the durango, did a clutch test or looked at the CVI reading? Since the transmission is a 45RFE/545 a clutch test can be done on it. If the filter were install correct and this problem was going on before the filters, I would you may have a torque converter and front pump problem. If the problem started after the filters, Then that would the first I would look into.

 

This started happening before I did the filters.Seemed to be ok for a week then started again.No clutch test or CVI reading was done,guess he`s not a tranny guy huh?

 

Here is the TSB for delay shift into gears. Hope it helps, I know you have replace the filters already.

SUBJECT:
45RFE / 545RFE Trans - Delayed Engagement Due To Cooler Return Filter Replacement
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves a transmission delayed shift condition that may occur following the
replacement of the internal cooler return filter.
MODELS:
2000 - 2004 (AN) Dakota
2000 - 2003 (DN) Durango
2003 - 2006 (DR) Ram Truck
2004 - 2006 (HB) Durango
2002 - 2006 (KJ) Liberty
1999 - 2004 (WJ / WG) Grand Cherokee
2005 - 2006 (WK / WH) Grand Cherokee
2006 (XK) Commander
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 45RFE or a 545RFE
automatic transmission (sales code DG4 or DGQ respectively).
DISCUSSION:
The customer may experience an initial delayed shift engagement following an extended
off (not running) period of time, generally after being parked overnight. The initial shift
engagement may feel like a delay or slip when a transmission gear (reverse or drive) is
first selected after engine start.
The customer may not have experienced the delayed shift engagement until after the
transmission has been serviced, where the cooler return filter was replaced during the
service and/or repair.
The condition is not detrimental to the transmission but may cause concern with the
customer.
The above condition may be caused by a suspect cooler return filter a part number of
04799662AB. This “AB” suffix / level filter may allow transmission fluid to drain back out
of the torque converter. The drain back condition may occur over a period time when the
NUMBER: 21-015-05
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: September 01, 2005
engine (and transmission) are not running. With less fluid in the torque converter a delay in
gear engagement may occur at engine start up while the torque converter fills to its proper
fluid level.
All 04799662AB cooler return filters with the “AB” suffix are suspect. The above condition
may be corrected by replacing a suspect “AB” filter with a new cooler return filter whose
part number is 04799662 (with no suffix or with a suffix that is other than the “AB” level).
NOTE: The cooler return filter, p/n 04799662, will not be available until September
09, 2005. The filter part number is stenciled on the side of the filter case.
NOTE: A replacement 04799662 cooler return filter may come packaged with a
separate threaded adapter stud. The threaded adapter stud is used to attach
the cooler return filter to the transmission. Inspect the stud and note end
without threads. Install the stud end without the threads into the cooler
return filter and tighten the stud-to-filter connection to 18.6 Nm (165 in. lbs.).
Once the threaded adapter stud has been installed to the cooler return filter,
install the assembled cooler return filter to the transmission and tighten the
filter to 14.1 Nm (125 in. lbs.)
Fig. 1 Transmission Filters - 4X4 Shown
1 - PRIMARY OIL FILTER
2 - COOLER RETURN FILTER
3 - COOLER RETURN FILTER BYPASS VALVE
4 - VALVE BODY